Kudler Fine Foods

convey the information to the sales and marketing division to provide an opportunity to plan future marketing strategy. The ability for Kudler Fine Food to expand its business is part of the successful implementation plan with the potential of adding software and hardware as the need arises.

Although Kudler Fine Foods has chosen two very specific markets to target, a more thorough understanding of those target markets is needed to deliver what they want. One of KFF’s target markets is gourmands. KFF’s research focus in this area has been primarily on the supply side: Kathy monitors what products the competition is offering, what products are advertised in gourmet magazines, and what products are shown at gourmet conventions and websites. To discover what gourmands want, KFF also needs to research the demand side. Mining on-line blogs and gourmet food forums are two ways KFF can increase its understanding of what gourmands want. Customer surveys, such as the ones KFF currently uses in-store, can also be revised and used both in-store and on-line. Specific areas to be researched include:

Next the evaluation of current and future opportunities available to Kudler Fine Foods would want to be evaluated. These opportunities could include technology upgrades, market positioning, diversification, or any other related areas. During this evaluation it might be useful to gather information from industry experts or consultants (MacVicar, 1996).

After reviewing the Kudler Fine Food network, a major network overhaul will need to bring the network up to par with the latest technology. If Kudler Fine Foods is not able to upgrade their systems then they will fall behind the technological curve and will not be able to compete with other companies. Kudler needs to do the upgrade not only to keep up with the advances with network systems but needs to install the proper systems to increase profits. If Kudler does not do constant upgrades then they will be forced to pay a larger amount for the larger upgrades in the future. It is vital to install the proper systems that will have the longevity and the capability for future network expansion without having to spend money on unnecessary upgrades.

Kudler Fine Foods website needs a redesign. The website has no real good information other than directions to their stores, and while this information includes maps, it lacks store hours. Based on designs of other food stores like AJ’s Fine Foods (AJ's Fine Foods, 2012) , Sprouts Farmers Market (Sprouts Farmers Market, 2012) and Whole Foods (Whole Foods Market, 2012) , the website is lacking in many areas that would lead customers from website to brick and mortar store. One of the key areas of the current site that needs to be addressed is the very

Kudler Fine Foods demonstrates compassion for the environment and its surrounding community. The company engages in the area food bank through contribution of its “day-old perishables” to the less fortunate. Kudler Fine Foods is an advocate of nonprofit groups and a supporter of local events. Kudler Fine Foods’ actively supports the art of “organic farming” because natural grown fruits and vegetables help in the protection of the environment. Kudler Fine Foods maintains its commitment toward continuing excellent relationships between its suppliers. The Kudler Company has meetings with each of its suppliers periodically to ensure the working relationship remains valuable toward both parties. Finally, Kudler

Kudler plans to expand these areas in the future, providing a multitude of specialized classes to its loyal customers. Offering cooking classes in many areas of the store makes customers more interested in shopping the store and learning new techniques in cooking healthy fares for their families. In addition to offering these classes, the employees are to be cross trained in many areas to provide a pleasant shopping experience for Kulder 's customers. The customers will also be provided with brochures of the dishes they will learn in the store that will provide the recipe and food suggestions that will go with the main dishes taught in the class. This suggestive information has been proven effective in marketing strategies; therefore, Kudler will use this suggestive marketing technique to increase the buying desires of the customers.

Kudler 's Fine Foods has been in business for over 15 years. Staying in business in this economy is impressive. Kudler’s has done everything necessary to grow and continue to be a productive company in the last 15 years. The products and merchandise that Kudler’s sells are perishable food and wine products that continually need to be monitored and inventoried to make sure that the product is always fresh. Kudler 's stakeholders are the staff, customers, suppliers, banks and the owner herself.

Competitive intelligence and analysis is an important part of a business. Competitive intelligence is the art of defining, gathering, analyzing, and distributing intelligence about products, customers, competitors, individuals, concepts, information, ideas or data needed to support executives and managers in making strategic decisions for a business. This includes a broad array from government intelligence to market intelligence to business intelligence (Competitive Intelligence, n.d.).

Upon reviewing Kudler Fine Food network, it has been determined that a major network overhaul will need to be conducted to make sure that Kudler is brought up to speed with the latest technology. This is very important because if Kudler is unable to keep up with the technological advances then the company will fall behind. Making sure that Kudler is not only able to keep up with the advances with network systems it is also important to install the proper systems so that no money is wasted. What is meant by this is that if the improper systems and storage units are installed to only handle data over the next year this is

Kudler Fine Foods has experienced growth in all areas except customer satisfaction with their pricing. By focusing on ways to reduce internal costs then product costs can be lowered enough to appease current customers and attract new ones. The culminating effect of this one action will generate an increase in sales, customer returns, and the overall shopping

Kudler Fine Foods is a local retailer of gourmet foods and ingredients. Through three store-front locations Kudler offers premium products to the local market and regional chefs or restaurants. Since their inception, Kudler Fine Foods has strived to provide the very best customer experience through quality products at reasonable prices and

Kathy Kudler, and her company, Kudler Fine Foods, are attempting to initiate a customer loyalty program. According to Kudler (2007)This loyalty program, also called the frequent shopper program, is designed to award points for customer purchases which can then be redeemed for valuable gift items such as airline seat upgrades to first class or other specialty foods offered by Kudler. This program is designed to benefit Kudler by increasing customer loyalty and improving their profitability and bottom line. The ability to accomplish this goal in a manner that will produce the expected results efficiently and in a timely manner will be greatly enhanced through

Nevertheless, the majority of customers are very satisfied with the amount of serving along with the quality of their meal as well as the price paid. The strategy of being a low priced high value added has seen problems due to lack of customers which is affecting the bottom line drastically. This inevitable circumstance has put a hold on operations and started an investigation upon various neighboring competitors and their own strategies.

This paper presents an analysis of the market structures, strategic planning, market environment, and internal environment of Kudler Fine Food in order to suggest the best market structure which can be helpful for its long-term profitability and recommend strategies which can make it more competitive and successful among its industry rivals.