In Response to Aislynn's Post...

Do you see Wal-Mart approaching a declining stage? Is it fair to say that Amazon is a direct competitor of Wal-Mart? 


Personally, I am not sure if I see Wal-Mart in a declining stage at this point in time, but I am sure of one thing. Wal-Mart's way of doing business is harming this economy. I do think Amazon is a competitor of Wal-Mart for one main reason. Amazon offers prices that can be very competitive to Wal-Mart's, and they do in a more sustainable way. Amazon allows people to sell their own things over the internet as well as the selling of Amazon's retail products. I believe this is a more dominant strategy, but it pales in comparison to Wal-Mart's established big business strategy. 

Starbucks Tries Something New

If you were to hear the name Starbucks, what would you think of? Various types of coffee and pastry perhaps, but what about wine and beer? I read a recent article in the Los Angeles Times that writes about the well-known chain Starbucks introducing alcohol to their menu. 

The issue I have with this is that what Starbucks is introducing as a new product is completely outside their target market. Traditionally, I see Starbucks as more of a breakfast on-the-go establishment like a Dunkin Donuts. Their target market mainly consists of those looking for an early morning pick me up.  Instead, they are attempting to enter a market where the players are already well-established. In my opinion this is a bold move. Starbucks intends to first introduce this at a few of their establishments as a test. Then they will expand the new product if there is success. But I wonder, what would prompt a business to extend their product line so far outside their typical target market?