MBA 5101 Strategic Management Unit 8 Case Study Question 1

1. If the Williams-Sonoma continues with its present strategies and objectives, where will it be in
5 years?
If Williams-Sonoma continues with its present strategies and objectives, it will have a large
market share in the next five years. Since it was founded, it has delved into innovation that has
maintained its performance in the competitive environment. The various changes it has made in
conducting business will contribute to its future progress. According to the case study, Williams-
Sonoma has many competitors in the market who specialize in the same commodities marketed
in the retail stores. Its subsequent successes in sales prompted competition from other companies
at national, regional, local, and departmental levels. Over the past years, Williams-Sonoma has
tried to be at purr with its competitors by extending its originality in the wide array of home
products. However, without competitive advantage, it may decline, owing to the challenges
experienced in highly competitive specialty retail business.
Once the company updates the database of after sales services, potential buyers will be swayed
towards its side on comparing the prices and product quality. Proper management of the website
would lower costs on supplies because the potential customers will have the choice of choosing
the best furniture or home products according to price and quality. However, Williams-Sonoma
should control how information is communicated via the web to the customers to avoid
imbalance in pricing. The web will provide a strong market support and each outlet will have a
link to the online shop (Naunheim, 2011). Internet has worldwide coverage, which means that
Williams-Sonoma will continue to diversify its market by establishing itself online. The
company should pay close attention to the customers needs inasmuch as it focuses on its
competitors
References
Naunheim,V. (2011). Gaining Competitive Advantage: Strategies for an
Internet Company to Succeed in an International Market. Germany. Grin.
Wheelen, T. L., & Hunger, J. D. (2010). Concepts in strategic management and business policy
(12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.