The Expansion of Kudler Fine Foods - Essay Example

Kudler Fine Foods Kudler Fine Foods Insert Here Kudler Fine Foods Kudler Fine Foods is a premier gourmet grocery store that focuses on fresh foods consisting of the finest meats, produce, wines, and cheeses. Kathy Kudler, the storeowner is passionate about gourmet foods, yet she has had no prior experience in operating a gourmet food shop. This lack of prior experience has hindered Kathy’s ability to delegate the proper responsibilities to her small management team effectively. Kathy has spent most of her time at the stores, selecting and ordering her products.

She has also occasionally operated the cash register, and even stocked the shelves after the store closes and before it opens in the morning. Although Kathy’s store concept is great and she has no direct competition- her overwhelming responsibilities are hindering her efforts as the general manager of her store. In order for Kudler Fine Foods to expand into new geographical areas, Kathy Kudler must redefine her organization and utilize effective time management to increase her personal time efficiency as well as her staff.

In order for the Kudler store to expand and allow for great overall efficiency and time management a number of factors must be corrected. Right now Kathy is in charge of all ordering and product control, this will be cumbersome as the product line increases along with consumer demand. Kathy must develop centralized management and control of the products, assortments, and pricing. Secondly, she must delegate the task of supply management to one manager to include product buys and invoice matching.

There are several software companies such as Aldata that offer a complete software interface to integrate the inventory controls. (www.aldata-solution.com) Thirdly, Kathy must optimize inventory levels by utilizing demand forecasting, taking account of the product's expiry dates, and ensuring that her perishable items are being purchased instead of wasted away. There are several benefits to Kudler Fine Foods that differentiate the store from its competitors. These great attributes must continue to be highlighted and utilized effectively to distinguish the Kudler store in the marketplace.

Kathy’s store is great at providing an experience, not just a service. Kathy must continue to drive competition from other stores such as Jonathan’s and the Cardiff Seaside Market. She can increase the experience by having her customers play an active role in empowering and educating them on ways to cook the products via webinars, or with one-on-one sessions with the staff. During these sessions, Kathy should draw attention to the fact that her store offers meat and seafood at lower prices than other gourmet stores in the area.

(Riggen-Ranson, Michelle www.businessweek.com) Secondly, she should continue to give away free samples such as the cheese selections. All people love a present. While giving out these items the store should also request direct feedback from their consumers. If someone is there to hear a complaint or concern, then you have the opportunity to reach out and learn more about the problem to address the correct situation. (Riggen-Ranson, Michelle www.businessweek.com) Kathy’s business thrives on the customer experience, but once again, she must delegate this questioning to her employees to effectively manage her time.

These specialty employees must be trained in all areas of the store and be knowledgeable about the product lines to justify the high payroll. After addressing all of the issues, a few key items must be emphasized in order to see the store expand effectively and to distinguish it from other gourmet stores. Kathy must choose one manager and incorporate a P.O.S. inventory system to regulate product control and demand forecast. Kathy must also continue to train the store employees to follow their direct responsibilities, and to be knowledgeable about the products.

She must also continue to give samples and unique experiences in order to maintain her customer relationships and store identity. All things considered, with these organizational fixes and brand marketing strategies the Kudler Fine Foods store will have a great future in a competitive market.