...Annual Report 2012 2012 YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 THE COMPANY Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries (Costco or the Company) began operations in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. In October 1993, Costco merged with The Price Company, which had pioneered the membership warehouse concept, to form Price/Costco, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In January 1997, after the spin-off of most of its non-warehouse assets to Price Enterprises, Inc., the Company changed its name to Costco Companies, Inc. On August 30, 1999, the Company reincorporated from Delaware to Washington and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation, which trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “COST”. As of December 2012, the Company operated a chain of 622 warehouses in 41 states and Puerto Rico (448 locations), nine Canadian provinces (85 locations), Mexico (32 locations), the United Kingdom (23 locations), Japan (13 locations), Korea (nine locations), Taiwan (nine locations, through a 55%-owned subsidiary) and Australia (three locations). The Company also operates Costco Online, electronic commerce web sites, at www.costco.com (U.S.), www.costco.ca (Canada), and www.costco.co.uk (United Kingdom). CONTENTS Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Words: 38858 - Pages: 156
... THE COMPANY Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Costco” or the “Company”) began operations in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. In October 1993, Costco merged with The Price Company, which had pioneered the membership warehouse concept, to form Price/Costco, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In January 1997, after the spin-off of most of its non-warehouse assets to Price Enterprises, Inc., the Company changed its name to Costco Companies, Inc. On August 30, 1999, the Company reincorporated from Delaware to Washington and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation, which trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol “COST.” As of December 2010, the Company operated a chain of 582 warehouses in 40 states and Puerto Rico (425 locations), nine Canadian provinces (80 locations), the United Kingdom (22 locations), Korea (seven locations), Taiwan (six locations, through a 55%-owned subsidiary), Japan (nine locations) and Australia (one location), as well as 32 warehouses in Mexico through a 50%-owned joint venture. CONTENTS Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Map of Warehouse Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Overview ....
Words: 42703 - Pages: 171
...Part 01 Executive Summary M&S as an organization has faced a number of challenges in its 130 year existence, but has successfully weathered each challenge as it presents itself with relative aplomb. The foundation upon which the whole business has rested since its inception in 1884 was in its initial form, involved selling carefully chosen, good quality goods with low margins, and achieving volume sales (relatively speaking, at least) through Michael Marks' Penny Bazaars in the North West of England. This strategy was overwhelmingly successful, and continued to be the central tenet of M&S strategy for many years. M&S sailed through the depression and several recessions, but at the end of the 1990's something went severely wrong. Profits were falling year on year and the footfall in the stores was lower than it had been for several years. From the year of 1991 to 1998 it started to regain its profit again. But from 1999 the situation started to worsen again. This report sets out many of the reasons for that failure then concludes by suggesting and evaluating the strategic options open to the organization going forward. The report concludes that drawing on the substantial capital resources of M&S, brand and product development are the appropriate measures to take in order to put M&S back on the retail map. 1|Page Part 02 Strategic Profile and Case Analysis Purpose Strategic Profile The case study provided several descriptions on the basic elements of the company...
Words: 3005 - Pages: 13
...Integrated Company Analysis Target Corporation December 14, 2010 Group: B7 Eric Dowling Alex Davydov Matthew Melnicoff Soledad Querol Molly Rotsch Contents Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................................3 Marketing Analysis .............................................................................................................................................3 The Target Brand ............................................................................................................................................3 "The Guest" ....................................................................................................................................................4 Target's Competitors ......................................................................................................................................4 Expect More, Pay Less ....................................................................................................................................4 Rise of the Store Brand ...................................................................................................................................5 Up and Up......................................................................................................................................................6 The Introduction of PFresh......................
Words: 6950 - Pages: 28
...UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR BUSINESS SCHOOL ECB30103 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT GROUP ASSIGNMENT: WALMART PREPARED BY: GROUP MEMBER 1) NURSYAHIDAH BINTI RAZALI 62283113720 2) NURUL NABILAH BINTI RAZALI 62283313248 3) NURUL ZAITUN BINTI ABDUL MALIK 62283313168 4) UMMI KHALSUM BINTI RAHMAT 62283313053 PREPARED FOR: LECTURER’S NAME: MOHD HAIZAM BIN MOHD SAUDI 1. What is the nature of the company business? What are their product lines? Wal-Mart is the World's largest retailer. It has over 11,500 stores in 28 countries across the globe. Wal-Mart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores and grocery stores. Walmart products include discount stores, cash and carry wholesale, warehouse club, super-center, supermarket and superstore and also an e-commerce business. 2. Develop a suitable vision and mission statement for the company. Vision i. To be the best retailer in the hearts and mind of consumer and employees. ii. To promote ownership of Wal-Mart ethical culture to all stakeholder globally. Mission i. Saving the people's money so they can live better. ii. If we work together we will lower the cost of living for everyone. iii. Save money. Live better. 3. Using the following template, develop EIGHT (8) core business objectives in fulfilling the stakeholder’s expectation. Please refer...
Words: 7815 - Pages: 32
...SEARS Marketing Plan Executive Summary Sears Holding Corporation is the fourth largest retailer in the United States and Canada. Its subsidiaries include Sears, Roebuck and Co. as well as K-Mart. The closing of the merger between Sears and K-Mart took place on March 24, 2005. Sears has more than 4,000 retail stores across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Sears offers products and services through over 2,700 branded and affiliated stores. Sears operates 894 broad-line stores and 1,354 specialty stores. Sears’ broad-line stores are mall-based locations. The specialty stores include Sears Hometown Stores that are mostly independently owned, Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, Sears Hardware Stores, Sears Auto Centers, and The Great Indoor Stores (Community, n.d.). Sears is the leading retailer in home appliance, tools, lawn and garden, electronics, and automotive repair and maintenance. They are also the largest home service provider and answers over 11 million service calls a year (About, n.d.). Sears’ values are built upon customer service and the company is committed to quality service and products. Sears aims to build lifetime relationships and trust with its customers. The Company prides itself on having a diverse customer base and values the customer’s individualities. As stated on the corporate website “Everything we do starts and ends with the customer.” (Diversity, paragraph 3). Sears also holds expectations from their employees. The Company values...
Words: 5402 - Pages: 22
...PART I INTRODUCTION History In 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia, John Pemberton developed Coca-Cola, a non-alcoholic version of French Wine Coca. The first sales were at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 8, 1886. It was first sold as a patent medicine for five cents a glass at soda fountains, which were popular in the United States at the time due to the belief that carbonated water was good for your health. Pemberton claimed Coca-Cola cured many diseases, including morphine addiction, headache, and impotence. When launched Coca-Cola’s two ingredients were cocaine and caffeine. The cocaine was derived from the coa leaf and the caffeine from kola nut, leading to the name Coca-Cola. Pemberton called for five ounces of coca leaf per gallon of syrup, a significant dose; in 1891, Candler claimed his formula contained only a tenth of this amount. Coca-Cola did once contain an estimated nine miiligrams of cocaine per glass, but in 1903 it was removed. After 1904, instead of using fresh leaves, Coca-Cola started using “spent” leaves –leftovers of the cocaine extraction process with cocaine trace elevels left over at a molecular level. Today, Coca-Cola uses as an ingredient a cocaine free extract prepared at a Stepan Company in Maywood, New Jersey. In the USA, Stepan Company is the only manufacturing plant authorized by the Federal Government toimprort and process the coca plant, which it obtains mainly from Peru, and Bolivia. Besides producing the coa flavoring for...
Words: 4878 - Pages: 20
...Hill Farms Table of Contents I. Major manufacturers/producers or service providers for pineapples and plantains II. Total output worldwide regarding pineapples and plantains – divided by countries. III. The import export statistics to show major producers and major consumers for pineapples and plantains IV. Local manufacturer Chestnut Hill Farms: vendors/suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. V. Pineapple and plantain flowchart (vertical integration) VI. Discuss major problems and issues in the pineapple and plantain supply chain VII. Include, suggestions, if any, for making improvements regarding the pineapple and plantain supply chain I. Major manufacturers/producers or service providers for pineapples and plantains Today many countries have become pineapple producers, making the fruit production grow over 400% since 1960. Then again, a rise of 50% was seen after the introduction of what they call the “Gold” variety, developed in the 1990s by Fresh Del Monte. Pineapple consumption has double in last 10 years, making the industry grow into a more complex chain. Other major fruit product today is plantains, which production has grown over 60% in the last 30 years. Plantains have become a major part of food in Central and West Africa, and in other regions such as the Caribbean Islands, South, and Central America. As comsuption for both fruits have been increasing during the last few years, it comes as no surprise that...
Words: 5513 - Pages: 23
...Best Buy Competitor: hhgregg Executive Summary Company Best Buy (“BBY”, or the “Company”) specializes in consumer electronics. They are one of the largest specialty retailers operating as an e-commerce and physical retailer across the United States, Europe, Canada, and China. BBY stores offer video products, including televisions, e-readers, navigation devices, digital cameras, digital camcorders, DVD and Blu-ray players. The Company also offers audio products, such as MP3 players and accessories, home theater audio systems and components, musical instruments, and automobile electronics like car stereos and satellite radios. Each store also carries a variety of computing and mobile phone products, such as notebook and desktop computers, tablets, monitors, and mobile phones, together with the related subscription service commissions, hard drives and other storage devices. BBY outfits offices with the necessary networking equipment, office supplies and printers. The Company also caters to a recreational market with their various entertainment products, including video gaming hardware and software, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, digital downloads, and computer software. BBY provides customers with services in addition to merchandise; the Company offers delivery and installation services for home theaters and mobile audio and appliances, service contracts, extended warranties, product repair, and even offers snacks and beverages. BBY operates retail stores and call centers, as...
Words: 5602 - Pages: 23
...IWIM - Institut für Weltwirtschaft und Internationales Management IWIM - Institute for World Economics and International Management Why did Wal-Mart fail in Germany? Andreas Knorr and Andreas Arndt Materialien des Wissenschaftsschwerpunktes „Globalisierung der Weltwirtschaft“ Band 24 Hrsg. von Andreas Knorr, Alfons Lemper, Axel Sell, Karl Wohlmuth Universität Bremen Why did Wal-Mart fail in Germany? Andreas Knorr and Andreas Arndt Andreas Knorr, Alfons Lemper, Axel Sell, Karl Wohlmuth (Hrsg.): Materialien des Wissenschaftsschwerpunktes „Globalisierung der Weltwirtschaft“, Bd. 24, Juni 2003, ISSN 0948-3837 (ehemals: Materialien des Universitätsschwerpunktes „Internationale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen und Internationales Management“) Bezug: IWIM - Institut für Weltwirtschaft und Internationales Management Universität Bremen Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaft Postfach 33 04 40 D- 28334 Bremen Telefon: 04 21 / 2 18 - 34 29 Telefax: 04 21 / 2 18 - 45 50 E-mail: iwim@uni-bremen.de Homepage: http://www.iwim.uni-bremen.de Abstract Clearly dominating the US retail market, Wal-Mart expanded into Germany (and Europe) in late 1997. Wal-Mart’s attempt to apply the company’s proven US success formula in an unmodified manner to the German market, however, turned out to be nothing short of a fiasco. Upon closer inspection, the circumstances of the company’s failure to establish itself in Germany give reason to believe that it pursued a fundamentally flawed internationalization...
Words: 4978 - Pages: 20
...Death of the Operating Lease Running head: DEATH OF THE OPERATING LEASE 1 Death of the Operating Lease and its Impact on Leading U.S. Companies Mark S. Lynn Mount St. Mary’s University Copyright 2010, Mark S. Lynn Death of the Operating Lease Abstract The proposed elimination of operating lease treatment by the IASB and FASB, as outlined in 2 their discussion paper, Leases – Preliminary Views, will have a varying degree of impact on U.S firms. After a review of the evolution of lease accounting and a discussion of financial ratio analysis, this paper examines the impact of the proposed accounting change on common financial ratios of 142 large public companies. The proposal requiring the capitalization of all lease arrangements is generally detrimental to such financial measurements, with significant variability among industry sectors. Through surveys and interviews, it is further determined that while a majority of corporate financial executives do not support the proposed accounting change, they have yet to analyze the impact and prepare for the effects of the change within their own companies. Copyright 2010, Mark S. Lynn Death of the Operating Lease Death of the Operating Lease and its Impact on Leading U.S. Companies 3 “We are only tenants, and shortly the great Landlord will give us notice that our lease has expired.” ~ Joseph Jefferson (1897, p. 476). A lease is broadly defined as a contract by which an owner of property grants to another...
Words: 17667 - Pages: 71
...Cogavém | Agave ◦ Coconut ◦ Maqui Berry | | Cogavé is an all-natural, healthy, and effective energy drink. The product strategy is defined in this marketing plan. | | Chad Rodriguez, Alvaro Alvarez, John Paul Mejia, Sabrina Casillas, Huda Tanjung | 5/26/2011 | | Table of Contents I. Executive Summary 3 II. Company Analysis 3 Mission Statement 3 Company Location 3 III. Situational Analysis 3 External Market Environment 3 Economic Environment: 3 Technological Environment: 3 Political Environment: 4 Cultural / Social Environment: 4 Natural Environment: 4 SWOT Analysis 4 IV. Competitive Analysis 5 Competitors’ Advantage: 5 Perceived Advantage: 6 V. Customer Analysis 7 Product Market 7 Product Type 7 Customer Type 7 Customer Needs 7 Geographic Area 7 VI. Target Market Strategy 7 Target Market 7 VII. Positioning Strategy 9 Future Target Market 10 VIII. Marketing Mix 11 Customer (Product) 11 Cost (Price) 12 Capabilities (Place) 14 Competition (Promotion) 15 IX. Action Plan 16 X. Long Term Objectives 17 I. Executive Summary The Cogavém brand was inspired by a growing demand for a natural and healthy alternative to the current energy drink market. Our flagship product, Cogavém, includes three essential ingredients: maqui berry for energy, coconut water for hydration, and agave nectar for flavor. Our company recognized the need for something different - an energy drink that is actually...
Words: 7242 - Pages: 29
...expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. FOREWORD This paper was written as part of the Accelerated Microenterprise Advancement Project (AMAP) Business Development Services Knowledge and Practice (BDS K&P) research initiative. The AMAP BDS initiative’s major objective is “integrating micro and small enterprises into productive value chains to create wealth in poor communities.” The research draws on experience and insights from: • Interviews with leading handicraft buyers in the United States, the European Union, and the Caribbean, including importers and retailers currently sourcing from Haiti, those who have done so in the past, and those who source handmade products from other destinations; • Interviews with market experts, such as product development consultants, designers, enterprise development consultants, and marketing specialists who work with handicraft producers in developing countries; • Discussions with market experts and USAID at a roundtable conducted in Washington, D.C., on April 12, 2006; and • Existing literature on the handicraft market and home accessory industry. This study provides an overview and analysis of the global market for handicrafts and the key trends that affect producers in developing countries, with the ultimate objective of offering practical recommendations for the Haitian handicraft...
Words: 33700 - Pages: 135
...Federal Trade Commission DEBORAH PLATT MAJORAS ORSON SWINDLE THOMAS B. LEARY PAMELA JONES HARBOUR JON LEIBOWITZ Maryanne Kane Charles H. Schneider Susan A. Creighton Lydia B. Parnes Luke Froeb William Blumenthal Anna H. Davis Nancy Ness Judy Maureen K. Ohlhausen Donald S. Clark Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Chief of Staff Executive Director Director, Bureau of Competition Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection Director, Bureau of Economics General Counsel Director, Office of Congressional Relations Director, Office of Public Affairs Director, Office of Policy Planning Secretary of the Commission Report Drafters and Contributors Louis Silvia, Assistant Director, Bureau of Economics David Meyer, Bureau of Economics Sarah M. Mathias, Office of General Counsel Policy Studies Michael S. Wroblewski, Assistant General Counsel Policy Studies Phillip L. Broyles, Assistant Director, Bureau of Competition J. Elizabeth Callison, Bureau of Economics Jeffrey Fischer , Bureau of Economics Nicolas J. Franczyk, Bureau of Competition Daniel E. Gaynor, Bureau of Economics Geary A. Gessler, Bureau of Economics James F. Mongoven, Bureau of Competition John H. Seesel, Associate General Counsel for Energy Christopher T. Taylor, Bureau of Economics Michael G. Vita, Assistant Director, Bureau of Economics Anthony G. Alcorn, Bureau of Economics Sarah Croake, Bureau of Competition Madeleine McChesney, Bureau of Economics Guru Raj, Bureau of Competition Natalie Shonka...
Words: 65952 - Pages: 264
...UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ፤ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. អ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from to . or Commission file number 333-172973 1MAY200918354900 NBTY, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 11-2228617 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 2100 Smithtown Avenue Ronkonkoma, New York (Address of principal executive offices) 11779 (Zip Code) (631) 567-9500 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes អ No ፤ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ፤ No អ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)...
Words: 83058 - Pages: 333
