Douglas Design LLC: Strategy and Market Analysis
Modernization and globalization in both developed and developing countries have changed consumer-buying patterns. Recently, younger generations are more prone to purchase low costing, portable contemporary furniture and home furnishing products. The purpose of this report is to ascertain how Douglas Design LLC should determine its strategic position in Washington DC and abroad.
A) Brief Analysis of the Market: Office furniture sales in US largely depend on the US economy whilst the volume of home furniture mostly depends on the level of home sales. The profitability of individual companies is closely linked to volume they sell, since many costs are fixed. Large companies enjoy economies of scale* in purchasing. Small companies can compete effectively if they produce specialty items or high-quality workmanship that can sell for a price in accordance with what competitor sells. In general, the largest 50 companies generate about 40 percent of revenue.
In US, Douglas Design LLC would face competition from Hellman Chang, Pottery Barn, Sears, Minimalista, Conran, Cratel & Barrel, Ethan Allen etc. Globally the main competitors are IKEA and Walmart, which sell very low cost and good quality furniture. The competitors offer differentiation in terms of styles and functions. Conran has a low cost strategy; Cratel & Barrel offers higher priced furniture in a box; Ethan Allen targets a more exclusive market; Wal-Mart is classified as less stylish, general store must-have-items. IKEA has proved to be more successful in delivering both high quality at a less price to the customers reflecting on weak competitors.
B) Brief Analysis of the Industry Environment:
Porter’s Five Forces: It is a framework to analyze level of competition within an industry and business strategy development. It draws upon industrial organization