Hole in one Bagels.
Fuller, Barbara K. ; Burns, Michelle
CASE DESCRIPTION
The primary subject matter of this case concerns the purchase of an
established bagel business during a period of economic recession and
industry consolidation. The case focuses on the examination of financial
strategies with an emphasis on cost analysis and the development of
marketing strategies. The secondary issues include decisions dealing
with relocation and growth. This case has a difficulty level congruent with entrepreneur majors with junior or senior status. In order for
students to examine this case effectively they should have background
knowledge in analyzing financial statements, and developing marketing
strategy. The case is designed to be taught in one class session of
approximately 1.25 hours and is expected to require four to six hours
outside preparation time from the students.
CASE SYNOPSIS
In June 2002 Phillip McGuthry, a long time resident of Fort Mill,
SC, purchased Hole in One Bagels, a small independent bagel shop with a
great reputation in the community and a good customer base. The economic
environment at the time of the purchase showed signs of weakness. In
addition, the 911 terrorist attacks, and the low-carb diet trend were
also somewhat worrisome. However, the bagel shop offered McGuthry a way
to get out of the corporate world of advertising and step into what he
thought would be a quieter more relaxed environment. He felt that with a
few adjustments in the store's operation, he would make a
reasonable profit. Overtime, he would learn more about the business thus
increasing efficiencies and margins. Currently the only type of
promotions was word of mouth. Certainly he could make improvements in
the marketing area. However, after a mere five months McGuthry found
that running the business was more challenging than he originally
thought. Some months the business was profitable and other months cash
flow was negative. He also found it necessary to hire a weekend manage
so that he was not working 7 days a week. This added to his current
labor expenses. McGuthry loved his new business, but was faced with some
serious decisions if he is going to make the business profitable. He
must either cut expenses or increase market share and customer demand.
The case looks at the challenges that face McGuthry as the new owner of
Hole in One Bagels. His initial objectives were to increase efficiency
in operations and to retain his current customer base while attracting
new customers to the shop. Decisions about location and possible
expansion of the business would need to be addresses after tackling the
initial operational issues.
INSTRUCTORS' NOTES
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TEACHING
The case was placed in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which was located
on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. Fort Mill was not the
actual location of the business but provides an atmosphere much like the
city in which the bagel shop was located. Charlotte had grown
significantly with the additions of the NASCAR speedway and the Carolina
Panthers NFL team. Small cities surrounding Charlotte such as Fort Mill
were stable and were showing signs of growth at the time of this case,
even in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Industry, competitor, and
customer information have been provided in the case to give students a
feel for the type of environment that existed for Hole in One Bagels at
the time McGuthry purchased the business. The case also provides
information on a new industry segment that was forming in the late
1990's called the "quick casual" dining industry. Hole in
One Bagels fits into this industry with an average ticket sale above
those of fast food but below casual sit down dining. Several references
are provided that look at the quick casual industry and its growth.
It should be noted that, the bagel industry was in its prime in the
mid-90's. If students search for industry information about bagels,
they will find a lot of industry information up to the mid-90's.
Then in the late 90's the bagel craze seemed to end and not much
was written. This may be frustrating to students; therefore, a
discussion of the industry would be helpful at the time that the case is
assigned. The most helpful resource dealing with current information on
the bagel industry was the website for the Retail Bakery Trade
Association at http://www.rbanet.org. However, since the industry
figures are provided in the case for the relevant time period, most of
the emphasis for class discussion should be placed on using those
figures as a basis for the development of strategies for marketing,
lowering expenses, growing market share, and increasing customer demand.
Students were given a good picture of McGuthry, a new entrepreneur,
who purchased a business and the environment in which he found himself.
The case described the competitors, the bagel industry, and the targeted
customer segments. The menu, personnel policies, advertising, and
financial statement are available in the figures at the end of the case.
The students should be encouraged to use all of the information to
evaluate the current situation and make recommendations to McGuthry. The
questions below guide the student through the process of making specific
marketing and financial recommendations for Hole in One Bagels. Students
should be given freedom to be creative in their solutions. The
suggestions given here should be used by the instructor as examples of
one of many answers that could be given in this situation.
NOTE: Hole In One Bagels and the location Fort Mill, SC were both
fictions. The business name was changes and the shop was placed in a
small town with demographics similar to the original shop's
location. Financial figures were also altered but kept proportional to
the original business. This allows student to utilize the figures for
financial analysis and they should be highly encouraged to do so.
QUESTIONS
1. Identify the two consumer target markets that purchased bagels
at Hole in One Bagels.
The customer base of Hole in One Bagels consisted mainly of people
from the age of 18-55 in the middle class income bracket and above.
However, because the shop was located near a college, its target market
was somewhat complicated. McGuthry focused not only on the major segment
of white-collar professional including teachers, lawyers, accountants,
and doctors; but also advertised to high school and college students.
The students and the business community were separate target markets
with different needs and wants; therefore, a distinct promotional
strategy should be developed for each segment.
The student segment, made up of younger 18 to 22 year olds, was
interested in a unique place to meet fellow students for coffee and a
bagel. They also wanted a place to study, talk with friends, or have a
quality breakfast on the run in a venue away from the cafeteria. About
20 % of Hole in One Bagels' consumer market consisted of students.
The community segment, somewhat older professionals, was made up of
doctor's, attorneys, teachers and business people that stopped by
on their way to work. For these customers, Hole in One Bagels provided a
quick casual menu as an alternative to fast food. These consumers were
interested in a fast, healthy, quality option for breakfast on the run.
This part of the target market made up 80 % of Hole in One Bagels'
consumer business.
2. Develop a six-month promotional campaign for Hole in One Bagels
that would best target the two customer segments identified in question
1. (Note: Two different target markets require two different promotional
strategies)
Two sample promotional plans are provided as a starting point for
discussion. The first is for the student market and the second for the
professional community market. Students may be creative in this section
and develop additional ideas other than those listed below. This
creativity should be encouraged. Research on the bagel customer
indicated that they are looking for a fast, healthy, quality breakfast
item that is made fresh from scratch. The bagel is perceived to be a
luxury breakfast product therefore; the promotional campaign should
reflect the quality aspects of the product.
The media vehicles (newspapers, press releases, sales promotions,
and loyalty cards) shown in the above chart were suggestions for
developing a promotional campaign to increase sales from the local
college students. This campaign was designed to make students more aware
of Hole in One Bagels and what they had to offer. The different vehicles
have been spaced out over the semester at opportune time to connect with
students. Keep in mine this promotional plan addresses only the students
and the Fort Mill community will be addressed in the next section.
Taking into account costs and the habits of college students,
advertising in the campus newspaper was a top choice. Also, posting
flyers around campus buildings was inexpensive and should produce good
results. Extended hours for study or a place to take a study breaks
should be promoted to increase student awareness during mid-terms and
finals. Also, college student would be more aware of Hole in One Bagels
if it were involved in campus activities such as the opening convocation for the school year. During convocation Hole in One Bagels could give
out samples of their food and coffee to students and faculty. This would
be an opportune time to publicize the other events they will be
sponsoring for students during the year.
Other suggested activities that would attract student attention
included a welcome back to school cinnamon-bun eating contest and an
open-mic night at the end of the semester with advertisements and press
releases to make students aware of the events. Keeping the students
involved throughout the year was felt to be a key factor in increasing
business. Some of the activities included in the schedule would increase
the hours the bagel shop was open and therefore the overall expenses.
McGuthry would need to evaluate the cost and benefits before adding
these types of activities. The decision to extend the hours of operation
(say from 6:30 am to 2 pm and from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm) would also affect
the menu offerings. Hole in One Bagels would need to offer a wider
variety of specialty coffees and sandwiches. With the addition of more
specialty coffees may also come the need to add desserts during the
night hours.
Another way to get the attention of students was to offer
promotional discounts. Hole in One Bagels could give students 10% off
their purchases on Tuesdays with a school ID. This would increase
business on a slow day and give students the feeling that their business
was appreciated. In addition, customer loyalty cards could be offered to
students. The loyalty cards would promote customer retention by allowing
student customers to get a free bagel sandwich once they have purchased
12 bagel sandwiches at the regular price.
A more aggressive tactic would be to open a bagel kiosk on campus
for several hours in the morning to catch students and faculty as they
were going to class and as classes were changing. This would require
permits from the campus, additional equipment, and labor costs would
increase.
A second promotional plan was developed for the Fort Mill
community. The major portion of the Hole in One Bagels' business
came from the community segment of business and professional workers. To
attract this segment, the store needed to differentiate itself from
competition. Therefore, McGuthry must continually search for new flavors of spreads; different formats for bagels such as gourmet sandwiches;
increased product offerings such as new breads, wraps, and rolls; as
well as, different specialty coffees and even different business venues
such as lunch and dinner options. Each of these should be looked at
seriously with input from customers on where improvements need to be
made.
With the bagel industry being in the maturing stage of the product
life cycle, the marketing tactics outlined focused more on persuading
consumers to buy. Competition in this stage generally grows intense.
Individual companies must change their marketing mix to differentiate
themselves from the competition and to attract new business. This is
more of a defensive strategy that maximized profits while defending
market share. One of the tactics used during this stage was offering
sales promotions such as coupons, loyalty cards, or special events. Hole
in One Bagels could use coupons on Teacher Appreciation Day,
Mother's Day, and other holidays. The promotional chart above has a
10% coupon for Mother's Day as an example.
Another sales promotion idea was the introduction of a customer
loyalty card. This would increase Hole in One Bagels' customer
retention and loyalty. Customers would receive a free bagel after
purchasing 12 at the regular price. After some research, it was also
found that several organizations celebrate a national Bagel Day.
Although, several dates came up, all of them were in February.
Therefore, during February a special promote called "Bagel Month
Madness" was suggested. During the month, Hole in One Bagels would
give customers a free drink or a free cookie on certain days of the week
or month with the purchase of a bagel. Students could be creative and
develop other special offers during the month.
Sponsorships provide a great way for the business to get involved
with the community and increase awareness about the company. The bagel
shop could get involved in a sponsorship for a youth summer sports
league such as with the local YMCA. In addition, holidays provide
opportunities for fun activities that could take place at the store. An
Easter Egg Hunt for children on Saturday around Easter time would be a
great way to get people into the store. All of these activities involved
making people aware of the bagel shop and letting word of mouth take its
course.
Hole in One Bagels could proactively seek alliances with other
stores in the area by exchanging business cards and/or flyers to be
posted on bulletin board or left on counter tops. The shop could also
have a business card drawing bimonthly. Customers can drop their
business card in a basket and win a breakfast for their company for a
discounted price. Hole in One Bagels could also make a profit out of old
bagels by selling old left over bagels as doggy bagels. This product
could also be marketed to veterinarians or pet stores as delicious
treats for dogs.
3. Evaluate the personnel policies and procedures outlined in the
case. Are they effective in training and keeping employees on task? What
changes would you make?
Reviewing the policies and procedures for the Hole in One Bagels
employees, indicated that there were detailed rules outlining employee
duties and responsibilities. Following these procedures allowed the
business to run efficiently and provided the best possible service for
customers. They were used as the basis for the training that was
provided for employees. McGuthry felt that the policies and procedures
were important but not at the expense of good relationships with
employees. He constantly worked to make sure there was a good balance
between fun and work. In looking at the various policies and procedures,
the following recommendations are suggested:
1. Investing in T-shirts for the employees--This would offer the
shop a warmer atmosphere. They would give the business a professional
look.
2. Check To-Go-Orders for accuracy. Have the employees check twice
to make sure the customer is getting everything they ordered.
3. Have meetings with employees and keep them up-to-date on the day
to day problems and challenges. Also allow employees to express their
opinions on certain issues about work and incorporate their suggestions
into the procedures.
4. Hole in One Bagels' labor costs were above the industry
average. What could McGuthry do to lower these costs?
After researching labor cost, there were several options that may
be helpful to Mr. McGuthry in lowering labor costs. To maintain
standards and the level of service expected by McGuthry's
customers, he studied the labor situation carefully and considered the
following recommendations:
1. Implement of a training program that would assure that employees
understood their duties and responsibilities. This would make sure that
the staff had complete knowledge of the business.
2. Provide reward incentives for them to reach at the end of the
week (i.e. a pizza party). Happier employees lead to happier customers
and therefore a larger customer base.
3. Maximize each employee's time by assigning them to a
station with specific duties and responsibilities. Much like a
production line, each employee could be assigned a station. For example,
one person could be preparing the coffee when orders are made. The
second person could prepare the bagel and the third person could take
the money. The stations still provide the customer with one-on-one
service, but in a more timely fashion. Setting up stations with more
efficiency could eventually lead to a drive through system.
4. Analyze the work flow and work space productivity for possible
improvements in efficiency.
5. Hole in One Bagels made catering sales to groups and
doctor's offices and school. How could McGuthry increase sales in
the catering area?
At the time of the case catering was a small percentage of the
company's business; however this was an area with substantial
opportunity for grow given the demographics characteristics and business
growth around the area. With the fast pace of businesses today and the
pressure for increased productivity, more business are ordering catered
lunches. Hole in One Bagels had a chance to fill this need by providing
a fast, healthy, convenient, gourmet luncheon catered and delivered at a
reasonable price. To build this segment of the business, McGuthry needed
to focus on menu development and quality service. Businesses expected
the order to be correct 100% of the time and have little tolerance for
mistakes. One mistake could cost Hole in One Bagels repeat business.
Business customers don't complain they switch providers.
To take advantage of the catering business Hole in One Bagels
needed to advertise in business and professional offices. McGuthry could
do this by sending a personal cover letter, a flyer and a catering menu
to select local businesses. The letter would be addressed to the owner
or a secretary depending on who is in charge of ordering food for
breakfast, lunch, or special events for the company. The letter would
provide information about Hole in One Bagels' catering service. A
10% discount would be given for the first order as an incentive and
other discounts would follow through the use of a loyalty card. The
catering menu would suggest different breakfast and lunch packages that
could be ordered. A prospect list of current businesses in the area that
may potentially use Hole in One Bagels would need to be identified.
Using the Yellow Pages or accessing a database like Reference USA would
allow McGuthry to obtain names and addresses of potential business
clients. Using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes or the new
North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) sorted by
geographic area would produce a list of small business contacts in the
area for McGruthy to use as a mailing list. The letter should be
addressed to the owner/manger and a follow-up phone call should be made
to the owner and person in the office that actually orders catered
meals.
6. McGuthry discussed trade marking the "Bagizza." What
has to be done in order to trade mark a product and do you think that
trade marking the "Bagizza" would be in McGuthry's best
interest?
One of Mr. McGuthry's ideas to improve the marketing strategy
of Hole in One Bagels was to introduce and trademark a pizza bagel cleverly called, the "Bagizza." His main concern was whether
or not introducing this product would boost his sales enough to outweigh the costs incurred. McGuthry looked at the option on both sides of this
issue. If he introduced the "Bagizza" he faced the costs
associated with pursuing the trademark and those associated with
purchasing the equipment necessary for producing the Bagizza. Besides
the administrative and legal fees encountered in purchasing the
trademark, McGuthry would also need to buy the needed materials, i.e.
bagels, pizza ingredients, labor costs to train, and an additional piece
of equipment costing $2000 (used) that were required to produce the
"Bagizzas." Since the machine would be purchased used, one
must also think about repair costs of these specialty machines. If
"Bagizzas" became a good selling product, then McGuthry would
increase his sales and recover the money invested in the trademark. If
the Bagizza did not reach the required level of customer demand, the
investment would be a substantial loss and hurt his attempts at other
forms of marketing.
McGuthry realized that it would cost money not only to pursue the
trademark but also to enforce it. If he had to go to court to enforce
the trademark, the costs could be substantial. Mr. McGuthry has made it
quite clear that his available capital was not at a level that could
adequately handle a risky venture. He would have to have considerable
confidence that this new menu item would be highly successful before
making this type of investment.
The second option was to go beyond the "Bagizza" and
bring back the highly popular pizzas, which were once made at Hole in
One Bagels under the previous management. With the reintroduction of the
Hole in One Bagels' pizza, new dinner hours (5 PM-10 PM) would need
to be added in order to appeal to a potential dinnertime market. This
would require putting together a schedule, which incorporates a
breakfast shift, a lunch shift, and a dinner shift. In addition to the
chef for the breakfast/lunch period, a chef would be needed for the
Pizza side of the business. As for marketing, additional advertisings
for these new offerings would be needed to reintroduce the once-loved
Hole in One Bagels' pizza. If the sales increase through this
venture, then perhaps an introduction of the trademarked
"Bagizza" to the lunch and dinner customers would then be in
order.
It seemed that at the present time in order to grow sales, McGuthry
first needed to expand his marketing strategies, before he ventured into
expanding the product line. "Bagizza," may be an option for
some time in the future.
7. Bagels are a part of the quick casual industry which is growing
rapidly. Research what other restaurants in the quick casual industry
are doing in terms of marketing and product expansion. Could Hole in One
Bagels use any of these strategies or tactics to help with its objective
of increasing demand or cutting costs?
The quick casual industry provides fresh, high quality products
made to order for customers who are willing to pay more instead of
settling for the typical fast food value meal. There were a number of
examples of companies that have been successful in the quick casual
market. Companies like Chipotle a leader in the quick casual sector,
focused on upscale burritos. Other restaurants like McDonald's
typically considered a fast food chain realized the emergence and need
for this quick casual atmosphere. McDonalds has moved into this quick
casual market by partnering with Fazoli's making Italian food
"quick." Other the fast food chains also entered the quick
casual industry, wanting a piece of this market are companies like
Arby's and their market fresh sandwiches. Other large players
include Panera Bread and Atlantic Bread. In most cases the success of
the store depends on creating the right experience for the customer
(Technomic, Inc. 2002).
The bagel industry was seen as fitting into the quick casual market
by providing customers unique flavored bagels and cream cheese along
with a variety of luncheon sandwiches. If bagels continue to be a part
of this market, it will be necessary for owners to continually innovate with new varieties of bagels and breads as well as new luncheon options.
Consumer tastes are continually changing. To stay ahead of the game in a
mature market, differentiation is essential.
8. Convenience stores and grocery stores are the major competitors
of Hole in One Bagels in the Fort Mill area. How much do you think
convenience and grocery stores effect Hole in One Bagels sales? Are
these stores a major influence in the bagel market?
In 2002 the consolidation of the fresh bagel industry, seemed to be
leveling out. Some such as Ron Savelli, vice president of research and
development at Einstein/Noah Bagel, have suggested that bagel sales in
dollars have increased except for a slight decline in the frozen bagel
market (Harter 2001). Others including Bill Rianhard, president and
chief operations officer of New World Coffee--Manhattan Bagel report
positive growth especially in the fresh bagel market sales but indicated
declines in fast food chains and convenience stores (Harter 2001). Both
see a decline in the bagel offerings of fast food and convenience
stores. In the grocery store sector, bagels were reported as being one
of the least profitable in-store bakery products and have therefore been
cut back or total dropped from the fresh bakery options.
Overall the 2002 fresh bagel market was more positive than that it
has been for quite a while. Customers who wanted quality are coming back
to bagel stores and sales of in-store bagels were stable or slightly
declining (Harter 2001). Geographically some market sales were better
than others, with the Northeast being the most lucrative market because
of the marketing dollars spent on promotion in those markets.
In the Fort Mill area there were 167 convenience stores each with a
potential for selling bagels. The market saturation provides substantial
competition for Hole in One Bagels. However, trends seem to indicate
that the fresh baked bagel specialty store seems to have the current
advantage in the market with at least slight increased in demand while
grocery stores and convenience stores are showing slight declines.
9. Analyze Hole in One Bagels' income statements and discuss
its financial situation from 1998 to present.
This table compares Hole in one Bagels' financials to the
industry average. These numbers came from Dunn & Bradstreet Industry
Financials. The ratios show that Hole in One Bagels' gross profit
is higher than the industry, but the net income for Hole in One Bagels
is almost 7% lower than the industry. This means that according to sales
McGuthry has a great business, but his expenditures must be cut. Some
examples and suggestions on how to improve the net income ratio are
discussed further in the answer to the next question.
10. What changes could be made to help Hole in One Bagels'
improve its net profits?
Hole in One Bagels was purchased with the intend of keeping it a
lifestyle business that would provide an income for the owners family,
make a contribution to the community, and create many happy hours of
conversation and happiness to the owners. The following desires are
outlined:
* desire to keep business a "lifestyle business"
* desire to keep current customer base.
* desire to keep family atmosphere.
* desire to increase operating profits.
With these basic desires in mind, there are two ways to grow the
net profits of the business. These strategies are to: lower expenses
(cost of goods sold, fixed costs, operating expenses) or to increase
sales revenues (marketing product development, location). As a starting
point, McGuthry should focus more on making the current sales more
profitable. Any effort at improving results must begin with management
of operating expenses, particularly payroll. In the retail bakery
business expense control and specifically payroll is the primary driver
of profitability. Once expenses are under control and producing better
profits, then efforts need to be taken to increase market share. This is
a very powerful combination (The Profit Gap 2001).
Recommendations for lowering expenses include:
* Explore the layout of the serving area. Do a time study analysis
of the employees. Conduct a test to see how fast it takes each employee
to execute an order. If possible, the most efficient employees should be
on the shift during the busiest hours. (This may reduce the labor
costs). It may be helpful to bring in an outside consult on workflow and
workspace productivity.
* Continue to evaluate the seventeen suppliers in relationship to
any changes in the business situation and the environment. Can the
number of suppliers be consolidated to take advantage of economies of
scale? Forming partnerships with vendors can decrease costs.
* Evaluate the expense categories that look out of proportion to
the current bills (telephone, bank charges, etc) that were from the
previous owners and change to the actual expenditures. This will be
needed for developing accurate financial projections and comparisons.
* Level out overhead expenditures throughout the year to get an
accurate picture of the cash flow rather than the turbulent rises in
certain months when large bill are due such as insurance.
* Provide self-service options where possible. Can customers choose
their own drinks? Can items be pre-wrapped and arranged where customers
can make their own selections?
Recommendations to increase revenues include:
* Differentiate from competition by adding new flavors of bagels,
spreads, breads, soups, coffees, etc. These items can be rotated on and
off the menu to provide variety and kept the menu fresh. The new trend
was the bakery cafe concept, a neighborhood eateries a little bit out of
the ordinary that carry fresh bread, sandwiches, soups, and coffees with
a novel atmospheres and fast, healthy, quality, gourmet food. Hole in
One Bagels may be able to take advantage of the popularity of the quick
casual dining trend.
* Use the media outlined in the promotional campaign to increase
sales and measure the results from each media used. This can include:
coupons, advertisements, press releases, direct mail letters, loyalty
cards, etc. Sales promotions would also be effective since bagels are in
the maturity stage of the product life cycle. This would include the
promotion of upcoming special events, sponsorships or charities
activities.
* Develop a Come Back for Lunch program to current customers to
increase market penetration with current customers.
* Pay attention to decor. Would new paint or a rearrangement of the
furniture give the place a new feel and increase sales.
* Be creative and put together some grab-and-go items that people
can pick up when they are waiting line to get their bagel.
* Gift baskets with gourmet bagel and coffee items are often
profitable. Create sample baskets for holidays, birthdays, and
anniversaries. Special arrangements can also be created as 'FedEx
Bagels" to send to friend and relative as gifts for special
occasions.
* Provide single serving smaller individually packaged goods
catering to convenience. Keep in mind the new Toyota SUV's feature
9-cup holders and the new Volvo has 14-cup holders. Do you have a food
packaged to fit into this convenient space provided by the auto
manufacturers?
* Pricing is an important issue. Prices should be review every
three to six months. Increases should not be made across the board. One
retailer suggests pricing be set at four time the cost of materials.
Overall consumers believe that prices are high but that high prices for
high quality seemed fair (Unrein 2002, October 1)
* A brand strategy is essential to gain market potential. Hole in
One Bagels should be a household name. A strong branding strategy and
logo will add character and value to the products sold. The brand and
log should center on associations with the bagel-coffee culture and
could include a variety of options like music or books that coincide
with these products. Once a branding strategy is in place, it should be
used in ever aspect of the business. Utilizing talent locally like
university students is possible or one can consult with professionals to
develop the brand.
* Hole in One Bagels could open a kiosk in any of several possible
locations. One option would be to open a kiosk at Panthers Stadium.
Vendors must receive approval from the stadium and pay a percent of the
gross earning to the Panthers. However, there are currently no bagel
vendors at the stadium and therefore the cart would most like receive
approval. A second location for a kiosk would be on the near by
university campus for faculty and students for a few morning hours
Monday through Friday.
* A final option deals with the current location of the bagel shop.
The business has occupied the same location in a small house on a side
street in Fort Mill for the last seven years. The current store location
has high rent and maintenance costs. Most people would agree that the
bagel shop has a strong loyal customer base. Relocation within the city
to a more visible location preferably with more walk-in traffic would
allow the store to retained its current customer base and while
increasing demand from new customers. A store closer to the Interstate would be more cost effective based on square foot dollars and traffic
flow. Other locations should be considered based on walk-in traffic such
as the new development of the other side of the city. The quality of the
product is outstanding; therefore it makes sense that a higher traffic
flow would generate higher revenues.
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Barbara K. Fuller, Winthrop University
Michelle Burns, Winthrop University
Sample Six-Month Promotional Campaign for Students
Month Newspapers Press Releases
January Convocation Back to school
eating contest *
February Open-mic night *
March Mid-term study
hours school
newspaper
April
May Final exam study
hours school
newspaper
June
Month Sales Promotions Loyalty Cards
January 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
February 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
March 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
April 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
May 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
June 10% off Tuesdays for Valid all times
students
* Will require additional hours of operations and costs
Sample Six-Month Promotional Campaign for Community
Press Sales Loyalty
Month Newspapers Releases Promotions Cards
January New Years Valid all times
February Free cookie Valid all times
with a bagel
purchase
March Sponsor Valid all times
YMCA T-Ball
team
April Sponsor road Valid all times
race Host
Easter egg
hunt
May Summer 10% off for Valid all times
Mother's Day
June Sponsor youth Valid all times
summer league
June July August
Cost of Goods Sold $13,306.29 $16,506.68 $23,191.23
Gross Profit $35,938.08 $46,602.42 $33,092.22
Gross Profit/Sales % 73.15% 73.84% 58.80%
5461 SIC Average 63.31% 63.31% 63.31%
Difference 9.84% 10.53% -4.52%
Net Income $5,624.58 $12,850.44 ($10,759.10)
Net Income/Sales% 11.45% 20.36% -19.12%
5461 SIC Average 11.01% 11.01% 11.01%
Difference 0.44% 9.35% -30.13%
September October
Cost of Goods Sold $16,602.71 $20,662.05
Gross Profit $38,799.29 $35,246.93
Gross Profit/Sales % 70.03% 63.04%
5461 SIC Average 63.31% 63.31%
Difference 6.72% -0.27%
Net Income $5,033.88 ($1,452.45)
Net Income/Sales% 9.09% -2.60%
5461 SIC Average 11.01% 11.01%
Difference -1.92% -13.61%