Description: There is an increasing trend for early-stage companies to debut on the stock market through a reverse takeover. Reverse takeovers provide a cost-effective option for new firms to access much needed finance. Source: BNN Date: June 26, 2015 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/Video/player.aspx?vid=644583 Questions for Discussion: What are reverse takeovers? Why are reverse takeovers popular… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Strategy
Dollarama—a Canadian retail success story
Description: Amidst falling fortunes for retail stores in Canada, one Canadian discount store that has not only survived but thrived under the harsh economic environment, is Dollarama. Recently, it reported a 22 percent surge in profits this year. Source: CBC Date: June 10, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2669206539/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss Dollarama’s success model. What… Read more »
Subway spiraling downwards
Description: Once the undisputed market leader in healthy food alternatives, Subway has been loosing ground to its competitors—both old and new. Subway’s U.S. sales have fallen faster than any other of America’s top 25 food chains. Source: New York Times Date: June 03, 2015 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/the-rise-and-fall-of-subway-how-the-worlds-biggest-food-chain-lost-its-fresh-appeal Questions for Discussion: Discuss the rise and… Read more »
HBC set to open new stores
Description: Despite the increasing number of retailers that have recently shut shop, Hudson’s Bay Company is betting big on retail stores. It is opening seven Saks full-line luxury department stores in Canada, in addition to 25 Saks Off Fifth sores. Source: BNN Date: June 03, 2015 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/6/3/HBC-bets-big-on-retail-bricks-and-mortar.aspx Questions for Discussion: 1. In… Read more »
Will you pay for videos on YouTube?
Description: Reports have emerged that Google’s video-streaming site, YouTube, is in the process of launching a monthly subscription service. Buoyed by success of Netflix, YouTube may also try to get consumers to spend money for creative content on Internet. Source: CBC Date: April 12, 2015 Text Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/paying-for-youtube-the-next-experiment-in-the-tv-revolution-1.3028271 Questions for Discussion: Will you pay for… Read more »
Kraft and Heinz to Merge
Description: In a major development in the food industry, Kraft Foods Group and Heinz Co. are merging their operations to create a single company with $28 billion in revenue. Warren Buffet proclaimed to play a role in setting-up the merger. There seems to be a major shake-up on the cards for the packaged food business…. Read more »
Future Shop Closes Stores
Description: Future Shop, a consumer electronic retail giant, is closing its stores, resulting in 1,500 job losses. Future Shop is closing 66 stores immediately, and the remainder 65 will turn into Best Buy outlets. Source: CBC Date: March 28, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2661222339/ Questions for Discussion: What are the reasons for this closure? Why are… Read more »
Companies find sneaky tactics to increase prices
Description: Consumers do not want to see price increases in grocery stores – So how do companies increase their prices without annoying the consumers? Instead of increasing price, companies reduce the size of the item without reducing the price or the packaging. Source: CBC Date: March 20, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2659792798/ Questions for… Read more »
KFC Under Pressure After McDonald’s Says No to Antibiotics in Chicken
Description: KFC, world’s largest fried chicken restaurant chain, may face pressure from consumers and environmental groups after McDonald’s announced that it would switch to chickens raised without antibiotics. Source: Financial Post Date: March 12, 2015 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/03/12/what-will-kfc-do-fried-chicken-chain-faces-pressure-after-mcdonalds-says-no-antibiotics-in-chicken/ Questions for Discussion: How does McDonald’s new strategy give them a competitive advantage? What should KFC do? Discuss… Read more »
Impact of Apple Watch on Swiss Watch Brands
Description: Apple Watch will hit the stores next month. It is expected that it will reach sales of 20 million to 30 million units annually in the first few years; in comparison, the four-century old Swiss watch industry exported 28.6 million watches in 2014. Apple Watch is likely to challenge the mighty Swiss watch brands… Read more »
