The retail marketing mix is a marketing term that refers to the variables that a retailer can combine in alternative ways to attract its consumers. The variables usually include factors such as: merchandise variety and assortment, services offered, store design, location, pricing and customer service.
So when I was thinking about the different types of merchandise Walmart of course came to mind because they offer such a huge variety of merchandise and services- but although Walmart sells cigarettes and beer it does not offer the same assortment or depth of merchandise that a tabacco store or liquor store would carry.
We, as consumers EXPECT services such as parking, the ability to use a credit card at most stores, and convienent store hours. One store in Rapid City that stands out to me for service is Medicap Pharmacy- they offer personal consultations for any perscription filled there, you can drive through and pick up your perscription and they always have time to answer any questions I have.
I really love the sore design in target and Toys R Us – they both have wide isles so I don’t feel like Im playing bumper cars while Im shopping- also everyhting is neatly displayes and most of the time it is also labeled by sections so I don’t have to search around the store for what I need.
When I thought about location – Colonial House came to mind – they have a great location – they are the only Ma and Pa restaurant on the south side and they are ALWAYS busy because of the great food they serve. When I thought about a bad location I thought about Cabelas- they are out of town and the closest thing to them is a truck stop. If you were not from Rapid City or didn’t know where it was you probibly wouldn’t be able to find it.
If its price that you are worried about your in luck we have a dollar tree and atleast 2 Family Dollars in rapid city- dollar tree sell misc. stuff for only a dollar every day but sometimes what you get is what you pay for if you know what I mean – family dollar rounds everything to the closest dollar so everything sells for an even dollar about ex $2 $10 $15- but if you want a discount without sacrafising quality you can shop at target or gordmans they both offer good quality items at a decent price
When I started thinking about customer service I first thought about the bad (Walmart and Verizon) then focused on the good. Once place I know I can always get great customer service from is Ace Hardware – whenever I have a project and need some advice they are always there with a suggestion and a smile and most of the time they have popcorn at the Ace on the westside so that’s an added bonus! Another great customer service company I deal with is amazon.com – I like that I can send my school books to them to be sold and they pay the shipping and when I order from amazon I get a confirmation e-mail of what I ordered in less the 2 min after placing the order they also have a 1-800 number for anything I cant get resolved online.
