Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 1 September 2015
Length: 4 pages
Abstract
Benjy's, an electronics and appliance retailer, is losing business because of 'showrooming': Customers come into the chain's stores to see, touch, and compare products but then buy at a lower cost from online competitors. Does the company's answer lie in matching online prices, trying to thwart price comparisons, improving customer service, offering exclusive products, charging manufacturers a fee for showcasing their products, or something else? Expert commentary comes from Roberto Leao, a finance executive for a global retail organization, and Steve Conine, chief technology officer of Wayfair, on online retailer. For teaching purposes, this is the case-only version of the HBR case study. This reprint is also available in two other versions: commentary-only and complete case study and commentary.
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About
Abstract
Benjy's, an electronics and appliance retailer, is losing business because of 'showrooming': Customers come into the chain's stores to see, touch, and compare products but then buy at a lower cost from online competitors. Does the company's answer lie in matching online prices, trying to thwart price comparisons, improving customer service, offering exclusive products, charging manufacturers a fee for showcasing their products, or something else? Expert commentary comes from Roberto Leao, a finance executive for a global retail organization, and Steve Conine, chief technology officer of Wayfair, on online retailer. For teaching purposes, this is the case-only version of the HBR case study. This reprint is also available in two other versions: commentary-only and complete case study and commentary.
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