Shopping at Walmart just got a lot more convenient for the common household by growing into the e-commerce industry. Customers in the United States are able to purchase food online from Walmart, and Canadians will soon be able to exercise this power by being able to purchase non-perishables online, with no additional charge for delivery. Walmart has high hopes for meeting customers’ needs with the addition to the e-commerce grocery industry, with hopes of expanding into fresh and frozen offerings.

Adopting a broad cost leadership strategy allows Walmart to sell products at average and affordable prices and provides consumers with a wide variety of products.

This new strategy may be more convenient for seniors and people who are unable to go to a grocery store to shop, but it also poses several risks. If people simple shop online for their groceries, Walmart may suffer losses in other products. Usually when people go to the store they pick up extra items they may not need because of their strategic placement in the store. As well, Walmart is offering free delivery through the joint cooperation of Canada Post, which could increase their costs in the long run. Only time will tell if Walmart’s entrance into the e-commerce industry will prevail to be beneficial.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs in Vancouver are experiencing the hardships of starting up fresh; businesses are faced with many challenges-the lack of rent control, and changing prices in leases.

Rachel Sawatzky, owner of Cocoa Nymph, a chocolatiere in Point Grey was forced to close down her second chocolate shop after losing $75,000 in under a year of opening. It is unfortunate that after her lease expired, the landlord increased the lease, causing the rent to double. (source)

Because Vancouver has no law preventing landlords from increasing their rent price, I think it is extremely difficult for new businesses and entrepreneurs to start their business. Businesses future’s are dependent on establishing a brand name in their current location. When landlords increase their rent, it is a dramatic obstacle for entrepreneurs who are trying the establish and grow their business.

New business owners can’t afford the increase in leases- they’re already trying to survive in a competitive market with little existing funds, and have larger concerns to think about.

Despite the struggles, entrepreneurs are committed and keen to continue growing successful businesses in Vancouver, no matter what they have to encounter.

Future residents and guests of Trump International Hotel and Tower Vancouver will now have exclusive access to luxurious amenities at the tower, especially with Trump Vancouver’s announced partnership with London Air Services and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

This announcement has advantageous benefits and is key to creating a branding image of luxury alongside the Trump name; hotel guests and residential suit owners will be able to travel in style by having access to a chauffer driven Rolls-Royce Ghost. Resident suite owners will also seek an additional perk; London Air Services, the first airline to partner with a residential development offers services on their planes with customized schedules and a pilot at their expenditure. This will allow residents to experience the exclusiveness of living in Trump Vancouver and will entice the elite to purchase ritzy suites in the towers.

Trump Vancouver  has proven to  ensure that customers and clients get a first class experience at the towers; from a list of ‘firsts’ in Vancouver, services and amenities also include, Canada’s first Mar-a-Lago Spa by Ivanka Trump, a lobby champagne bar, and pool bar nightclub.

The design of the tower and first class services and amenities offered are an ideal match to the Trump brand name and the luxurious lifestyle that comes with it, but will Vancouver as a whole benefit from this iconic tower?