Rachel Meadow claims that online shopping is gradually putting retail stores out of business. In her blog post, Rachel talks about how services like Amazon have become a major threat for companies such as Staples and Best Buy. There are several risk factors which accompany having a physical retail store. In response, Staples has closed down over a dozen locations and focused its attention instead, on creating an online option for customers.

I agree with Rachel in the sense that online shopping has a strong value proposition of ease and satisfaction. Why would you trek out to a store when you can sit down at your computer and find exactly what you’re looking for?

In order for retail stores to maintain their competitive edge they need to offer a memorable and positive experience for their customers. When a company has clearly determined their value proposition and target segment they can customize and create a service/experience which attracts the customer just as much as the product. Is online shopping truly a threat to retail stores or could it be an opportunity for companies to reevaluate and redesign? Up until recently, there haven’t been any competitive substitutions for physical stores. While online shopping represents a threat to retail stores, it also is a sign that many companies need to take a step back and analyze the shopping experience they are providing for customers.

In a recent blog post from Sara Chitsaz, she addresses controversial views regarding Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign. While many people view this campaign as inspirational, others are skeptical of Dove’s motives. Sara questions the legitimacy of Dove’s intentions as they are owned by Unilever; a company that owns various brands who’s standpoint and ethical basis do not align with that of Dove.

While these are accurate views, it is important to view Dove as an individual, independent brand. I applaud Dove for taking a bold stance against the status quo. Marketing and media convinces women of their inadequacy and causes self-esteem to plummet. Magazine’s and other media platforms have created an unrealistic standard that women are expected to strive after.

In contrast, Dove is committed to building self-esteem within women. Since their campaign began in 2004, Dove has dedicated itself as a brand to reshaping women’s view of true beauty. By bringing real women into the picture, Dove has made this campaign come alive in a way that is extremely impactful. Dove has clearly taken this campaign beyond a marketing strategy by becoming involved with different organizations such as Girls Scouts and Girls Inc. I am a strong supporter of Dove and their ethical, pro women and empowering “Real Beauty” campaign and the positive impact it has had on society.

Thank you, Dove, for redefining what true beauty is!

Recently, a blog post regarding customer service, treatment and retention from Women on Business caught my eye. In this particular post, Leona Charles talks about the importance of building up your customer in order to build your business.

This approach seems straightforward and obvious to the success of any company. However, I would like to propose that before building up your customers you must first build up your employees.

I strongly believe that a business is only as healthy externally as it is internally. This idea relates directly back to the employees and management of a company. The organizational culture of a company is truly the framework of a business; If the framework is left neglected or is not built properly the structure of a company will eventually collapse.

Google is an example of a company who values their employees by providing them with services, products and a positive work environment. When a company has happy, dedicated and content employees the result will ultimately be happy, dedicated and content customers. As management invests into their employees, those employees will in turn better serve customers.

“If the United Nations was fully funded why would we need the Arc or social enterprise?”

The United Nations is a key international organization responsible for maintaining peace, promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. Major growth and development has come about because of the presence of the UN. Responding to immediate needs and global issues, the United Nations does not offer long term sustainable assistance in the same way that Arc and social enterprise does.

In my opinion, even if the United Nations was fully funded, they would need organizations like Arc Initiative to work in collaboration with. Arc Initiative offers long term support for communities and individuals by providing them with practical business training. After the initial involvement of the UN, social enterprise offers a long term solution and addresses issues with practical, applicable innovation. Social enterprise uses ideas to help locals generate income, thus providing them with a future.

In 2013, my older sister travelled to Ethiopia with a team from Arc Initiative. It was truly inspiring to hear firsthand about the impact her team made and the long term support they were able to provide to local businesses though training. Owner of Salem’s Ethiopia, Salem Kassahun is a local business owner in Addis Ababa who received business training in strategy, marketing and finance through Arc. The training and consultation she received  in 2011 equipped her to further expand and develop her craft boutique. Not only did my sister have the opportunity to meet Salem but she brought home gifts which she had purchased from Salem’s shop.

Hearing stories from my sister, and reading articles about people like Salem has caused me to realize the importance of social enterprise and involvement at a fundamental level. The United Nations and organizations such as Arc work hand in hand in the sense that one tackles micro, and the other deals with macro issues. They are both necessary and extremely important.

A major strategic factor which contributes to a company’s success and exposure is marketing. Individual companies often adopt certain marketing techniques and methods which will complement their brand and image. Marketing determines how the consumer views a particular company or product and the associations which are made within the consumer’s mind.

American Apparel is an example of a company whose controversial marketing techniques have created a distinct hyper sexualized brand image. Initially, American Apparel used a platform of fairness and ethics to appeal to customers. However, as the brand developed, so did the overtly sexual message behind the clothing.

Over the past couple years, numerous American Apparel graphic advertisements have succeeded in causing both shock value and scrutiny. Provocative images have been banned on multiple occasions and many of their ads are viewed as degrading of women. The CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney, recently faced an ultimatum which required him to quit or be fired due to nude photos being posted on the internet under his consent.

Personally, I believe that American Apparel has abused their marketing angle to the point which has damaged the company. While their tactics may have initially created a unique brand for the company it has spiraled into a controversial issue. I agree that shock value can often times have a profound and positive impact on the public but in this particular case, American Apparel is using vulgar, explicit marketing techniques.

JRINK is a DC based company, dedicated to providing fast paced lifestyles with high quality and essential nutrition in the form of cold-pressed juice. Co-founded by Sauder alumni, Shiza Okusa, JRINK provides practical, healthy solutions for people in the workplace or on the go. Cold pressed and locally made, JRINK creates juice that is healthy and tasteful. With no added sugars, preservatives, processing or shortcuts, a standard bottle contains up to five pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Currently opening a second location, JRINK also offers delivery services in order to further accommodate busy, on the go lifestyles. Through networking and partnerships, JRINK is successfully infiltrating into the workplace and providing for consumers in unique and exciting ways.

As a “typical” Vancouverite, I am passionate about living a healthy, active and well balanced lifestyle. For many, the word Vancouver is commonly associated with yoga, health, running, hiking, outdoors and adventure. Even as a university student I struggle with finding the balance of living healthy but staying on top of my day to day demands.

As brand awareness and company growth continues, JRINK’s next strategic move should be to open a location in Vancouver. With numerous unique, independent shops and services, JRINK would successfully fit in to the Vancouver atmosphere. Not only is the Vancouver market cohesive with JRINK’s target market but there are numerous events and opportunities for marketing. JRINK has created an exciting solution for myself and many others who value a nutritious balanced lifestyle.