Shopping Conveniently

For this blog, the pharmacy I frequent and chose to write about is the Walgreens on the corner of Spring Garden and Market St.
Some of the advantages are:
1. The Store is located on the corner of a major intersection, and many people pass it on a daily basis.
2. The location is 24 hours(as most are)
3. The store is not far from grocery stores, banks and small businesses. So people at these places who may need things have it conveniently placed.
4. This store is also in very close proximity to many apartment complexes and a huge church. There are at least 5 complexes that I can think of off the top of my head that are minutes away.
5. There are no other pharmacy's close by. Most of the time when you see a Walgreens you're bound to see a CVS within a few moments.

Some Disadvantages:
1. Located on the corner of a major intersection. Some people may fear the traffic of getting in an out so don't bother to stop.
2. If turning left into parking lot from Spring Garden St, or turning left back onto Spring Garden from the lot there is always difficulty. Because of the heavy traffic it takes a few minutes to get in and out.
3. upon entering the parking lot, there is also limited space compared to other Walgreens.

Ultimately, this location is perfect and I don't think it should be moved. For me, it's conveniently located between home and school, and if I need to stop in the AM to grab a bottled water or five hour energy(lol) it's right there for me to stop in and go... Also, it's great b/c on the way home if there is anything I need from a pharmacy, i can stop in and don't have to go out of my way. This, for me is the only walgreens i actually frequent in town simply based on location. I don't think there is much that could've been done better with the placing of this store, except possibly expanding the parking lot....

VALS.... on point!

After doing some research on retailers and target markets I find much of it interesting...how well retailers really do know their audiences...they just don't always seem to show it! lol... anywho... after reading the VALS section and taking the survey... I am surprised yet again at how accurate it is. I ranked in the Achievers/Experiencer sector. I believe this is fairly accurate, b/c I am on the fast track to living a high acheiving and highly goal oriented life to be comfortable and successful.... As for the experience side I enjoy getting a thrill out of the things that are new/fresh and innovative.

As for comparison to Ann Taylor shoppers, I think they fall more in the Achievers category. They're work/goal oriented women who are looking to further develop their careers and style. They are women on the mental/motivated move and enjoy consistancy and success.

Just The Facts...

As stated in my previous blog, Zara, is a Spanish born retailer. It's owner Amancio Ortega is not only the owner of this brand but many others. The other brands aren't very popular here in the U.S, but thrive in other countries. The first Zara opened in it's headquarter location of A Coruna in 1975. In its opening years the purpose was to "feature low-priced lookalike products of popular higher-end clothing fashions."(enotes.com)
As stated in the last blog, Zara's popularity and success mostly comes from the ability to produce fresh, fair priced, and well-made clothing at a great price point and on a regular basis. This distribution technique didn't happen over night, the company didn't start operating on a QR method until mid to early 80's and still thrives with this technique today. Also aiding in the success is the variety of items provided. There product line includes items in the following areas: Men's and Women's clothing, including; lower and upper garment, shoes, cosmetics and accessories. Only in catalouge can you find the children's clothing line, but it is still an option!
With the success of the QR manufacturing technique in place, Zara has grown a great deal. It is now available in 68 countries, boasts a well staffed 12,630 employees, and banked 2,113.0 million in sales in the 07-08 year. If Zara continues to show and prove as they have over the past 34 years, we'll see nothing but increased numbers and popularity!**

CIAO!

** All financial info, and numbers provided via ReferenceUSA.com**

Favorite Retailer

My ultimate favorite retailer would hands down have to be Zara!
Zara is a Spanish born retailer who thrives on a QR method of business, has done well since its first store opening in 1975. Never been there? Here's a few reasons and my favorite reasons you should think about giving Zara a walk through!

• The range of style in the collections is very vast. There's something for everyone! Wether you just need a pair of beach shorts or if you're need of a well-fit suit, you can find BOTH here!
• The fit is SUPERB! Compared to most retailers, as a guy, the clothes are naturally larger and some if not most things, have to be tailored to fit exactly how you desire. At Zara? I've never had to alter a single item purchased here for a better fit, off the rack it fits how i like it!
• If you're looking for an item that you would rarely(if @ all) see around campus, Zara is the place for you! B/c of the QR methods, there are usually not very many duplicates of the same item. So you can shop here without having to worry about seeing 3/4 of your outfit walking to your next class!
• You'll also find that customer service here is a notch above other competing retailers, like H & M, Urban Outfitters and the likes. They tend to you a little more exclusively than at the other locations, they don't just toss you in the fitting room and leave you, they offer suggestion and will sometimes actually do their job! lol Maybe they're just nice to me b/c I can't walk out of the store without spending @ least a few hundred bucks!
• Which bring me to my next point! Which is.....the PRICE POINT! For the quality of clothing you are receiving, you are definitely always going to receive the biggest bang for your buck with Zara. There's not many places you can buy a well made velvet blazer for about $150!!! Great for high end looks with low to mid range pricing!

All in all, for the "Fabulous and Broke..." a place like Zara is Heaven on Earth! I make sure I visit either the Atlanta or Philadelphia locations a few times a year to keep important pieces to tide me over until my next visit! If you've not been...GET THERE!!!!


JL