ISCOM 370 Week 5 Blue Nile and Diamond Retailing Case Study

Resource: Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation, Ch. 4

Read the Blue Nile and Diamond Retailing Case Study on pages 103-107 in Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning and Operations, Ch. 4.

Prepare an 8- to 10-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation with speaker notes, and address the following:

• Explain the key industry success factors in diamond retailing for Blue Nile, Zale's, and Tiffany's.

• Blue Nile carries more than 30,000 stones priced at $2,500 or higher, while 60% of the products sold from Tiffany's web site are prices around $200.  Which of the two product categories is better suited to the strengths of the online channel?  Why?  Support your answer with course concepts and examples.

• Tiffany stores have thrived by focusing on the sale of high-end jewelry. Why do you think Zale's upscale strategy failed in 2006?

• Which of the three companies do you believe is best structured to overcome weak economic conditions? Describe how the company's structure is related to its distribution channels; and explain how changes in market conditions may impact overall company performance.

• What advice would you give to each of the three companies regarding their future strategy and structure?

Cite your references.

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Note: Grades are awarded based upon individual contributions to the Learning Team assignment. Each Learning Team member receives a grade based upon his/her contributions to the team assignment. Not all students may receive the same grade for the team assignment.