Grocery Check Out

Strategic Management

Individual Case Analysis

Grocery Checkout Inc. (GCO)

Key Issue

Frustration is something that everyone experiences and has to deal with on a regular basis or at random intervals throughout their life. How we deal with this frustration is what sets us apart and could ultimately make or break us. As is the situation with Nathan Felder, his frustration all began over how to purchase groceries as a student at the University of Western. How he dealt with his frustration is what resulted in the creation of Grocery Checkout Inc. (GCO). Now as the CEO of GCO, Felder has new frustrations and issues to deal with. As is the case with any new company, important decisions have to be made in regards to the future and success of the company as whole. In this situation, the key issue that Nathan Felder has to face is providing GCO’s investors with an answer in regard to if growth options are not feasible, should he look into selling GCO to an interested party, recommend that GCO remain on its current path (status quo), or provide GCO with a successful expansion plan.

In order for Felder to address this key issue properly, he must take into consideration what would be the best option for GCO in the short run as well as the long run. By being able to adapt, and deciding upon whether or not to change their advertising methods or even including physical locations can assist Felder in making the right decision. By being able to think critically in regards to the company as a whole and not subduing to the pressures placed on him by the investors of GCO, Felder will be able to obtain a better understanding of what his decision should be that will greatly benefit GCO.

External Analysis – Porter’s Five Forces

For Nathan Felder to be able to make the proper decision and achieve the desired results he seeks, he must be able to examine the Canadian grocery industry and develop a strategy that will be best suited for the industry and market in...