EOC Week 7 Retail Pest

No brand exists in a vacuum, and a PEST analysis helps a company determine the political, economic, social and technological environment the brand will live in.

POLITICAL: Some products have state and local fees or taxes imposed on them, based on the type of product and where you live. Some fees are subject to sales tax; others are not.
Marketplace items are sold and shipped directly by third-party Sellers who are responsible for the remittance and reporting of applicable sales taxes. Each Marketplace Seller has different sales tax collection obligations, depending on their business policies and location of their operations. Best Buy Marketplace collects sales taxes on the Seller’s behalf according to their instructions. Best Buy competition are Apple, Amazon, and WalMart http://finance.yahoo.com/q/co?s=BBY+Competitors they do have the ability to take over, they are a higher electronic store.
ECONOMIC: Pay no interest¹ on all purchases $429 or more if paid in full within 18 months. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-13/best-buy-profit-trails-analysts-estimates-as-television-sales-decline.html
SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHICS: 
TECHNOLOGICAL:

 

POLITICAL: 5 Point Action planning,  Macy’s uses nearly 300 million hangers each year in its stores. The new black hangers can be manufactured using recycled plastic materials, saving on the new petroleum-based resins used to make clear hangers. In 2008, Macy’s replaced the primary

handled shopping bag used in its stores with one made from kraft paper. The bags are 100 percent recycled with 50 percent recycled material.
ECONOMIC:  Macy's has credit card agreements. http://www.macys.com/service/credit/agreements/index.jsp Macy's Vendor Development Program is a corporate-wide initiative designed to foster the promotion, growth and development of minority and women-owned businesses. As a retailer with more than 140 years of experience, Macy's considers the program a sound business commitment. By supporting local and regional businesses, we believe we can strengthen and expand while contributing to the economic growth of the communities we serve. This goal will continue challenging us to seek new sources of ideas, creativity and quality.
SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHICS: Macy's really has been able to maintain whats popular and whats not within their customers. Since it is a department store they are able to achieve fashions fads with children, teens, and the older crowd. The lifestyle has always been the same, they appeal to home goods as well as personal needs.
TECHNOLOGICAL:   Macy's Inc. is launching a series of new tech-driven initiatives in its stores, including free Wi-Fi, digital receipts and cosmetics kiosks. It will also begin using computer tablets for product demonstrations and furniture deliveries.Macy's will begin testing Beauty Spot, a custom-designed cosmetics kiosk that will be installed in a handful of stores. Customers interested in lipstick or foundation, for example, can use the kiosks to look at product details, and a dedicated associate will be available to process credit-card transactions using a hand-held mobile device. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/macys-adopts-new-technology-in-stores-and-online.html 

 

POLITICAL: The Apple Online Store accepts a variety of payment methods.You can also combine payment methods to pay for your purchase. Most debit and check cards have daily spending limits that may substantially delay the processing of an order, even if there is enough money in an account. When using a debit card, funds are immediately reserved in your bank account at the time you place your order. Please consult your card-issuing bank for information about your daily spending limits if you are having trouble placing your order. Apple provides multiple ways of being responsible, they provide educational resources for workers throughout our supply chain from training on their rights under the law to free college classes in language skills, computers, and other subjects. Many workers also have the opportunity to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. To reduce the risk of hazards in the workplace, suppliers must provide proper protective gear, guardrails, safety harnesses, and other safety equipment, as well as comprehensive, up-to-date training for workers.

ECONOMIC: For a short time, Apple is providing new cardmembers to get special financing for up to 18 months on qualifying purchases including iPhone, iPad and Mac at the Apple Store made within 30 days of account opening. Apply now for the Financing Visa Card from Barclaycard.

SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHICS: In my honest opinion, i believe Apple has multiple changes in lifestyle. Apple is constantly appearing with new products that are being used in our every day lives. We can use Apple phones for everything, we have become so attached to our phones that we are able to do everything on them. Wors the same with computers, laptops, and for music like Ipod and Itouch.

TECHNOLOGICAL:   Since Apple is up to date on technology, that are very informed on what is the best next thing, hey are able to maintain their customers happy. Their research is amazing if they keep on coming up with a new Iphone every year.