“Many traditional supermarkets obviously have different core competencies, products and services, but they still share some common vital traits. Chief among these traits is using alliances as part of a multichannel strategy, and the capacity to form and execute alliances quickly. Traditional businesses have evolved through a series of archetypal stages: from start-up to growing firm to established company, to mature as a market leader. Successful companies do not succeed when they slow down or follow traditional business models. In the past few years, a handful of supermarkets have achieved quick and substantial competitive advantage in the world of e-tailing. Companies like Tesco, Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us were quickly identified as category leaders and they secured their positions by establishing sizeable gaps between them and their nearest competitors.” (Griffin, 2002)
References:
Bharadwaj, P. N., & Soni, R. G. (2007). E-Commerce Usage and Perception of E-Commerce Issues among Small Firms: Results and Implications from an Empirical Study. Journal of Small Business Management, 45(4), 501+.
Dennis, C., Fenech, T., & Merrilees, B. (2004). E-Retailing. New York: Routledge.
For the Biggest Bargains and Bitingly Honest Reviews, Frank Barrett Says.Make the Net Your First Port of Call. (2008, October 12). The Mail on Sunday (London, England), p. 33.
Griffin, J. (2002). Customer Loyalty: How to Earn It, How to Keep It (Rev. ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Quader, S., & Quader, R. (2008, April/September). The Utilization of E-commerce by Traditional Supermarkets in the UK through Strategic Alliances with Internet Based Companies. Journal of Services Research, 8, 177+.
Shoppers Fail to Explore the Sites. (2006, December 19). The Birmingham Post (England), p. 21.
UK Happy Shopping Online, Says Word of Mouth Advertising. (2008, April 29). The Birmingham Post (England), p. 23.
Why E-Tailing Hits Right Buttons; ASK THE EXPERT Matthew Hill, Associate within the Retail Asset Management Team at Donaldsons in Birmingham Answers a Topical Question. (2007, June 21). The Birmingham Post (England), p. 42.
Yang, Z., & Jun, M. (2008). Consumer Perception of E-Service Quality: From Internet Purchaser and Non-Purchaser Perspectives. Journal of Business Strategies, 25(2), 59+.