Sage hardware is a small local retail Hardware store located in California that has been selling hardware supplies to the local market for the past thirty years. It derives most of its revenue from electrical supplies and tools. Sales have been consistent for the store, and Sage Hardware would like to expand its current customer base by targeting a specific niche of customers. Sage Hardware will like to target the DIY home maintenance market. These are individuals who are doing a DIY project for the first time.
After careful consideration it was proposed that an online store can open another distribution channel by catering to the Home Maintenance Industry especially to the DIY customers not just locally but internationally. Current trends show that the DIY customer is no longer just the male but more and more females are trying their hands at home improvement projects. Another trend points to, that more customers are looking at products made in the USA. Sage Hardware wants to focus mainly on a strategy that can control the cost of expanding at the current location, and at the same time provides a new source of income. The online presence will create awareness of the retail store amongst the local Home Maintenance industry which will eventually increase foot traffic to the retail store as well. The online store will also allow Sage Hardware expand its global presence by allowing international customers to purchase American made products
The Benefits of having an online store as a growth strategy for the current retail store are numerous. Some of the few of the benefits associated with an E-commerce site are shown below
The online store will allow Sage Hardware to target various customers not just locally but also internationally which will eventually increase revenue for Sage Hardware.
Since the online store will be open for business 24/7 with automated order and payment processing, sales can be made at any time, and potential customers can