Overview
Holey Soles Holdings Ltd, a Vancouver-based injection-molded footwear company, was soaring to new heights in 2007 when they realized that it might be time for some strategic focus. Over the last two years the company had grown at a rate of 300% each year and had received multiple awards for its performance. The market demand was at an all-time high, and with the high technological requirements, barriers to entry for new competitors were also high. There were several untapped markets throughout the world that were huge opportunities for this industry.
Holey Soles’ main competitor, Crocs had been achieving much higher sales and had established stronger brand recognition in the market. This reflected its successful recent initial public offering (IPO) and aggressive marketing tactics. They were capturing the market through this brand recognition, which Holey Soles had not yet achieved.
Holey Soles needs strategic focus. The management team that has been there since the company was formed when it was much smaller, is still fulfilling their original responsibilities and may be incapable of providing the necessary leadership. The growth requires Holey Soles to streamline their operational procedures and create efficiencies. This task falls on the management team and its ability to lead the company into the future. Without strategic focus, Holey Soles is at risk of losing its market share to