Williams-Sonoma Inc: Strategic Corporate Assessment

Introduction

Williams-Sonoma is working towards restoring its brand after the dismal performance of its largest brand, Pottery Barn, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. For this purpose, the company has adopted a five pronged strategy. The company believes that pricing is the key factor that would help it attain competitive advantage.

Scope

• Contains corporate strategy, value chain presence and SWOT Analysis
• Provides detailed business description, segment analysis, 5-year financial trends, key products and key competitors
• Includes information on suppliers/ partners, shareholding structure and key employees with biographies

Highlights

• Williams-Sonoma's strong brand portfolio caters to various segments in the home furnishing and accessories industries. It's core brands cater to the upper-middle-class and higher-end consumers, its emerging brands cater to the high end and teenage customers.
• Williams-Sonoma plans to attain a 5.7%8% growth rate in revenues in the fiscal year 2008. For this purpose, it intends to increase retail leased square footage by approximately 5% to 6% in 2008, increase catalog circulation by approximately 4% to 5%, and intensify the marketing support behind its fastest growing shopping channel, e-commerce.
• Consumer spending on home and holiday furnishings declined from $115 (per consumer) in December 2006 to $94 (per consumer) in December 2007, owing to slumping home sales, tighter credit standards, and rising fuel prices. Consumer spending on furniture and bedding grew by approximately 1.5% in 2007, the lowest annual growth rate since 2001.

Reasons to Purchase

• Access all the important information and analysis on the company in a single report
• Understand company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats along with business strategy and value chain
• Gain access to company's adjusted five year financial data along with key ratios and market capitalization