Harvard Case - Distribution strategy at Mango
"Distribution strategy at Mango" Harvard business case study is written by Victor Martinez de Albeniz. It deals with the challenges in the field of Operations Management. The case study is 15 page(s) long and it was first published on : Nov 28, 2023
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Mango implement a comprehensive, multi-faceted distribution strategy that leverages technology, optimizes its supply chain, and enhances customer experience. This strategy will involve a combination of digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable growth and profitability.
2. Background
Mango, a Spanish fashion retailer, has experienced significant success in recent years, expanding its global presence and building a loyal customer base. However, the company faces challenges in managing its complex distribution network, optimizing inventory levels, and adapting to changing customer expectations. The case study highlights Mango's struggles with managing its supply chain, particularly in terms of inventory control, logistics, and product distribution.
The main protagonists of the case study are the executives at Mango who are tasked with developing a new distribution strategy to address these challenges.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To analyze Mango's situation, we employ the Porter's Five Forces framework:
- Threat of New Entrants: The fashion industry is highly competitive, with numerous online and offline retailers entering the market.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: Consumers have a wide array of choices and are increasingly price-sensitive.
- Threat of Substitute Products: Fast fashion trends and the rise of online marketplaces create a constant threat of substitute products.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Mango's reliance on numerous suppliers across different countries increases its vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.
- Competitive Rivalry: The industry is characterized by intense rivalry among established players like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21.
Mango's current distribution strategy faces the following challenges:
- Inefficient Inventory Management: High inventory levels lead to storage costs and potential obsolescence.
- Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Limited data visibility across the supply chain hinders effective decision-making.
- Limited Flexibility: The current system struggles to adapt to changing customer demands and market trends.
- High Logistics Costs: Complex distribution network and reliance on third-party logistics providers increase costs.
Key Opportunities:
- E-commerce Growth: The online retail market offers significant growth potential for Mango.
- Data Analytics: Leveraging data analytics can optimize inventory management, demand forecasting, and logistics.
- Sustainable Practices: Implementing sustainable practices can enhance brand image and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
4. Recommendations
Mango should adopt a multi-pronged distribution strategy focused on digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and strategic partnerships:
1. Digital Transformation:
- Implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System: A comprehensive ERP system will provide real-time visibility across the supply chain, enabling better inventory control, demand forecasting, and production planning.
- Develop a Robust E-commerce Platform: Invest in a user-friendly and feature-rich e-commerce platform to capture the growing online market share.
- Leverage Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to optimize inventory levels, personalize customer experiences, and improve demand forecasting.
- Integrate Omnichannel Strategy: Create a seamless customer experience across online and offline channels, allowing customers to purchase products and return them through various channels.
2. Supply Chain Optimization:
- Optimize Inventory Management: Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) production and Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce inventory levels and minimize waste.
- Improve Logistics Efficiency: Explore outsourcing for logistics operations to specialized providers, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure.
- Invest in Technology: Utilize RFID technology for real-time tracking of inventory and shipments, enhancing visibility and efficiency.
- Implement a Global Supply Chain Network: Establish a network of strategically located manufacturing and distribution centers to reduce lead times and optimize logistics costs.
3. Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with Third-Party Logistics Providers: Partner with reputable logistics providers to manage warehousing, transportation, and delivery operations.
- Form Strategic Alliances with Retailers: Explore partnerships with other retailers to expand reach and leverage their existing distribution networks.
- Collaborate with Technology Companies: Partner with technology providers to develop innovative solutions for inventory management, logistics, and customer experience.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations align with Mango's core competencies in fashion design and retail, while supporting its mission to provide stylish and affordable clothing to a global customer base.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations prioritize customer experience, offering a seamless and convenient shopping experience across all channels.
- Competitors: The recommendations aim to position Mango competitively by leveraging technology, optimizing operations, and offering a differentiated customer experience.
- Attractiveness ' Quantitative Measures: The implementation of these recommendations is expected to result in significant cost savings through improved inventory management and logistics efficiency, leading to increased profitability.
- Assumptions: The recommendations assume that Mango has the resources and commitment to invest in technology, implement new processes, and build strategic partnerships.
6. Conclusion
By embracing digital transformation, optimizing its supply chain, and forming strategic partnerships, Mango can overcome its distribution challenges, enhance its competitive position, and achieve sustainable growth in the global fashion market.
7. Discussion
Alternative Options:
- Maintaining the Status Quo: This option would be highly risky, as it would fail to address the existing challenges and could lead to further decline in competitiveness.
- Focusing Solely on E-commerce: While e-commerce offers significant growth potential, a solely online strategy would neglect the importance of physical stores and customer experience.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Technology Adoption: The successful implementation of the recommendations relies on the timely and effective adoption of new technologies.
- Change Management: Implementing significant organizational changes requires effective communication, training, and support to ensure buy-in from employees.
- Partner Selection: Choosing the right partners for logistics, technology, and retail collaboration is crucial for success.
Options Grid:
Option | Advantages | Disadvantages | Risk |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Transformation | Increased efficiency, improved customer experience, enhanced visibility | High initial investment, potential for disruption | Technology adoption, change management |
Supply Chain Optimization | Reduced costs, improved inventory control, enhanced logistics | Requires significant process changes, potential for disruption | Change management, partner selection |
Strategic Partnerships | Access to expertise, expanded reach, shared resources | Requires careful partner selection, potential for conflicts | Partner selection, integration challenges |
Status Quo | No immediate changes, low risk | Fails to address challenges, competitive disadvantage | Loss of market share, declining profitability |
Solely E-commerce | Faster growth, lower overhead | Neglects physical stores, limited customer experience | Competition, customer acquisition costs |
8. Next Steps
Timeline:
- Year 1: Implement ERP system, develop e-commerce platform, and initiate strategic partnerships.
- Year 2: Optimize inventory management, improve logistics efficiency, and expand global supply chain network.
- Year 3: Evaluate performance, refine processes, and expand strategic partnerships.
Key Milestones:
- Pilot Project: Conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of the proposed changes before full-scale implementation.
- Data Analysis: Regularly analyze data to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust the strategy as needed.
- Communication and Training: Provide ongoing communication and training to employees to ensure smooth implementation and adoption of new processes.
By taking these steps, Mango can position itself for long-term success in the dynamic and competitive fashion industry.
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Case Description
Antonio Pascual, director of Supply Chain at Mango, was reviewing the initial supply chain indicators for 2021 and reflecting over the struggles of recent months. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered a global health crisis and caused a severe downturn that had been particularly difficult for fashion retailers, due to the forced closure of stores for many months. Fortunately, Mango had stood strong, with online sales growing significantly and somewhat mitigating the drop in revenues. Despite losses in fiscal year 2020, the company and the targets for 2021 were optimistic. The supply chain function had a central role to play in the upcoming year. As online sales kept growing, distribution facilities would need to adjust to the new reality. In fact, since 2019, Mango had already started the transformation of its distribution model to make it more suitable for online distribution. Past investments in logistics infrastructure, inventory traceability and process flexibility were starting to pay off. The road ahead was clear to Antonio: the more flexible the model, the better. This maxim had guided all recent decisions on the supply chain. However, the ambitious plans still lacked detail on how the supply chain should be designed and operated.
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