Hudson Bay Company

The Bay – You are the Buyer… Assignment Erica Hobb Sarah Walkington As a Buyer for the Bay, I would ensure that these new brands that I was bringing in to my department would be productive by researching every brand and making sure there on the same trend line that we are trying to follow. Knowing your target market is also a key element when introducing new brands.

The selection factors that I would look at when choosing what brands to bring into my store would be dependent on the season, fit, colour or pattern, durability of garment or product, price, versatility/multi-use, designer label/prestige factor and quality of construction. When deciding what brands to get rid of and which ones to keep, this would be solved by knowing which products are successful and which ones are not. Also which brands are going to match the new reconstruction of our company the Bay and which brands fits in with the new theme and which ones are outdated.

In my opinion, the different factors of the two retailers are: The Bay is very Canadian based, not just because it started in Canada but because even their window displays are reflective to a Canadian theme, where as Holt Renfrew is known for being a high end retailer selling brands and products that are available and sold in other retail stores. The Bay has added over 250 new brands and 90% of which are exclusive to the Bay in Canada. Another factor that is different between the two retailers is their pricing.

Holt Renfrew is designed for people with lavish lifestyles and an eye for expensive designer clothing where as The Bay ranges from all price points. The Bay has style and affordable merchandise. Also the customer service you find at both retailers are very different. When going into Holt Renfrew, your getting the whole shopping experience. Employees almost tend to smother you making sure everything you need is at there service where the Bay is more low key.