Apple's Foundation and Structure
Apple, a renowned technology company, was established in 1976 with its headquarters in California, USA. The company was founded by four visionaries: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne, and Mike Markkula. Currently led by CEO Tim Cook, Apple boasts an impressive workforce of 220,000 employees.
Apple operates on an international scale, focusing on producing goods with the primary aim of generating profits. The company's resources are substantial:
- Financial: $29 million
- Material: Shops and warehouses
- Immaterial: Patents, notoriety, skills, and brand image
Highlight: Apple's global presence and diverse resources contribute significantly to its market dominance.
The key question explored is: How does Apple maintain competitiveness using a single distribution strategy?
To address this, we'll examine:
- Different distribution strategies
- Apple's specific strategy
- Customer relationships between Apple and its consumers
Definition: Distribution strategy refers to the approach a company takes to make its products available to consumers.
There are three main distribution strategies:
- Intensive
- Selective
- Exclusive
Apple employs a selective distribution strategy, carefully choosing its distribution channels to maintain its premium brand image.
Example: Apple products are available in specialized supermarkets like Darty, Apple Stores worldwide, and on their website, but not in all retail outlets.