In October 1993, Brian Shortland of Woolworths plc was considering the results of a 12 month project in which he had reviewed the supply chain systems operated by the company for sourcing merchandise from South East Asia. It was clear that a major overhaul of the company’s operation was required and he was contemplating how best to present the results of his review and his recommendations for improvements to the next Woolworths’ Board Meeting which would be held in ten weeks time. | Woolworths Plc Sourcing Retail Merchandise from South East Asia David Taylor Brian Shortland Case No. 0152 Copyright 2001 - David Taylor. This material is for the personal use of the individual purchaser or for reproducing on the specified course only. HllUi-1 IIV . 4----------- EJ UTTEHWORTH n 1 E m http Woolworths Pic Modal Choice Decisions in International Transport By David Taylor Brian Shortland Introduction In October 1993 Brian Shortland of Woolworths pic was considering the results of a 12 month project in which he had reviewed the supply chain systems operated by the company for sourcing merchandise from South East Asia. It was clear that a major overhaul of the company s operation was required and he was contemplating how best to present the results of his review and his recommendations for improvements to the next Woolworths Board Meeting which would be held in ten weeks time. Company Background Woolworths plc is a major retailer in Britain with some 800 outlets in the UK. The first store was opened in Liverpool England in 1909 by the . Woolworth organisation of the United States of America. The company under the title was by 1980 operating from 795 stores in all the major cities and towns in Britain. However in 1982 the UK operation was bought from the American parent company by Kingfisher a British consortium. The main focus of the company is directed at young families with children. Five main product ranges are carried in store which are - Toys Children s Clothing Entertainment compact discs tapes videos Confectionery and Home Kitchen. Merchandise is priced in the low to medium range thus supporting the main customer base and within the United Kingdom. Woolworths has a strong position in the market place as is shown in Exhibit One. Exhibit One Woolworths Market Position within the UK by Value of Sales 1993 TOYS 2nd place CHILDREN S CLOTHING 2nd place ENTERTAINMENT 1st place CONFECTIONERY 1st .
