The supply chain of Zara
Number 1
Hi Paris,
The supply chain of Zara is correctly captured from the articles. I agree with your descriptions of both horizontal and vertical conflicts in the context of Zara. The examples are also correct, but I think it is worth acknowledging that these conflicts are less likely to occur because Zara controls a significant portion of its supply chain. The marketing system of Zara is also correctly identified as a corporate vertical marketing system. The advantages of this system also included, which is excellent. The offsetting of the disadvantage of cost of labour by fast fashion as a competitive advantage is an excellent observation. I think you should explore other cons of fast fashion distribution. Your response to the last question about value addition is also convincing. I think you have done an excellent job.
Number 2
Hi Addisen,
You have responded excellently to the questions on Zara article. The analysis of Zara supply chain is correct from design to sale of the fashion in various outlets. Also, the examples of horizontal and vertical conflicts as they may apply to Zara are proper. However, I think you should consider explaining what those concepts mean before giving your examples. Zara also owns a considerable portion of its supply, making the possibility of conflicts minimal. You can do the same thing to the way you have explained the vertical marketing system, which is excellent as well. Another observation that I have made is the inclusion of the advantages and disadvantages of Zara’s marketing system. I agree with your list of benefits, but I think to you did not address the requirement of whether the advantages offset disadvantages of fast distribution.
Number 3
Hi Abby,
You have included a lot of vital information and explanation about the supply chain of Zara, which is good. I think you should also mention the process of production of the clothes, which involves cutting, sewing and ironing. Furthermore, after that product process, there is preparation for distribution, which requires packaging that you did not mention. You have also done well by identifying the end process where store managers give feedback to the company about trends to influence future designs because of this chain unique. I agree with your instances on conflicts that may relate to Zara Company. You have also correctly identified the marketing system that the company uses; corporate vertical marketing system. I am content with your description of how the advantages of fast fashion distribution offset the disadvantages in Zara Company. Generally, you have done an excellent job.
Number 4
Hi Saad,
That is a perfect and precise description of the supply chain of Zara. Mentioning that the company makes some raw materials while sourcing others is an indication of proper understanding and productive research, which is excellent. I agree with your discussion on the concepts of vertical and horizontal conflicts in the context of Zara. However, you should acknowledge the fact that the possibility for those conflicts are minimal since Zara has nearly complete control over its supply chain. The company marketing system is indeed vertical marketing; the explanation you have given for it is precise and correct. You might consider exploring other advantages of the corporate vertical marketing system. Your reason for the offsetting of disadvantages by pros sounds unclear. You may find elaborating for clarity. What does the superiority of fashion mean? I agree with the value addition of Zara explanation that you have added.
Number 5
Hi Lauren,
I think you did not address the first question exhaustively; you have not included every item on the supply chain of Zara the way it should be done. All supply chains begin from raw materials to consumers; consider finding what is unique about Zara’s chain. The second question is also not answered appropriately. The question asks about conflicts, but you talk about marketing. The item requires a description of vertical and horizontal conflicts and examples in Zara company context. You have excellently identified the marketing system of Zara as vertical. I agree with the explanation about why you think they use corporate VMS. Your approach to question four is excellent. The mention of the disadvantages of fast fashion and that the advantages supersede them is a unique approach. However, you did not mention a single advantage that you think offsets the problems. Finally, your identification of Zara’s value addition to its customers is commendable.
Number 6
Hi Melina,
I think you should consider looking at the information about Zara supply chain again. Your analysis of their supply chain seems incomplete; you have left out some critical information. From raw material, there is design, which you have not captured. Also, at the preparation stage, you did not mention cutting of fabric. It is good that you identified sewing at the manufacturing stage. I think the process here should be cutting, sewing then ironing. The chain should always end at the final consumer; you did not include that. The acknowledgement of the less likelihood of conflicts in the Zara chain is proper. The description and examples on the same are also correct. The marketing system of Zara is also correctly identified as a corporate vertical marketing system. The listed benefits if this system is also accurate. Finally, I think you have adequately handled both question four and five.