Apple's Next Iphone Will Have a Curved Screen

Apple is quickly approaching its ten years of the Iphone generation, therefore consumers are expecting big and exciting changes to the Iphone. They recently had slow sales with the release of the Iphone 7 due to the design being similar to the Iphone 6. Apple has fallen behind on their technology compared to Samsung who has developed new appearances and advancements to their cellular devices. Apple's Iphone would be switching from their traditional LCD screen to an OLED screen that curves similar to the ones that some Samsung phones already feature.

Apple tried to partner with other manufactures to get the OLED screens, but no other companies are capable of producing screens like Samsung is. Furthermore, people are more accustomed to the OLED screens from Samsung than from any other brand, so this would help drive sales.

Due to the Iphone being released with different features and being an anniversary phone, it is expected to increase sales and share price. The Iphone would also face new changes with its charging port and home button. Apple and other companies have stated that it has been difficult to bring changes to phones that would motivate consumers to change their phones frequently not only from their competition but also from past products.

Veronica Sanchez

MKTG 3343

https://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-next-iphone-will-have-a-curved-screen-1488260583?mg=id-wsj

Macy’s Profit Tops Views Despite Stumbling Sales

During the December quarter of 2016, Macy Inc.'s in-store sales dropped (the eighth consecutive quarterly decline) by 2.1%. However, in an effort to increase overall sales - not just in-store sales - Macy's outlined a plan to close dozens of their stores and focus on catering to a technology-savvy generation by increasing online sales.

Many department stores are realizing digital platforms have become a priority in the retail business and thus prioritized this facet in their respective marketing strategies. In evaluating their marketing mix, Macy's intends to test new concepts in order to increase their future sales - promotion being the biggest concern. It was noted that many customers do their research before even leaving their house to purchase a product - which meant less customers making their decisions while physically in the store. This points at a need to increase their online promotion and branding in order to draw in those more organized customers.

Narrowing down to their best opportunities, Macy's obviously intends to gain a competitive advantage over other department stores and provide their target customers (in this case, online shoppers or researchers) superior customer value. Macy's executives emphasized that 2017 "would be a year for testing new concepts before rolling them out nationally. That includes new merchandise and entertainment options, enhanced technology, updated marketing and a simplified pricing structure." These company objectives provide guidelines for Macy's future development; they should be engaging in specific activities to better understand their refocused target market and thus strengthen their marketing strategy.

Erin Larson
MKTG 3343

https://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-profit-tops-views-despite-stumbling-sales-1487686108

Targeted Marking for certain audiences - Naadir Mehta

Smart TV companies and streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix are starting to target certain audiences. Companies such as Viacom and Discovery Communications will start streaming ads over their services to targeted demographics of certain class levels. For example a family with children will have advertisments for minivans and baby food. They will also target audiences based on what watch people watch, for example a household who watches a lot of sports will have targeted ads for sports equipment. Many people are questioning the ethical practices behind this type of marketing, in my opinion as long as it does not interfere with viewer's privacy rights.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/advertising-on-streaming-tv-devices-is-about-to-get-more-targeted-1488193202

Georgia: United States Last Big Untapped Gambling Market

The state of Georgia is now being considered as a very profitable opportunity for the world's largest casino corporations.

                               

This interesting article comments that casino corporations have been looking for new markets in the country and Georgia is being considered as a very profitable opportunity. However, the state’s constitution bans gambling and Evangelical Christian groups such as the Georgia Faith or the Freedom Coalition still resist to such proposals. Seven of the world’s largest casino corporations have hired more than 50 lobbyists to press their case and allow casinos in the state. Actually, Georgia is the eighth-most populous state in the U.S. and such large numbers of people could turn these tentative proposals into very successful and lucrative casinos. Additionally, the story points out that the idea is gaining momentum as recent polls demonstrate that around 57% of voters registered in the state would support full-service gambling.

Relevance to Marketing:

The marketing concept indicates that all individuals should work together to accomplish a business goal and the article is a very good example of this idea as the world’s largest casino corporations have been pushing hard against state legislators to allow full-service gambling in a state where such activities are banned. It is also important to say that customer satisfaction guides a whole organization and Georgia’s recent polls demonstrate that the majority of its inhabitants would be in favor of legalizing casino establishments. When talking about the target market, casino corporations will focus on gambling supporters living the state of Georgia if the activity is legalized. Furthermore, fewer casino corporations still exist as gambling has been prohibited in many different states around the U.S. creating less but really strong competitors fighting for the same markets.

Application to Other Businesses:

There are many different business activities outlawed or restricted in states around the country, including gun selling. However, this article is a very good precedent for other types of businesses going through the same situation as it shows how influential corporations can persuade lawmakers and voters into legalizing such practices.

Name: Javier León

Class: MKTG 3343

Article: Casino Companies Seek Foothold in Georgia, the U.S.’s Last Big Untapped Gambling Market

Link to WSJ Website: https://www.wsj.com/articles/casino-companies-seek-foothold-in-georgia-the-u-s-s-last-big-untapped-gambling-market-1487845809

Tesla: Breaking Barriers and Recognizing The Need For Speed

Tesla is Breaking Breaking Barriers Beyond Their Zero-Emissions Reputation, Recognizing The Need For Speed!

Tesla, most recognized for their technological innovations in the advancement of lithium-ion battery powered vehicles, has surpassed another momentous landmark this month. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently revealed that in a trial run administered by Motor Trend magazine, the Tesla's Model S P100D has officially claimed the crown as the fastest 0-60 production vehicle. This is a groundbreaking accomplishment not only for Tesla but for the entire electric auto manufacturing industry which has been trying to shake the image of their eco-friendly but sluggish performance vehicles. To become the fastest 0-60 vehicle Tesla had to beat out some fierce competition including the Ferrari LaFerrari who previously held the record at an astonishing 2.34 seconds. Tesla's Model S P100D ran the 0-60 in a jaw dropping 2.28 seconds.

The market for electric vehicles has historically been very small. Electric vehicles come with a hefty price tag and limited range of use. When consumers in the market are looking for a car that will cost them six digits or more they are typically also looking for some raw power to back up that price tag. Tesla can now fulfill this need and do so in the most eco-friendly way possible. No the Tesla Model P100D, with a price tag of $135,700, will not be an option for your average consumer, but it is sure to now capture the attention of fast car enthusiasts with money to spend. By achieving such a feat Tesla has expanded its target market.

There are still major obstacles to overcome before Tesla can gain a major foothold in the supercar market but this has surely opened the door. Major weaknesses include: limited driving distance, the inability to maintain power performance for extended periods of time without overheating the lithium-ion batteries, and slower 'top-end' performance. With this accomplishment behind them and their ability to constantly innovate Tesla is undoubtedly a supercar competitor to keep an eye on in the coming years. 

Joseph Webb | MKTG3343

Article: What's the Latest Buzz in Electric Cars? Speed, Baby!

Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-the-latest-buzz-in-electric-cars-speed-baby-1487953152#

Could Artificial Intelligence help Wells Fargo to improve its customer services?

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Wells Fargo has created a team to develop artificial intelligence-based technology and selected a lead for its newly combined payments businesses as part of an ongoing push to strengthen its digital offerings.

According to project leader Avid Modjtabai, the goal is to “redefine the next generation of capabilities and offering, and to prioritize research and development that elevates the customer experience”. He states that customers want new types of services that make banking and managing finances convenient and easy, allowing them to interact with the bank whenever and however they want.

Financial institutions see artificial intelligence as a way to improve customer experience and automate routine back-office processes, which could help save money and let employees focus on value-added activities related to the customers. Wells Fargo's AI team will work on creating technology that can help the bank provide more personalized customer service through its branches and online.

Wells Fargo sees three major opportunities in AI. First, through speech recognition technology, helping customers complete transactions while driving. Also, improving customers experiences interacting with technology such as Facebook Messenger. Lastly, providing a more personalized experience by anticipating customers’ needs. 

Georgina Bastidas | MBA5320

Article: Wells Fargo Innovation Group to Focus on Artificial Intelligence, Payments and APIs. http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2017/02/09/wells-fargo-innovation-group-to-focus-on-artificial-intelligence-payments-and-apis/