Questions

1. Using a strategic gap analysis for an organization of your choice how can it create a competitive advantage working in foreign markets?

The Home Depot, Inc. operates as a home improvement retailer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the world's largest home improvement chain and second-largest retailer in the US after Wal-Mart, The Home Depot Stores offer an assortment of merchandise and services, including building materials, lumber and millwork, plumbing, electrical and kitchen, hardware and seasonal, paint, flooring and wall covering products, generators, and furnace and central air systems, as well as provides installation services, such as carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and water heaters. It serves Do-It-Yourself (DIY) customers; Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) customers; and professional customers, including remodelers, general contractors, repairmen, and tradesmen. The Home Depot also operates EXPO Design Center stores, which provides home decorating, remodeling, and installation services for middle-to upper-income DIFM customers. It offers interior design products for kitchens, baths, appliances, and flooring, as well as products for lighting, decorating, and storage and organization projects. In addition, the company provides credit purchase programs through third-party credit providers to professional, DIY, and DIFM customers. As of March 31, 2006, the company operated 2,054 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces, and Mexico. It also offers products through its Web site, www.homedepot.com. The Home Depot was founded by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank in 1978. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia. (Black, 22-55)

The Home Depot, Inc. acquired Hughes Supply, Inc. in March 2006.( http://www.hoovers.com)S.W.O.T. AnalysisAnalysis of the tableStrengthsHome Depot has much competitive strength that makes them a very difficult company to compete against. Home Depot's strengths include:•Business model•Well known brand name•Extensive product offerings•Ability to growHome Depot's business model, the first of its kind in the home improvement industry has revolutionized the way customers shop for home improvement products. Their business model is simple. Sell home improvement products and services to DIY, BIY, and professional customers in huge spacious warehouses that boast a wide variety of products with sales associates that are educated and knowledgeable about home improvement (case). This is all done with low prices as the primary driver. (Black, 22-55)

The Home Depot name has become synonymous with home improvement. This association has been forged over a long time of being number one in customer's minds when it comes to home improvement. Home Depot's orange aprons, low prices, knowledgeable associates, and warehouse like stores have all contributed to a very strong brand image. It is no secret that if you want anything having to do with home improvement the first place to go is Home Depot. Home Depot has distinguished itself as the home improvement warehouse that has what you are looking for when it comes to home improvement. Their extensive product lines have made Home Depot the one stop shopping in home improvement. Weaknesses Counter balancing the strengths of Home Depot, it also has a couple of key weaknesses that need to be addressed. (Black, 22-55)

Growth has ...