Question

How do perspectives on competitive advantage differ when comparing brick-and-mortar stores to online businesses (e.g. Best Buy versus Amazon, Old Navy versus Threadless [noted in Strategy Highlight 5.2]). Make recommendations to a primarily brick-and-mortar retail firm on how to compete more effectively with online firms. Do your suggestions fall mostly into the accounting, shareholder, or economic point of view on competitive advantage

Answer 1

Competitive advantage is about the strengths and capabilities, unique characteristics of any product or service, an individual, or a firm. It is hard to gain a competitive advantage because becoming different and achieving what others or other products do not possess is not at all easy. It requires a lot of time, planning, dedication and determination to grow above all and gain competitive advantage over them.