COMP SHOP AUG. 2015

PROCESS

• Walked in main doors of store

• Focused on the first item I saw upon entering

• Not comparable from a buying standpoint

SEARSCraftsman Pro Series 26 HP V-Twin Kohler Elite 54" Turn Tight Extreme Garden Tractor

HOME DEPOTJohn Deere D125 42 in. 20 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower

LOWESHusqvarna YTH24V48 V-Twin Hydrostatic 48-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and Mulching Capable

BLAIN’SCub Cadet XT1 LT 54" Lawn Tractor with Fabricated Deck

  Sears Home Depot Lowes Blain’s Farm and Fleet

Item description 

Craftsman Pro Series 26 HP V-Twin Kohler Elite 54" Turn Tight Extreme Garden Tractor

John Deere D125 42 in. 20 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower

Husqvarna YTH24V48 V-Twin Hydrostatic 48-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and Mulching Capable

Cub Cadet XT1 LT 54" Lawn Tractor with Fabricated Deck

Engine Type

26 HP V-Twin Kohler Elite

20 HP V-Twin John Deere branded engine

724cc Briggs & Stratton V-Twin

18 HP Kohler OHV engine

Deck size

54” 42” 48” 54”, fabricated

Max. speed

5.5 mph 5.5 mph 7.75 mph 5.5 mph

Turning radius

5” 18” 16” 16”

A quick overview comparison of each item.

SEARSCRAFTSMAN PRO

SEARS ITEM SPECIFICS

• in-store and online price: $3299.99• Original price: $3899.99• Shipping rate in store: $69.99• Shipping rates online: Free• 5-year in home repair protection agreement $889.99

(less than $15 a month), 3-year $569.99 (less than $16 a month)

• Adjacencies: Sign for Craftsman ZTR, Craftsman Pro 50” deck

• Customer ratings/reviews: Best Buy sign• Online: 64% would recommend, 3.5 stars (consumer

reports)

SEARS ITEM DISPLAY• The first

item seen on the sales floor at Sears after passing through entrance

SEARS ITEM DISPLAY- ONLINE

Pros:Variety of displays of the product

Video format is informative

Cons: Only 11 reviews

Only 64% would recommend

SEARS ITEM DISPLAY- ONLINE (CONT.)

Pros:Variety of displays of the product

Video format is informative

Cons: Only 11 reviews

Only 64% would recommend

StrengthsAbility to

“experience” mower

Number of Brands= 2

Associates

Price point/sale (getting a good deal)

Weaknesses

Attachment Assortment

Wordy signage

Product selection (No ZTR on display)

Overall Sears Conclusion

Opportunities

Implementation of U.M.E.

Signage

Ability to step up within a brand

Threats

Rest of mall was closed

Weather

Overall Sears Conclusion

HOME DEPOTJOHN DEERE D125

HOME DEPOT ITEM SPECIFICS• Same online and in-store price: $1799.99• Same as original price• Shipping rates online: Free• 3 year protection plan (30% reimbursement for

select maintenance parts, 3 years start when manufacturer coverage ends, mechanical defects from normal wear and tear) : $280.00

• Attachments (in-store): none• Attachments(Online): Canopy, 2 bar bumper, blade attachment• Adjacencies: D105 JD 42”

HOME DEPOT ITEM DISPLAY- OUTSIDE

Pros:Riding mowers were set up directly outside of the entrance

Cons: Broken signage

Dirty/dusty riding mowers

Pros:Riding mowers were the first product seen upon entering the store

Signage clear and easy to read/follow

Cons: No attachments on display (all online)

HOME DEPOT ITEM DISPLAY- INSIDE

HOME DEPOT ITEM DISPLAY- ONLINEPros: 171 reviews (more trustworthy)

Very organized and easy to find product

Cons:Too simple layout

Strengths

Placement of Item (Outside and Inside)

Easy to read indoor signage

Online Reviews

Easy to find/navigate online

Weaknesses

Not able to find location of attachments inside

Un-kept look to outdoor tractors

Not a large selection

No sale price

Overall Home Depot Conclusion

LOWESHUSQVARNA YTH24V48

LOWES ITEM SPECIFICS

• Same online and in-store price: $1999.99• Same as original price• Shipping rates online: Free• 3-year Outdoor Power Equipment Extended

Protection plan: $199.97• 4-year Outdoor Power Equipment Extended

Protection Plan: $269.97• Attachments in-store: Has bagger on display• Attachments online: “Wait! Don’t forget these!”• Adjacencies: Lawn mowers (inside), JD 42” and

Husqvarna 22 HP V-twin (outside)

LOWES ITEM DISPLAY

HOME DEPOT ITEM DISPLAY- ONLINE

Strengths

Placement of Item (Outside and Inside)

Easy to read indoor and outdoor signage

Reviews online

Easy to find/navigate online

Weaknesses

Small font on signage specifics

Un-kept look to outdoor tractors

No sale price

Overall Lowes Conclusion

BLAIN’SCUB CADET XT1

BLAIN’S ITEM SPECIFICS

• In-store price: $2299.99• Online price and Original: $2499.99• Shipping rates online: $100• Extended Service Program• Attachments online: Bagger kit, mow-n-vac• Adjacencies: Cub Cadet ZTR, 50” XT1 Cub Cadet

24hp Kohler• No online or in-store customer input/reviews

BLAIN’S ITEM DISPLAY

BLAIN’S ITEM DISPLAY- ONLINE

Strengths

Fabricated deck- thicker

Assortment of Tractors and accessories

Weaknesses

No reviews

High Shipping costs

Overall Blain’s Conclusion