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UBWAY was started 53 years ago in the summer of 1965 an enterprising 17 years
old young man, Fred Deluca. Subway is the market leader in the sub and sandwich
shops offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast foods. Subway‘s annual sales
exceeded $ 6.3 billion, while countless awards and accolades have been bestowed its chain
over the past 43 years. Subway has more than 28,000 units worldwide whilst its rapid growth
has attracted many investments and brought it many competitors such as KFC and Burger
king. Recent initiatives attract customers beyond Subway traditionally health conscious
consumers should increase the company‘s share of the fast food market. Subway's marketing
program addresses health, fresh, custom-made sandwiches expectations of consumers
through a number of approaches The Subway concept of serving fresh made sandwiches on
fresh baked bread, made right in front of customers, the way they like it has proven to be a
winning marketing strategy in Europe. Their customers have really responded to the high
level of service that Subway restaurants are famous for. They have also become popular with
health conscious customers in Europe who are searching for higher quality fast food options.
Subway‘s low initial investment and ability to fit into unusual spaces are other reasons for
their success. Without the need for heavy equipment for cooking a Subway restaurant is the
perfect business for the small spaces and tight real estate of U.K. Their regional office makes
the franchise start –process simple and easy. Europe is currently wide open for development.
As their brand awareness grows in Europe, more and more people are becoming aware of
Subway as a great tasting lunch option and also as a great way to start their own business
within their community. Estimates that its goal of opening another 1600 locations in the U.K
and having a total of 30,000 restaurants worldwide, including 4,000 locations in Europe by
2010 are right on track.
According to SUBWAY‘s future market expansion strategies they have planned to open
1600 locations in the U.K by 2010. In this marketing plan I am going to discuss and explain
what are the SUBWAY existing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, their marketing
strategies, marketing mix , branding strategies and their recent and future changes which are
effect their marketing success as a company. And also , as a marketer, we discuss what are
the changes they can do to minimize deviations from their original marketing objectives. In
this plan I use my marketing knowledge to evaluate SUBWAY marketing strategies and ,
will be discussing their potential growth from our point of view as a marketer. For this we
use some marketing theories and concepts for explain our ideas. First we use small marketing
environment audit using SWOT analysis, P.E.S.T analysis and five forces analysis to discuss
SUBWAY marketing environment. Then we will discuss subway marketing strategies using
Ansoff metrics and Porter‘s generic strategies while considering their marketing mix and
finally will go for recent and future changes.
2. Situation Analysis
A situation analysis is an honest valuation of the opportunities and potential problems facing
a prospective or existing company, through analysis a deeper understanding of an industry ,
competitor and possible optioned can be examined. Subway is the market leader in the sub
and sandwich shops offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast foods. Subway‘s annual
sales exceeded $ 6.3 billion, while countless awards and accolades have been bestowed its
chain over the past 43 years. Subway has more than 28,000 units worldwide whilst its rapid
growth has attracted many investments and brought it many competitors such as KFC and
Burger king. Recent initiatives attract customers beyond Subway traditionally health
conscious consumers should increase the company‘s share of the fast food market. Being part
of a highly competitive and dynamic market, Subway faces a strategic marketing challenge
as to what specific marketing mix to use in order to sustain a differential advantage while
―The purpose of analyzing competitors is to try and assess what they will do. This will
enable the organization to respond accordingly. Competitive advantage is about relative
competitive position competitors are sometimes used as benchmarks.‖ (CIM, 2005) Subway
is not without competitive pressures, chief competitors include KFC, McDonalds, Pizza hut,
Greggs and Eat, KFC and Pizza hut are the world largest with 33,000 restaurants in over 100
countries. Four of the company‘s highly recognizable brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Long John
Silva‘s and Taco Bell, are global leaders of the Mexican, Chicken, Pizza, Quick service sea
food categories. McDonald‘s corporation is the world‘s largest food survives relating chain
with 31,000 fast food restaurants in 119 countries. The company also operates restaurants
under the brand names ―the Boston Market‖ and ―Chipotle Mexican Grill‖. McDonalds
operates largely in the U.K and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois employing 447,000
people.
STRENTHS
Size and number of stores and channels.
Menu reflects demand for fresh, healthy and fast.
Use of nontraditional channels.
Partnering with the American Health Association.
Worldwide brand recognition.
Customizable menu offerings.
Low franchisee startup cost.
Franchisee training is structured, brief and designed to assure rapid start up and success.
WEAKNESSES
Décor is outdated.
Some franchisees are unhappy.
Service delivery is consistent from store to store.
Employee turnover is high.
No control over franchise situation in given market area.
OPPORTUNITIES
Continue to grow global business.
Update décor to encourage more drive in business.
Improve customer service model.
Continue to expand channel opportunities to include event wagons.
Improve franchisee relations.
Experiment with drive-through business.
Expand packaged dessert offerings.
THREATS
Franchisee unrest or litigation.
Food contamination (Spinach).
Competition.
Interest costs.
Economic downturn.
Sabotage.
Law suits.
2.2.1. Strengths
SUBWAY‘ main identifiable strength is their size and number of stores and
channels. This gives better advantage for SUBWAY when it competes with other
competitors. When we consider their product line, menu reflects demand for fresh,
healthy and fast .And they have better customizable menu offerings as well.
SUBWAY use nontraditional channels to develop their markets. SUBWAY product
is mainly targeting for healthy product, they facilitate positioning their products by
partnering with the American health association. SUBWAY has better world wide
brand recognition which will be discussed later part of this plan deeply. Low
franchisee startup cost is another strength they have when penetrating the market.
On the other hand their Franchisee training is structured, brief and designed to
assure rapid start up and success. These are the main strength which SUBWAY can
use their marketing developments.
2.2.3. Opportunities
SUBWAY has number of opportunities become stronger in the sandwiches market
rather than competitors. SUBWAY is continuing to grow global business. They can
update décor to encourage more drive in business. Better opportunity to improve
customer service model. They can continue to expand channel opportunities to
include event wagons, improve franchisee relations and expand packaged dessert
offerings. SUBWAY can experiment with drive through business like McDonald
already doing. To minimize competition SUBWAY should continue revise and
refresh menu offerings. Develop more partnerships with more producers and toy
manufactures to promote new movie releases through children‘s menu packaging
and co-branding opportunities.
2.2.4. Threats
Main threats we can identify for SUBWAY might be the food contaminations which
are more popular recently (Ex . Spinach). Franchisee unrest or litigation, emerging
competition are the other threats which SUBWAY face. Like every other companies
SUBWAY face theeconomic downturn threat these days. Sabotage and law suits are
the other main threats for SUWAY.
There are varieties of ways of classifying the forces at work in the macro environment. PEST
analysis and Porter‘s five forces analysis are two of them.
Below is the explanation of the P.E.S.T factors which are affecting to SUBWAY.
2.3.1. Political Factors
Main political factors which are affecting to SUBWAY marketing are health and safety
guidelines of the government, Labeling of genetically modified foods and animal rights
campaigns specially organize by some environment friendly groups.
Health and safety guidelines
Labeling and GM foods
Animal rights campaigns
2.3.2. Factors
Busy life style of the new generation is very good advantage for any kind of fast food
industry. Awareness of healthy eating and obesity, increasing vegetarianism,
homogeneity and social activities regarding fast and healthy foods are the main social
factors which effect to SUBWAY marketing environment.
Busy life styles
Healthy eating and obesity
Increased vegetarianism
Homogeneity
Social activities
2.3.3. Technological Factors
Investments in technological innovations and computer orderings are the technological
factors.
Investments in technological innovations
Computer ordering (Till system)
2.3.4. Economic Factors
Low set up cost is a good advantage for SUBWAY. Franchising facilities setup, Support
2.5.Competitive Rivalry
Mainly we can consider as competitor rivalry for SUBWAY are new entrants likely ,
price wars and increasing of overall demand.
Marketing strategies are the means by which a company achieves its marketing objectives and
are usually concerned with the four P’s. (McDonald, 2003) Subway's marketing program
addresses health, fresh, custom-made sandwiches expectations of consumers through a number
of approaches. The most notable were the television commercials featuring Jared. These
commercials emphasize the healthy aspects of a Subway sandwich by highlighting the 245
pounds Jared lost by eating a Subway sandwich diet.
Subway also markets through a national sponsorship in events such as American Heart
Association Heart Walks and local events such as triathlons, and children's sports teams. The
Subway example represents marketing and product strategies that are classic examples of
focusing on market demand, consumer trends, product leveraging, and innovation.
The marketing strategies of creating clear brand recognition, brand and product association, and
market demands, have strategically positioned Subway to advance market share into the near
future. These marketing strategies are also repeatable fundamental marketing strategies
transcending the fast food market. The Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust or SFAFT
governs advertising. SFAFT functions independently of Doctor‘s Associates Inc., which is the
franchisor of the SUBWAY business franchise concept, and its affiliates. SFAFT manages funds
contributed by SUBWAY franchisees. It was established to create advertising and marketing
programs that are designed to build restaurant sales and promote the system‘s image.
SUBWAY has a customer care team, dedicated specialists who are in constant communication
with consumers. Success factors for fast food franchisees will include products and marketing
targeted to healthier menu selections, brand consistency, low start-up costs, franchisee support,
and consumer convenience. Subway represents a poignant example of a fast food franchisee
ready for success in the future fast food market. Their strategies transcend the fast food market
and apply to many other markets and products Branded fast food continuing to move
Mission is an organization‘s rationale for excising at all and/or its long term strategic direction
and/or it‘s values; its basic function in terms of the products and services the organization
produces for its clients‖ (CIM, 2005)
4.3.Marketing objectives
SUBWAY main marketing objectives are maintaining positive, strong growth each
quarter and achieve a steady increase in market penetration. SUBWAY possesses good
information about the market and knows a great deal about the common attributes of the
most prized customer. This information will be leveraged to better understand who is
served, what their specific needs are, and how SUBWAY can better communicate with
them through marketing.
SUBWAY use marketing segmentation, targeting and positioning strategies to develop
5. Target Markets
The process of breaking down the total market for a product or services into distinct sub groups
or segments , where each segment might represent a distinct target market to be reached with a
distinctive marketing mix.― A market segment consists of a group of customers or consumers
who share the same or similar needs (McDonald, 2002).
5.1.Segmentation Methods
i) Demographics (Age, Life cycle , Gender , Income , Occupation, Religion , Education,
Race ,Nationality )
ii) Geographic ( Location , Regional , Urban , Density , Climate )
iii) Psychographic (Social class , Life style , Personality )
iv) Behavioral (Occasions , Benefit sought , User stages , Usage rate , Loyalty status )
The SUBWAY chain tested international waters when it opened its first unit in the small
exotic Middle Eastern island nation of Bahrain in December of 1984. In a relatively short
time, the SUBWAY chain started to appear in such distant lands as Iceland, Poland,
5.3.Targeting
Marketers do targeting for segmented markets. After the market has been segmented into
its segments according to their segmenting strategies he will select a segment or series of
segments and ―Target‖ it /them.
Resources and effort will be targeted at the first is the single segment with a single
product. Secondly the marketer could ignore the differences in the segments, and choose
to aim a single product at all segments. Finally marketer will target a variety of different
segments with a series of differentiated products.
The advantage of target marketing is marketing effort can be focused on the market
segment(s) that offer the greatest potential for the company to achieve its objectives ―
(Lancaster & Reynolds, 2003) Year 2003SUBWAY improves the nutritional content of
its Kids Pak meal by switching the carbonated soft drink to a juice box and changing
from a high calorie cookie to fruit roll up fruit snack that is high in vitamin C. Many of
the Kids Pak toys are now designed to inspire physical activity.
The web site includes a resource for parents striving to manage their children‘s diet and
exercise levels. Parents and children can also ask Jared Fogle about how he lost his
weight or how they can incorporate fun exercises into their everyday lives.
5.4.Positioning
6.1.Market Penetration
Market penetration is when a firm increases its share of a market in which it already
operates. SUBWAY always focuses their marketing strategies to penetrate the markets
which they are already operating. They have one operating department, it is Franchise
sales, this group is dedicated to finding those individuals who possess the entrepreneurial
spirit required to open a SUBWAY franchise of their own. They find new franchisees to
penetrate the market. Other way they use existing franchisees to penetrate the market. For
this purpose also they have separate department, Profit Building & Local Marketing This
department helps franchisees in local markets with initiatives designed to increase sales at
their restaurants.
6.3. Diversification
Diversification involves the firm going into new markets which are totally different from
those targeted by the existing activities of the firm. SUBWAY is going for real estate
markets, mobile phone markets and some financial markets to reduce their business risk
through diversification. They have a team called Subway Real Estate Corp the men and
women of this division assist franchisees with real estate leasing and negotiations.
6.4. Product Development
It’s over time to maintain their competitive position. Product development is one of the
main marketing strategies of SUBWAY, specially introducing improved healthier
menus. SUBWAY has a Research & Development team this department is responsible
for developing and test marketing the food that we serve and the equipment that is
used.IN 2005 SUBWAY; their low-fat sub choices are expanded to 8 Subs less than 6
Grams of Fat. In 2007 The SUBWAY restaurant chain launches its Fresh Fit and Fresh
Fit for Kids meals, which feature healthier-for-you side options such as apple slices,
plump raisins, low-fat milk, bottled water and Dannon yogurt. The meals are developed
to fit into the American Heart Association‘s approach to a healthy lifestyle. All trans fats
are removed from SUBWAYs core menu items. Menu choices now include higher fiber
Wheat and Honey Oat Breads, personal size Pizzas, Black Forest ham, and The Feast
Double Stacked sub.
8. Marketing Mix
Marketing mix consist of four Ps. Product, Price, Place and Promotion
8.1.1. Product
The marketing mix combines many factors, but customers view marketing effort in
more tangible terms of the product (or service). (Lancaster & Reynolds, 2003)
SUBWAY menu offered a wide variety including salads, pasta, dinners, soups and
desserts. They offer wider menu and better quality fresh products .In 1996 The
chain's flagship sandwich, the classic BMT, is first introduced.IN 1997 The 7 under
6 menu, featuring seven submarine sandwiches with 6 grams of fat or less, is first
introduced! In 2001 Another fresh veggies, the cucumber is added to the SUBWAY
menu, which already boasts lettuce, tomato, red onion and green peppers. 2004 The
SUBWAY chain introduces a line of new crab-controlled wraps. The wrap itself,
has only 5 grams Net Crabs. In 2005 Delicious, fresh toasted subs are added to the
SUBWAY menu, Quality of food Subway prides them on always having the
freshest ingredients available for sub, and they hide nothing from the customer. All
their products are made on the spot while the customer chooses what toppings
he/she wants on the sub. Unlike most fast food franchises, nothing is deep-fried or
frozen.
8.1.3. Place
This is concerned with activities needed to move the product or service from the
seller to the buyer. (Lancaster & Reynolds, 2003) SUBWAY target is open another
1600 locations in U.K by 2010.SUBWAY use their major selling locations as
franchisee shops and their another new market development places in nontraditional
places like Airports ,amusement parks ,business centers ,coliseums and stadiums
,colleges and universities, convenience stores ,convention centers ,hospitals,
military bases, recreational facilities, elementary and secondary schools
,supermarkets and travel centers/truck stops.
People who in any kind of SUBWAY sales point are on hand to ensure customer‘s
needs are matched with the right product and to explain the different options
available. And SUBWAY does market research on the location preferences and they
close poor and predatory franchisees regarding customer satisfaction. They upscale
to strip down shops to quasi deli restaurants. At Subway, you don‘t wait for your
order. You order it at the counter and watch it being made by the highly efficient
team of staff. When the product is ready, you pay and take it with you. No bills, no
queues, no hassles.
8.1.4. Promotion
Promotion covers four areas. Advertising, Personal selling, Public relations and
Sales promotions. The target for the SUBWAY chain's media buying is adults aged
18-49, in order to maximize our buying power with a skew toward programming
SUBWAY brand position as a very healthy fast food chain providing healthier and
fresher food brand value. Positioned between a stripped down version of subs and full
theme restaurant. Service is more like a fast food style but in terms of food quality,
quantity, presentation and fresh, puts it closer to theme restaurant.
Lancaster, G and Reynolds, P (2003) Marketing made simple, 2 nd ed.., Oxford: Made
simple.
Subway (2009) ‗Mission and values‘, web page accessed on 02/08/2009 from
http;//www.subway.co.uk.