MKT 421T UP International Distribution Channels Discussion

I’m working on a marketing Discussion and need an explanation to help me understand better.

Post a total of 3 substantive responses. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• Provide an example of how an international company (such as Unilever or Mondelez International) changes its distribution channels and/or marketing messages based on country.

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

Student 1 (BW)

One retailer that is very well known is the company Walmart. Although this company originated here in the United States, it is now internationally owned in 24 different countries. I believe that Walmart is a very good example of a company that changes its distribution channels and marketing messages whether it be within the United States and how each state, mainly due to geographical reasons, are going to need different products all the way to internationally and how products we are purchasing in Walmart in the US can differ from those other 24 countries. For example, if you go into a Walmart in the state of Florida you are going to see bathing suits and beach toys because that is tailored to that channel. However, if there is a Walmart in a colder climate area, you will see the opposite being sold. The channels that distribute these products to this retailer have to be tailored to them specifically, and it only gets even more complex when you travel even further to the differences between countries.

Student 2 (rm)

We all enjoy sports because they are a great pastime and can be a nice break from the stresses of life. Many times we forget that sports are big business, and the majority of the major sports leagues have worked diligently to expand globally. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has experienced years of success and growth internationally and is the third most popular sport in the world with over 2 million fans. The NBA advertises itself as healthy, easy to play, requiring little equipment, and non-violent. With an influx of international talent into the league, the association has used that talent and personalities to market the game to different countries around the world. Major League Baseball (MLB) is another sports league that possess a wealth of international talent with players from 16 different countries that make up almost 25% of players in the league. The marketing strategy for MLB focuses on getting games on television, placing merchandise in stores, and getting children interested in the game. MLB spends years researching international markets and building training academies in desired markets. While the National Football League (NFL) can be seen as a strictly American game, it has grown in prestige and popularity internationally. The NFL plays games internationally in order to expose potential markets to the game and showcase their speed and athleticism. The league launched a website in order to introduce and explain the game and the rules of the game to new fans. The NFL uses digital streaming to broadcast their games in new and non-traditional markets.