David A. Soberman

The case recounts the dilemma faced by Donnie Boyd, the owner of a small barber shop in downtown Toronto in the second quarter of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had spread throughout the world but its consequences were only partially known in mid-2020.

Published 24 Apr 2023

Reference 6810

Topic Marketing

Industry Consumer Services

Region North America

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StockX is the world’s first “stock market of things”, a consumer marketplace for high-demand, limited edition products that operates exactly like the stock market. The underlying concept is to allow participants to buy and sell authenticated products in a live marketplace where they trade anonymously (with stock market-like visibility).

Published 27 Nov 2017

Reference 6283

Topic Marketing

Industry E-Commerce

Region North America

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Rideau Artisanal Chandlery (RAC) manufactures and sells a large range of artisanal candles through a variety of specialty retailers in Canada and parts of the United States. It has gained market leadership by constantly adding innovative scents to its product line.

Published 28 Aug 2017

Reference 6246

Topic Marketing

Industry Apparel and Fashion

Region North America

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Having turned around the financial performance of Black & Decker, CEO Nolan Archibald faces a significant decline in market share in one customer segment for its flagship product, power tools, as a result of strong competition from Makita, a Japanese manufacturer. Does this problem require a change to an otherwise successful brand?

Published 26 Aug 2013

Reference 5641

Topic Marketing

Industry Marketing and Advertising

Region Global

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The electric guitar market is both enticing and daunting for a small company – a multi-billion $US sector that has grown almost constantly since the 1960s, but where competition is based as much on image as on substance. The market is naturally fragmented (similar to the market for many musical instruments), yet dominant players make entry and sustenance difficult.

Published 29 Oct 2007

Reference 5478

Topic Marketing

Industry Music

Region North America

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The electric guitar market is both enticing and daunting for a small company – a multi-billion $US sector that has grown almost constantly since the 1960s, but where competition is based as much on image as on substance. The market is naturally fragmented (similar to the market for many musical instruments), yet dominant players make entry and sustenance difficult.

Published 29 Oct 2007

Reference 5478

Topic Marketing

Industry Music

Region North America

View case
The electric guitar market is both enticing and daunting for a small company – a multi-billion $US sector that has grown almost constantly since the 1960s, but where competition is based as much on image as on substance. The market is naturally fragmented (similar to the market for many musical instruments), yet dominant players make entry and sustenance difficult.

Published 29 Oct 2007

Reference 5478

Topic Marketing

Industry Music

Region North America

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The case takes place in 2006 and is focussed on Binatone's stabilizer business in Nigeria. Stabilizers are used in many developing countries to transform irregular current (from wall outlets) into a current that is safe for electrical appliances and equipment. Binatone's 1000W stabilizer business was under pressure due to multiple factors.

Published 13 Apr 2007

Reference 5438

Topic Marketing

Industry Telecommunications

Region Other Regions

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In response to the changes in the European small car market, Ford decided to launch a second small car, the Ford Ka. The Ford Ka has already been developed, the production capacity determined, and the launch set for October 1996 in France.

Published 05 Jan 2004

Reference 4844

Topic Marketing

Industry Automotive Transportation/Trucking/Railroad

Region Europe

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This case charts the process of the souring of the Acela Express, a joint venture of Alstom and Bombardier with Amtrak, the US rail passenger service. Alstom and Bombardier won the contract to install high-speed rail service between Boston and Washington. Soon after the Acela’s launch, technical problems with the train were severe and Bombardier’s relationship with Amtrak became acrimonious.

Published 01 Jun 2003

Reference 5117

Topic Marketing

Industry Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Marketing and Advertising

Region Global

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