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Product distribution and coordination strategies in a multi-channel context

Author

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  • Yan, Ruiliang
  • Guo, Peijun
  • Wang, John
  • Amrouche, Nawel

Abstract

Channel coordination plays a strategically important role in a multi-channel context. In this study, we focus on the strategic roles played by product distribution and coordinative structure with profit sharing in the multi-channel context. We use an analytical model to show that the brand differentiation is not a dominant distribution strategy to coordinate the channel conflict and improve channel performance; the manufacturer can sell identical brands through its online and traditional channels and actively employ a cooperative structure with profit coordination to maximize the entire distribution of channel profit and create a win–win channel strategy for each channel member. In addition, we also investigate the impact of an online channel on the whole distribution channel performance under the different structures. Our results show that coordinative market structure provides competitive advantages for the manufacturer to open an online channel, particularly for these manufacturers whose products are weakly compatible with the online marketing. Based on our results, we derive optimal market strategies for the multi-channel manufacturer and retailer.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Ruiliang & Guo, Peijun & Wang, John & Amrouche, Nawel, 2011. "Product distribution and coordination strategies in a multi-channel context," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 19-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:18:y:2011:i:1:p:19-26
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2010.09.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Pei, Zhi & Toombs, Leslie & Yan, Ruiliang, 2014. "How does the added new online channel impact the supporting advertising expenditure?," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 229-238.
    2. Mohammad Kazem Sayadi & Ahmad Makui, 2014. "Feedback Nash Equilibrium for Dynamic Brand and Channel Advertising in Dual Channel Supply Chain," Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Springer, vol. 161(3), pages 1012-1021, June.
    3. T. M. Rofin & Biswajit Mahanty, 2018. "Optimal dual-channel supply chain configuration for product categories with different customer preference of online channel," Electronic Commerce Research, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 507-536, September.
    4. Amrouche, Nawel & Yan, Ruiliang, 2013. "Can a weak retailer benefit from manufacturer-dominant retailer alliance?," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 34-42.
    5. Li, Bo & Jiang, Yushan, 2019. "Impacts of returns policy under supplier encroachment with risk-averse retailer," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 104-115.

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