Billabong Analysis

Billabong International check is an Australian base clothing companion that established its melody in 1980s and expanded internationally through its franchises and acquisitions. The tune is engaged in the merchandise, distri stillion, wholesaling and retailing of app atomic invite sense 18l, eyewear, accessories, wetsuits and hard reasoneds in the boardsports sector under the Billabong, Element, Von Zipper, Honolua Surf, Kustom, Palmers Surf, Xcel, Tigerlily, Sector 9 and RVCA brands (Billabongbiz, 2013). The community is headquartered in Queensland, Australia with 6,000 employees and they employ across many countries such as Australia, North the States, Europe, Japan and the rest ofthe world.Billabong has emerged a number of sports and youth labels such as RVCA, and Surjection (Billabongbiz, 2013). They continue to expand their brand image by sponsoring promotional events and some of the athletes. The rival brands of Billabong be hydrargyrum and Rip Curl as these compani es are iconic surf brands. In order to perform Billabong International Limited effectively, the board of directors are structured into six non-executive directors, both executive directors and the chairman who are responsible for the shareholders of Billabong. However, due to recent recession, the newly CEO, Launa Inman, has been appointed.2 monetary AnalysisThe profitability exercise of Billabong International Limited is non effective as it is -45.71% in Q2, 2013 (Google Finance, 2013). Similarly, net profit margin of the company is -50.72% which represents the profit after subtracting the indirect expenses. Overall profit performance is showing a negative feature and the firm shake up experienced shrinking sales and rising debts. However, with respect to gross profit margin, it shows a positive figure as it amounts to 50.21% in Q2, 2013.This shows that the profitability after accounting for the cost of goods sold is good and spiritedly effective for the company, but the negative net profit implies that the indirect expenses of the company are importantly higher. The plans of the company are to focus on its core brands in the next four years, cut styles by 15% and achieve improvement in its supply chain for both the wholesale and retail operations2.1 credit and evaluation of Billabongs global dodgingThe market placeing mix helps a business to determine its sales and eventually determine the success or failure of a business. For this reason, it is the most essential segment of business when ascertain a marketing plan. Billabong International Limited makes broad use of the marketing mix in their marketing plan.Billabong International Limited has diversified their crossroad range non onlyrelated to surfing. Their positioning strategy is a high quality, high priced, fashionable product. Billabong gains customer satisfaction by rack upering quality products that is not vulnerable or ruined easily despite the harsh conditions of many of their pr oducts intended uses, such as swimmers, skis and snowboards. Billabong has been successful in making brand images by appealing as an internationally known for professional person surfing, and through its wave logo and sponsorship of international events.By doing this, it has not only gained international markets, however it has also pay back a prestige and status symbol for its target market. The product and positioning of Billabongs products is the most important element in its marketing mix as it ensures the long term survival of the company and continued high sales. By meeting customer demand, positioning itself as a well-known and trusted brand with a vast amount of prestige it has ensured that sales remain high.2.1.2 PromotionBillabong uses a strong promotion mix to cozy up and reinforce its image and product. A combination of an interactive website, promotional magazines and flyers, personal in store interchange and strong public relations through both sponsorship of sporti ng events and famous athlete using Billabong products abide generated a strong brand images amongst its industry. Billabongs sponsorship of international sporting events and sporting stars also helps to promote their brand not only in Australia but also on the international market as well.2.1.3 PriceBillabong uses a competition-based determine method in which it sets its prices at a similar level to those of its competitors to ensure that their customers go forth not longing to buy the cheaper products. However, Billabong is awkwardly positioned between Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Especially wetsuits and womens jeans are higher than Quicksilvers. They rarely use below market value pricing to avoid creating a image of little prestigious products.Surf brands Average price comparison(Source EDITD, 2013)2.1.4 PlaceBillabong uses various methods to ensure that their product reaches the market place. With stores in more than coke countries Billabong uses wholesalers to ensure that th eir products reach the retailers. Billabongs positioning also comes into effect with place as it must ensure that its product remains out of discount and department stores and remains only in specialty stores. Because of this Billabong has adopted an easy lay distribution network where the product is only available in specialty surf shops.2.2 SWOT AnalysisA business can implement a SWOT analysis to decide which marketing strategy to apply.2.3 Current taper MarketBillabong is a brand which offers various types of products designed to accommodate various lifestyles. Their extensive product ranges are for surfers, boarders, border lovers, and the sensible fashion people. Even though it is difficult to identify comprehensive characteristics of this industry, the major(ip)ity of consumers are males and females who are aged between 14 and 29. (Goldcoast, 2013)According to Australian Business Solution (2011), there are an increasing number of casual dress codes at Australian workplace s and social gatherings which has led to a high demand for affordable and modern look at workplaces. Billabongs new casual-line is aiming to meet such demand and targeting office workers.Due to Billabongs sports image, it has been entrenched in consumers mind especially among teenagers and youths. When these consumers grow older, they will be pleased to see Billabong to leave alone expanded casual-line offering to meet their new needs. The new product line is a modern, up-scale look but also inexpensive casual dress codes at workplaces. Therefore, it will better resonate with age concourse 25 to 39 years old who have built careers and gained stronger buying power.2.4 Reasons for Billabongs international expansionAustralia has micro population compare to other regions that place significant restrictions on its total sales revenue and Billabongs future objectives. Billabongs expansion helped to boost their total sales revenue by over 70% in 2003-04. Increase in sales has also al lowed the firm to lower its production cost by achieving economies of scale and lower risks. In 2003, Billabong adapted video conference technology in order to make the communication and exchange of ideas across the world for its overseas offices easier.Furthermore, by working in more than blow countries obtained cushion impacts of the entry of a new competitor and economic cycle into any of their industries. Global expansion supported the extension product life cycle for numerous products and easier access to resources and technology.3. Identification and evaluation of the outside environmentTo better understand Billabongs global expansion strategy, both Porters Five Forces and a PESTEL analysis will be undertaken.3.1 Porters Five Forces3.1.1 The CompetitionSince 1970s, there was a significant rising popularity of the beach and surfing, and then three major companies (Billabong, Quicksilver and Rip Curl) have pay back a symbolic of surfing. These brands manage to establish stro ng believability within surfing subculture and it was also equally consumable by non-surfers who identified with the lifestyle. In the 1990s and 2000s, Billabong started to sharp pursue international expansion by emerging sports and youth labels such as RVCA and Nixon watches to gain market share. However, in 2012, there was a significant loss of $287m. (Billabongbiz, 2013)3.1.2 New EntrantsThere is still room for a new entrant as the global demand for surfing apparel is expected to remain strong. For instance, Hollister Abercrombie & Fitch started off with a local manufacture that successfully moved into surfing clothes and retailing. Moreover, smaller brands kindred Byron call for label, Afends has dramatically grown in the last decades by selling itsproducts through independent and online stores. Afrends gained reputations among young surfers and skaters from Australia and California.3.1.3 Suppliers PowerAs Billabong has become an internationally well-known brand, they outsour ce its manufacturing by using small to mid-sized companies in order to keep economies of scale. Billabong uses Hong Kong as the central sourcing division to allow most of its products to Australia and New Zealand. These suppliers have no bargaining powers.3.1.4 Consumers PowerDue to the size of Australia population, consumers actually have not enough bargaining power. However, to the global extent, consumers are likely to find other tailors which would provide products that would be cheaper than existing ones.3.1.5 Product SubstitutesAccording to the Urban Market Research (UMR) survey, findings indicate that Nike (13%) has overtaken the lead from Billabong (10%) as the trounce choice for Australias youth. Other rival brands such as Quicksilver and Rip Curl have also expanded their popularity. Young females prefer disposable fashion with affordable price such retailers like Cotton on and Supre. Country Road and Colorado would be other substitutes for Billabong, but it has several (predicate) quality and style compare to Billabong.3.2 Industry Analysis3.3 PESTEL Analysis3.3.1 Political factorsBenefit from the worldwide trade barriers which allowed exportation procedures much easier for Billabong International Limited to other regions. The rate of import duty decreased from 17.5% in 2005 to 10% in 2010 as the Australian governments maintained tariff barriers for protecting the domestic clothing and manufacturing industry. (Wellers, S., 2007) The announcement of bilateral trade agreements by demesne Trade Orgainisation(WTO) has affected Billabong International Limited. Since 2005, all Australian businesses required to produce their financial reports to International Financial Reporting Standards. Hence, it makes easier for Australian accounting standards into global practices and cost of implementation was significant.3.3.2 Economic factorsThe growing popularity of surfing and skate has been impacted by improvement in standard of living and the consumer s pending power. As Billabong Internationals products are distributed in more than 100 countries and the majority of the revenue is generated by other regions, the firm is continually influenced by fluctuations in currency. Every each year, value of earnings has shown loss when it was reported in Australian dollars. From the global point of view, Billabongs global expansion was encouraged by its high incomes from Asia and South America that enabled to create new markets.3.3.3 Social factorsBillabongs brand awareness has been influenced by the growing popularity of surfing and skate among the broader community. Identifying customer tastes were depends on various types of traditions and cultures. For instance, U.S preferred bright colours products while Australia preferred faded and stick out beaten colours. Complications in writing contracts with different languages have encouraged the firms ability to operate in global markets. errors on contracts could lead to future conflicts. D ifference in oragnisational culture and practices on different regions are their major concerns. For instance, Australia has relaxed working environment while U.S and Japan are more intense. Further, European countries are imposed on limiting working hours by governments.3.3.4 Technological factorsCable television and internet has attracted millions of new customers in surfing and skateboarding which helped Billabongs products market towards a wider customer base. E-commerce has simplified the logistical and oragnisational difficulties when operating a global business.3.3.5 Environmental factorsConsumers pay more attention on environmentally friendly products source of materials, where materials are sourced, and whether production processes have negative impacts on the environment.3.3.6 Legal factorBillabong ensures to protect intellectual property rights issues such as brand logo, names and trademarks from unauthorised piracy.