A dominant retail centric supply chain participant Research Paper

A dominant retail centric supply chain participant - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that earlier manufacturers used to dominate the supply chain. But things have changed now. Today, supply chains have become retail centric where retailers have grabbed the power of control over the supply chain. One of the leading retailer companies of UK is Marks and Spencer (M&S). It is a successful company since its beginning in the year of 1984. The success, which this company has achieved, has been obtained through some excellent networks amongst the local suppliers who are indeed very dedicated towards the growth of their company. However, it has changed its strategy in sourcing when it tried to extend its area beyond the national boundary. In the 1990s, it dumped its sourcing strategies in the UK and went in for more open policies. This was done keeping in mind the cost reduction which they would apply in relocating the various manufacturing units from the established suppliers in overseas at low cost. Such a change in these supply c hain was brought about owing increase in competitive pressure. Downward pressure was felt in the movement of price due to increase in the competition level. This meant a reduction in the cost to sustain the company in the competitive market. Successful supply chain management means success for any retailer. Thereby it is indeed interesting to study the various strategies in the supply chain of M&S in the UK.