"Business, Sauder School of"@en . "DSpace"@en . "University of British Columbia. Sustainability Office"@en . "Lee, George"@en . "Lawson, Jessica"@en . "Diaz, Ruffo"@en . "Wang, Vivian"@en . "Matsuo, Mikio"@en . "2010-03-24T08:08:26Z"@en . "2004-12-06"@en . "Disclaimer: \u00E2\u0080\u009CUBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.\u00E2\u0080\u009D"@en . "https://circle.library.ubc.ca/rest/handle/2429/22431?expand=metadata"@en . " Sauder School of Business The University of British Columbia MBA Full-Time Program 2004 Project 2: Business Plan December 6, 2004 Team 22 Ruffo Diaz Jessica Lawson George Lee Mikio Matsuo Vivian Wang TABLE OF CONTENT I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................III II. THE INDUSTRY AND THE BUSINESS................................................................................................................1 A. THE INDUSTRY ................................................................................................1 B. THE BUSINESS AND THE CONCEPT ..........................................................................2 C. PRODUCTS ....................................................................................................3 D. GROWTH STRATEGY..........................................................................................3 III. MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................4 A. CUSTOMERS ..................................................................................................4 B. SURVEY ANALYSIS............................................................................................4 C. MARKET SIZE AND TRENDS ..................................................................................5 D. COMPETITION AND COMPETITIVE EDGES ...................................................................5 E. ESTIMATED MARKET SHARE AND SALES ....................................................................5 F. ONGOING MARKET EVALUATION.............................................................................5 IV. THE ECONOMICS OF THE BUSINESS ............................................................................................................6 A. COMPONENTS OF GROSS MARGIN ..........................................................................6 B. OPERATING COSTS ...........................................................................................6 C. CASH FLOW AND PROFIT POTENTIAL ........................................................................6 V. MARKETING PLAN ............................................................................................................................................7 A. PAST AND CURRENT MARKETING............................................................................7 B. MARKET SIZE AND TRENDS ..................................................................................7 C. OVERALL MARKETING STRATEGY ...........................................................................7 D. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY................................................................................9 E. MARKETING SCHEDULE .................................................................................... 10 VI. OPERATING PLAN..........................................................................................................................................11 A. OPERATING CYCLE .......................................................................................... 11 B. LOCATION ................................................................................................... 12 C. FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS .......................................................................... 12 D. HUMAN RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 12 E. PROCUREMENT AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT ......................................................... 13 F. TRANSPORTATION.......................................................................................... 13 G. COST AND QUALITY CONTROL ............................................................................. 14 VII. MASTER SCHEDULE....................................................................................................................................14 VIII. RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES .....................................................................................................................16 IX. THE FINANCIAL PLAN.....................................................................................................................................17 X. APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................................................19 ii I. Executive Summary Sprouts is the full-time storefront of the UBC Natural Food Co-operative. It is located in the basement of the Student Union Building (SUB), the busiest building on campus. Food sold in the store is exclusively organic and fair trade. The store is student-run, and not-for-profit in the sense that making profits is secondary to its social purpose of promoting sustainable food systems. It has been trading since September 2004. Services Sprouts offers customers an appealing selection of organic and fair trade food at reasonable prices. The store is attractively decorated and supported by friendly staff. Products in the store range from bulk ingredients to organic snacks and fresh produce from the UBC Farm. The store is unique in being the only specialist organic food store in the UBC campus area. Its location at the heart of the university is convenient for lunches and users of the nearby bus loop. Interest in organic food is strong and Sprouts looks set to benefit from market growth rates of nearly 20% per annum. Market The UBC campus has 7,000 residents, 42,000 students, and 11,000 faculty and staff. More than 8,000 people visit the SUB building each day. Since the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s foundation membership of the UBC Natural Food Co-op has grown from 260 people to over 800. Although 80% of students responding our survey expressed an interest in organic food, over 40% of them were not yet aware of the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s existence. The potential to grow sales through marketing is large. PROFITABILITY AND CASH FLOW As a student organization, Sprouts is tax-exempt and enjoys free rent and interest-free financing from the Alma Mater Society (AMS). Costs are further reduced by volunteers and inexpensive student labour. In its third month of operation Sprouts is poised to break even, and positive cash flow is less than four months ahead. If Sprouts iii can grow sales by 20% from November\u00E2\u0080\u0099s level, and increase gross margin by two percentage points, the store should be able to achieve a return on sales of 7% even after employing another part-time staff member. Management Sprouts is managed by dedicated student workers, including some from the Sauder School of Business. Specific Recommendations Our analysis makes the following specific recommendations to Sprouts management: \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 There should be co-ordinated marketing campaigns every January and September, and continuing promotional activities throughout the year. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 The store should boost profitability by selling more high-margin products such as bulk nuts and fruits. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Sprouts should bolster its snack food range and begin offering hot snacks such as organic soup. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 The store should monitor inventory levels daily in order to introduce the News Vendor Model next year. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Sprouts should not attempt to grow its business by cutting prices. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 In order to achieve financial security, Sprouts should aim to grow sales by 20% from November\u00E2\u0080\u0099s level and increase gross margin by 2 percentage points by May. It should then seek to maintain sales at this level in order to generate cash and not outgrow its premises. iv II. THE INDUSTRY AND THE BUSINESS A. THE INDUSTRY Since 1990 Canadians have become more conscious about health and the environment. Many have turned their attention to organic food. Although there is no direct evidence that organic food is better for health, many Canadians believe that organic products are better in taste, quality, and nutritional value. The term organic refers to agricultural products that are farmed in a socially responsible way. No chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, or hormones) are used. A variety of herbs, grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats are produced organically but their production is usually more expensive owing to lower yields. Farmers must be certified by organizations such as the Canadian Organic Advisory Board. The Canadian organic food market grew by 19.4% in 2003 to reach a value of $928 million. The compound annual growth rate of the market in the period 1998-2003 was 18.7%, increasing from a low of 17.0% in 1999 to a high of 19.6% in 2002. 1 Exhibit 1 illustrates recent trends. The largest value segment is Meat, accounting for 39.4% of the market, followed by Dairy, with 18.0%. Exhibit 2 illustrates segmentation. Canadian organic retail sales are expected to grow around 20 per cent a year to $3.1 billion in 2005. The industry aims to increase its share of total food sales (currently 1%) to 10% by 2010. 2 The organic food industry is competitive. Outlets can be grouped into three categories (see Exhibit 3): mass market outlets (49% of sales), health and natural food stores (48%), and farmers\u00E2\u0080\u0099 markets (3%).3 Stores compete mainly through differentiation. Each store where organic products are found each has a \u00E2\u0080\u009Cpersonality\u00E2\u0080\u009D defined by its format, appearance, product variety, and relationship with customers. Organic products typically come with less packaging than non-organic products, have shorter shelf lives, and sometimes less visual appeal. This leads to high holding costs and intensifies competition for customers. There are no strong product brands at present. Consumers fall into three groups. Regular buyers (18% of all food consumers) consume organic products because they believe they are better for health and the environment. They are informed about organic farming 1 and fair trade, and are willing to pay higher prices for organic products if they are available. Occasional buyers (22% of all food consumers) are undecided about the benefits and more price-sensitive. They are likely to buy non-organic products if they are cheaper and more convenient. Occasional buyers have some information about organic and fair trade issues but might not completely understand the implications. The remainder of food consumers is not very interested and might not be aware of the existence of organic or fair trade products. British Columbians account for 13% of the Canadian population but 30% of organic food consumers.4 Fair trade refers to a system of distribution that ensures farmers get a fair price and encourages more egalitarian and sustainable production. International bodies such as TRANSFAIR and FLO offer certification to maintain standards. Fair trade products may or may not be organic. The organic food store industry is still in a high growth phase and barriers to entry are low. Exhibit 4 shows the five forces model of industry attractiveness. B. THE BUSINESS AND THE CONCEPT Sprouts is the full-time storefront of the UBC Natural Food Co-op. It sells a variety of organic and fair trade foods and groceries and is located on the lower level of the Student Union Building (SUB). The store is staffed and run by students and has been trading since September 2004. The aim of the business is to build sustainable food chains by promoting organic and fair trade food. Sprouts is \u00E2\u0080\u009Cnot for profit\u00E2\u0080\u009D in the sense that making profits is secondary to its social purpose. In addition to selling food, the store keeps a lending library of reading materials and has held numerous educational sessions about the benefits of organic and fair trade products. Educational activities will continue but will henceforth be funded directly by UBC Natural Food Co-op. The store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s fixtures and premises were built with support from the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and The UBC Campus Sustainability Office. As a venture of a student society, Sprouts is required to charge membership fees to people who shop there. Shoppers are charged $2 on their first purchase at the store, giving membership of the UBC Natural Food Co-op for one year. 2 The UBC Natural Food Co-op was founded in 1997 and is collectively owned and democratically controlled by its members, mainly people who study or work at the university. Membership was flat at around 60 members until 2003, when the co-operative started hosting Sustainability Networking Nights and building partnerships with the Dean of Agricultural Sciences, AMS, the Government of Canada, and Katimavik (a student exchange program). By late 2003 the co-operative was holding weekly markets in the SUB concourse and had 253 members. Since the foundation of Sprouts membership has grown to over 800 members. C. PRODUCTS Sprouts offers a variety of ecologically friendly products to fulfill numerous needs. Organically-grown and fairly- traded food products include fresh produce, fruit, baked goods, breads, dairy products, soy products, frozen food, bulk food, baking supplies, canned foods, chocolate, tea, coffee, and condiments. Non-food items include biodegradable cleaning and personal hygiene products. The product selection is outlined in Exhibit 5. D. GROWTH STRATEGY The UBC Natural Food Coop set some ambitious goals for the year 2005 assuming it would considerably increase its customer base with the opening of Sprouts. Its aspirations included: 1. Increase staff salaries from the current $10/hr to $15/hr, in-line with unionized jobs on campus, to provide adequate compensation to the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s labor force and increase its motivation and encourage performance. 2. Reduce retail mark-up (currently at an average 33%) to the lowest possible in order to stimulate demand for organic and fair-trade foods. 3. Support the UBC Farm in scaling up production and developing a wider selection of produce. 4. Support rural communities in less industrialized countries, by establishing a Rural People Support Fund, and donating $1 of each UBC Food Co-op membership to a sustainable development project/rural community/co-operative in Latin America, Africa, or South-East Asia. 3 The above aspirations will have to wait until the store stabilizes operations. There are currently two main concerns. The first is that although management strongly believes there is a large potential market for organic products on campus, Sprouts has been slow in penetrating it. The second pertains to the sustainable operation of the store. The store enjoys a low cost structure because of its co-operative constitution and the favorable treatment it receives from AMS and others. Management knows that without these benefits the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s continuance would be jeopardized. Attempting to grow the business too quickly by slashing prices would put pressure on cash flow and could cause destructive competition with AMS food outlets. We therefore propose that Sprouts should grow its business through marketing and improve margins through attention to product mix. The store is unlikely to be able to survive in a location where it has to pay rent, and so cannot outgrow its premises without more generosity from AMS. It should therefore aim to achieve profitability and sustainable positive cash flow by the end of the academic year, and maintain this level of operations in subsequent periods. III. MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS A. CUSTOMERS Our target customers are UBC students, staff and faculty who are interested in organic food by shopping at a small-scale, community-based Food Co-op store. B. SURVEY ANALYSIS \u00C2\u0083 The market sample was carefully selected to cover a variety of the campus population. Refer to \u00C2\u0083 \u00C2\u0083 Exhibit 11 for the criteria used for the survey. \u00C2\u0083 Margins of errors E (for 95% confidence) = \u00C2\u00B1 7.76% (E = n 1 , here n = 166) Under this project\u00E2\u0080\u0099s conditions there was no choice but to use the available data. The survey is still on-going. \u00C2\u0083 Approximately 80% of students are interested in organic food and 43% of these students who are interested in 4 organic food have never heard of \u00E2\u0080\u009CSprouts\u00E2\u0080\u009D. The top three categories of interest are snacks, fresh produce and ingredients. See Exhibit 12. C. MARKET SIZE AND TRENDS There are 42,000 students in UBC. (There are 11,000 faculty and Staff which are not included in our survey). Based on the survey results, 80% or 33,600 students are somehow interested in organic food. The interest for organic food is growing and the market is constantly changing (students graduate and new students come in) D. COMPETITION AND COMPETITIVE EDGES \u00C2\u0083 As a member of the AMS, Sprouts has to ensure it does not interfere with the other AMS businesses. \u00C2\u0083 The SUB mainly offers a variety of fast food stores and coffee shops (Exhibit 6). Some outlets serve organic items however Sprouts has an advantage over them because they offer a wider variety of products. Organic stores off campus are a threat but \u00E2\u0080\u009CSprouts\u00E2\u0080\u009D is located conveniently for students\u00E2\u0080\u0099 immediate needs and for those who live on campus. E. ESTIMATED MARKET SHARE AND SALES \u00C2\u0083 Based on the projected marketing campaign it is estimated that the annual sales growth will be 2% once the operations stabilize in September 2005. See Exhibit 14 for monthly sales growth for the current year and Exhibit 15 for that annual sales growth over the next three years. \u00C2\u0083 The sales growth rate of each product category from September to October 2004 can be observed in Exhibit 15. The top four categories with the largest growth rates are farm food, fair trade, bulk food and Dairy. The popular goods in Sprouts store are shelf foods, bulk food, fair trade and produce. F. ONGOING MARKET EVALUATION Thorough analysis of the sales data in addition to periodic surveys should allow the management team to assess the market trends. Furthermore, the sales people should ensure good communication and always get feedbacks from the customers in store. 5 IV. THE ECONOMICS OF THE BUSINESS A. COMPONENTS OF GROSS MARGIN Exhibit 7 shows our calculation of the components of gross margin, which is based on unit costs and October\u00E2\u0080\u0099s till record. Sprouts also has an \u00E2\u0080\u009Copen\u00E2\u0080\u009D till category for special and discounted items. Gross profit from this category is assumed to be zero, except in the case of farm produce, where the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s estimate is used. We draw no distinction between gross margin and contribution margin because the only variable cost omitted is small (Ziploc bags and labels), and because the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s size means that inventory levels cannot change quickly. Mark-ups by product category range from 6% (vegetables) to 72% (pasta), with an overall level around 33%, implying a gross margin of 25%. Cakes and wraps, and the nuts, seeds, and fruits category, were the two largest gross profit contributors. Snacks and convenience foods as a whole provide around half of gross profits. B. OPERATING COSTS All other costs are fixed for current staffing levels and a given number of opening hours, and total around $2,800 for a full 20-day month. Profitable operation would not be possible without assistance from the Katimavik intern (worth around $1,700 per month), voluntary work from students, and free rent, although the store could soon afford another paid part-timer. As part of a student society, Sprouts can also fund equipment and inventory interest free through its AMS credit line, and is exempt from taxes. Thanks to the above special advantages, the store is already close to breaking even and will likely turn a profit for November, despite some equipment failures. On our estimated gross margin for November\u00E2\u0080\u0099s sales mix (26%), we estimate breakeven sales at $10,700 (see Exhibit 8), and at $12,000 on a 27% gross margin if a part- time worker is added at $450 per month in the spring. C. CASH FLOW AND PROFIT POTENTIAL Sprouts is likely to start producing positive net cash flow from February or March, when return on sales could exceed 7%. In the meantime there will likely be some further spending on equipment and increased inventory. We believe that the final level of profitability is attractive, especially relative to capital employed (see Exhibit 9), 6 and will be sustainable so long as the cost advantages persist, and provided Sprouts can establish a distinct customer base before the arrival of Safeway on east campus. V. MARKETING PLAN A. PAST AND CURRENT MARKETING Marketing to date has been minimal. Refer to Exhibit 16. B. MARKET SIZE AND TRENDS The store has many opportunities to attract customers through intelligent and creative marketing. With a total student population (full-time and part-time) of over 42,000 persons, combined with a faculty and staff of over 11,000 persons (Planning and Institutional Research, University of British Columbia. www.pair.ubc.ca/studies/index.htm), UBC campus is a sizeable potential market. Vancouverites in general are amongst the most inclined in Canada to purchase organic and fair-trade goods, and educated people are more likely to be interested in environmental issues than the general population. As already mentioned in the Industry section, the organic food market is currently growing by 20% per year. The fact that little marketing has yet been done suggests significant potential for sales growth at Sprouts. C. OVERALL MARKETING STRATEGY The overall marketing strategy should be kept inexpensive and simple. It is important to note that because of the Co-op structure the ultimate goal of the store is not profit. The objective of the Co-op is to educate the public about organic foods, fair trade products and sustainable food systems by creating a feeling of belonging to a great movement. The intention is to capture a niche of customers who are interested in supporting small-scale, community-based and socially conscious initiatives. The marketing strategy should reflect this. Dimensions for Segmentation Based on our primary market research and information obtained from AMS management and from university offices, the following was determined: 7 Geographic - The relevant geographic area is the University of British Columbia. This includes students, staff and faculty who live on campus and those who are commuters. Surrounding residential areas are outside the catchments area of the store. Demographic - The demographics of individuals in this area is wide spread. The average ages of undergraduate students, masters students and doctorate students are 23 years, 29 years and 32 years respectively, with over 78% of staff over the age of 40 years. 122 different countries are represented with a variety of religious beliefs. The university is capable of accommodating 7,000 residential students, families, faculty and staff, and is usually at 100% capacity from September until May.5 Psychographic and Behavioural - The SUB building gets 8,000 visitors per day. The majority of users see the SUB as a place to \u00E2\u0080\u009Chang out\u00E2\u0080\u009D, eat, get snacks, and check out market vendors. Many non-resident students regard the building as their home base while on campus. Staff and faculty use the SUB mostly for food. A significant number of commuters walk past the SUB every day en route for the bus loop. Survey respondents cook 3.6 days a week on average. Approximately 20% of respondents were not interested in organic foods and fair trade products. Of interested respondents, 54% expressed an interest in organic snacks, and 67% in fresh produce. Most significantly, 43% of respondents who expressed an interest in organic food had not heard of \u00E2\u0080\u009CSprouts\u00E2\u0080\u009D. Finally, around 25% of the university market changes every year as students graduate and new classes enter. Target Market The primary target market will be the population that already has an interest in organic and fair trade products and uses the SUB often. The secondary target market will be those who have an interest and walk past the SUB regularly. Staff and faculty spend less time in the SUB than students but are still included in the two target markets. In terms of eating habits, the targets will mainly be non-cookers and advanced self-caterers. Positioning The store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s positioning will heavily leverage the fact that it is the only organic store on campus. It will position itself by the attributes of its products compared with competitors. The main reason people use the SUB building is for food, especially lunch. Although the SUB is full of attractive and inexpensive food outlets, providing a strong range 8 of snack items is essential, we believe, because of the reason people visit the building. Once interested people visit the store for snacks they will see the other products available, such as ingredients and groceries, and through speaking with friendly staff learn more about the benefits of organic food. Sprouts will therefore position itself as the only 100% Organic Store on Campus, entirely student run, offering convenient organic snacks, lunch items, and fresh produce from the UBC Farm. Value proposition - \u00E2\u0080\u009CVisit the only 100% organic and student run store on campus, supporting sustainable food systems and educating the public. We offer the convenience of the SUB and proximity to the bus loop for organic snacks, groceries, and a lifestyle.\u00E2\u0080\u009D D. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Place - The store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s location in the basement of the Student Union Building is already decided. Price - Prices must be similar to those at other organic retailers. Although the store is located some distance from competitors, own-price elasticity of demand at an individual retailer would be greater than 1. The store has no pricing power and must consider prices for mainstay items from a student budget perspective. Product - With the emphasis on the environment packaging must be simple and not wasteful. The product range should be especially strong in the snacks and convenience items, and in fresh produce. To support its snack food effort, we recommend a venture into simple hot food \u00E2\u0080\u0093 specifically, hot soup from its current supplier of frozen soup. Promotion - Even though the market for organic goods is a niche, interested consumers are distributed widely through the population, making broad promotional activity necessary. Fortunately the university population concentrates naturally in certain areas, such as the SUB, dormitories, and class buildings. A co-ordinated marketing \u00E2\u0080\u009Cblitz\u00E2\u0080\u009D is a priority because the visibility of the store is so low at present. Once the store gains visibility a more narrow promotional strategy, targeting interest groups, will be possible. Our specific recommendations are listed in the Marketing Schedule section. Lastly, the promotional program will have to be repeated every year owing to the changing student population. 9 E. MARKETING SCHEDULE Co-ordinated Campaign for Next Semester The following should be implemented in January and September each year: 1) Advertising in Ubyssey and/or The Point Advertising in campus newspapers is a good way to promote the store to a wide variety of students across campus. The cost is significant but worthwhile in view of the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s low visibility. In addition, the store could perhaps get free advertising by providing a \u00E2\u0080\u009Cweekly recipe\u00E2\u0080\u009D for the newspapers. Approximate cost: $ 17.90. 2) Website The website can provide more information about products, operations, prices, and specials. In addition it can provide recipes and information about organic and fair trade products. This initiative should continue to be in place and the website address should be advertised outside the store. 3) Class Announcements Food Co-op volunteers can approach sympathetic teaching staff to make announcements in their classes (before or after class time). Writing the name, location, and a brief description of the store on the chalk board could be enough to spark interest. Approximate cost: free from volunteers, or $10 per hour from paid staff. 4) Clear and \u00E2\u0080\u009CObvious\u00E2\u0080\u009D Sign Outside Store Based on our market research many people have seen the sign for the store but have no idea what it does. Putting a clearer sign outside indicating that the store sells organic foods, specifically snacks and lunch items, may attract more customers. A white board can be used to change comments week to week. Approximate cost: $30. 5) Pamphlets In view of the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s environmental mandate, a conventional leafleting campaign is not appropriate. Pamphlets can instead be made available at the store with product information, store information etc. These pamphlets can be passed on to friends or classmates of Co-op users. Pamphlets containing price lists can also be distributed to departmental administration offices to attract staff and faculty to the store. Approximate cost: Under $50. 10 6) Sandwich Board outside SUB The store should have a colourful sandwich Board promoting its exquisite selection of organic and fair-trade foods at one of the SUB\u00E2\u0080\u0099s main entrances. Furthermore, a person could walk around campus wearing a sandwich board to attract new customers. Approximate cost: The sign can be bought or made for around $100. 7) AMS Posters Promotional posters pasted around campus and on AMS bulletin boards. Approximate cost: $25. Year-Round Campaign 1) Educational Events/Panel Discussions The Co-operative has previously held and participated in speaker events to inform the public about organic and fair trade products. This initiative should be continued. In addition, Co-op educational workers can offer food and brief presentations to student societies with special dietary or political interests, such as environmentalists and religious groups. Approximate cost: Free from volunteers, or $10 per hour from paid staff. 2) Summer Markets at the UBC Farm In the summer, UBC Food Co-op has a table at the UBC Farm\u00E2\u0080\u0099s weekly market. At the table pamphlets can be distributed and Volunteers can inform customers about the store in the SUB. 3) Sampling Tables outside SUB, Dorms, Apartment Buildings and Large Lecture Halls. Approximate cost: Around $100 for food, plus the loan of a table. VI. OPERATING PLAN A. OPERATING CYCLE The store will follow the academic calendar by necessity. It will operate during the fall and winter semesters (September \u00E2\u0080\u0093 May) and is closed during the summer semester due to lower traffic in the building. Store hours are Monday to Friday, 11:00am-6:00pm. Some product availability is seasonal. The fresh produce is ordered from the UBC Farm during the farming season and supplied by Pro Organics the remaining portion of the year. 11 B. LOCATION The store is located in the SUB, the most heavily used building on campus, close to the central bus loop. Hiring students allows Sprouts to benefit from lower-than-average hourly wages. Additionally, the store employs volunteers who are actively involved in the Coop. The store location offers a convenient place to work before, between, or after classes. By offering incentives and perquisites, management should be able to maintain low employee turnover. Attracting traffic is a significant challenge owing to the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s location in a less busy part of the basement. Appropriate marketing and signs will be necessary (see Marketing Plan section). C. FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS The store is small in size (400 sq. feet) but adequate for current demand. It can accommodate up to 10 customers at a time. The location was donated by the AMS and Sprouts is not required to pay rent. Owing to this agreement, there is currently no possibility for expansion, but it is estimated that there is capacity for an additional 10% of inventory. The store has one freezer, one fridge, one display cooler, and several shelves to store the products. Apart from a soup kettle to serve the daily soup specials as recommended in the Marketing Plan section, we foresee no further large purchases of equipment. D. HUMAN RESOURCES The store has 3 paid managers who are each on location around 10 to 12 hours weekly. The managers perform inventory checks and order products accordingly. One or two volunteers or paid staff helps the manager with the daily store operations which include the cash register, customer assistance, and cleaning. Additionally, every semester, Katimavik sends a high school student to Sprouts as part of its national youth voluntary service program. These students perform the same duty as regular staff for 35 hours per week with 20 other volunteers who work 2 hours per week for food discounts. Staff members generally enjoy the work environment. 12 E. PROCUREMENT AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Sprouts would like to deal with suppliers and local farmers directly, but suppliers and farmers often have prior exclusive agreements with distributors. As a result, Sprouts has no choice but to purchase from distributors (Exhibit 17) who can certify all their products as \u00E2\u0080\u009Corganic\u00E2\u0080\u009D. Nevertheless, Sprouts manages to obtain a great variety of products for its members at competitive prices. Store managers replenish inventory periodically, typically on a weekly basis. Most products are ordered for Monday and as a result the shelves of perishables are often empty by the end of the week. Exhibit 18 shows this trend. Sales are higher at the beginning of the week and decline as the week goes by. Customers seem to know when products are ordered and visit the store accordingly. There is a high probability that the store is losing revenues by understocking for fear of overstocking. However, to reach the sales level indicated in Exhibit 13, the store must improve its demand forecasts and restock appropriately. Most large local distributors have a lead time of 24 hours so Sprouts should have no trouble adjusting its inventory level as required. During the coming year, the following systems of inventory management should be employed (see Master Schedule section for duration of the phases): \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Phase 1 - Continuous Review System: Assuming there is no fixed ordering cost, the inventory level for all products should be checked daily and orders placed every time the inventory for a specific product falls below a reorder point. It is important at this stage to maintain a minimum level of inventory across the product line in order to assess demand accurately. Throughout this phase, it is mandatory that staff perform accurate data entry daily in order to build a database to forecast demand for the second phase. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Phase 2 \u00E2\u0080\u0093 News Vendor Model: Based on the sales data compiled in the previous phase, calculate the optimal stocking level by determining the right balance between costs of overstocking and understocking. F. TRANSPORTATION The suppliers servicing Sprouts are responsible for transportation, expect for the UBC Farm which cannot always meet this demand. During the farming season Sprouts staff have to go and get the produce themselves. 13 G. COST AND QUALITY CONTROL Order sizes are too small to establish volume discounts with distributors. However, simple procedures can greatly contribute to saving costs. For instance, during the farming season, a volunteer cultivates vegetables at the UBC Farm and the produce sold at the store. Sprouts sells the farm\u00E2\u0080\u0099s produce on consignment. By ordering long shelf- life items in larger volumes, staff can divide and package items in store to reduce cost per item. This procedure can be applied to many products sold in the store. Quality control is performed daily. The check for fresh produce is based on product appearance. For products like cheese and yogurt, the decision is based on expiration dates and a policy of two days for the wraps. VII. MASTER SCHEDULE The following is the proposed master schedule for the coming year. Note that a schedule of this type should be followed in future years, with strong marketing efforts in September and January to attract new customers. Month 1- January 2005 1) Send out news letter including employment and volunteer opportunities. 2) Hold a meeting with existing staff and management. 3) Train new staff and volunteers. 4) Start executing phase-1 of the inventory management process as specified. 5) Approach 10 different club heads and make a 5 minute speech at the clubs\u00E2\u0080\u0099 meetings. 6) Go to all the faculty main offices and hand out pamphlets. Put up posters around campus (legally). 7) Make sign outside store making it clear that they serve organic snacks. 8) Make class announcements. 9) Place sandwich board by the nearest entrance. Months 2,3,4 - February , March, and April 2005 1) Send out news letter. 2) Hold at least one discussion or speaker event per month. 3) Sales target for April: $17,200. 14 Month 5- May 2005 1) Set up sample table outside the SUB for advertisement at the beginning of the month. 2) Make class announcements. Month 6- June 2005 1) Send out news letter at the beginning of month informing customers of summer closing and about the UBC Farm\u00E2\u0080\u0099s Saturday Summer Markets. 2) Hold a final meeting. 3) Ensure enough staff for the following September before recruitment can be done. 4) Recruit and train staff to work at the Saturday Summer Market. Months 7,8- July \u00E2\u0080\u0093 August 2005 1) Sell products at the Farmers\u00E2\u0080\u0099 Market and promote the store by giving out pamphlets. 2) Plan strategy for the commencement of school. 3) Send out emails to members for voluntary and paid positions and to remind them about the store. Month 9- September 2005 1) Put up posters in buildings at the beginning of the month. 2) Advertising with a person wearing sandwich board. Walk around campus for 5 days from 11-2 pm. 3) Sample table outside SUB for a week from 11-4 pm at the beginning of the month. Hand out pamphlets. 4) Make 5 minute speeches at the beginning of some of the dorm and apartment first year \u00E2\u0080\u009CFloor Meetings\u00E2\u0080\u009D. 5) Training and orientation. 6) Annual general meeting, elect new board. 7) Make class announcements. 8) Switch to phase-2 of the inventory management process. Use demand forecast. Months 10,11- October - November 2005 1) Send out news letter at the beginning of the month. 2) Hold at least one discussion or speaker event per month. 15 Month 12- December 2005 1) Recruitment for January (if needed). 2) Training (if needed) mid way through the month. 3) Send out news letter at the beginning of the month. 4) Hold at least one discussion or speaker event per month. VIII. RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES 1. The accuracy of the market survey A significant portion of this business plan is based on a market survey that we conducted with the following population sample: Various AMS clubs: 31 respondents; UBC residences: 31 respondents; UBC MBA students: 45 respondents; Students in the SUB during lunch time: 59 respondents. A total of 166 students responded. However, despite targeting various population segments, the sample may not be large enough to represent demand for organic food on campus. The survey did not include any faculty. 2. The surge in traffic after a marketing campaign As mentioned in the Operations section, Sprouts can accommodate approximately 10 customers at a time. If Sprouts were to conduct a marketing campaign successfully, the store would have to be ready to welcome a new wave of customers and have an adequate inventory level. 3. Equipment malfunction The equipment that Sprouts owns was purchased used. Although most has warranty it could result in lost sales and inventory if it breaks down. For backup, Sprouts should enter an agreement with AMS or neighboring businesses to allow temporary storage of its perishables in their freezers or fridges. 4. Competitors As listed in Exhibit 6, there are several competitors in the organic food market, notably Capers on 4th Avenue and Granville Island Produce in the Village. The biggest threat in the near future comes from Safeway which is building a new store at the east end campus (ready in 2006). Safeway is expanding its \u00E2\u0080\u009COrganic Essentials\u00E2\u0080\u009D section. It is 16 therefore more essential that Sprouts build a strong line of snack foods to leverage its location. Sprouts cannot compete on price with Safeway which has a tremendous purchasing power. 5. Change in relationship With AMS Sprouts is currently operating rent-free. The store should build the resources to continue operating in the event of a change in its relationship with AMS. 6. Succession The current management has built the store from scratch and has a strong sense of ownership. It is important that their successors can acquire a similar sense of ownership and commitment. IX. THE FINANCIAL PLAN Our planning horizon is dictated by the desirability of reaching a sustainable level of profitability before the start of the next academic year. Rather than projecting growth in future years, we assume a near-steady state in which the store is able to maintain sales at a similar level through marketing and not outgrow its premises. Income Statements Exhibit 9 shows the income statement for the past two months and our projections to May. The store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s own income statements differ from ours because the AMS requires clubs to use cash-based accounting, expensing capital start-up costs, and because initial inventory estimates were unreliable. SG&A costs are based on the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s budget, plus an allowance for equipment depreciation, and an extra part-timer employed at $450 from March. We assume higher advertising expenses in January for a marketing campaign, and extraordinary losses in November from repairs. We assume that November\u00E2\u0080\u0099s jump in sales is not repeated in December, and that the January marketing campaign does not offset back-to-school blues until February, after which sales grow more slowly. We also assume that the store can increase its gross margin by offering a greater proportion of high margin items such as bulk nuts, seeds, and fruits (see Exhibit 7). 17 Balance Sheet and Cash Requirements The store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s large capital investments are complete. Working capital at the end of October stood at $6,658 (see Exhibit 8), a higher figure than it might be because bills are submitted promptly to AMS and deducted from the credit line. The net cash outflow for working capital needs until May, on a crude pro-rata basis, could therefore be as high as $4,000; however, the store\u00E2\u0080\u0099s limited size means that Sprouts must necessarily increase order frequency, mitigating this effect. Furthermore, at time of writing Sprouts has received a gift of $6,000 from VanCity. The store is therefore comfortably placed to grow and make small capital investments without exceeding its $20,000 credit limit. Assuming that $2,000 of the working capital does not vary with sales, as sales approach a steady state in April the monthly increase in working capital would use only $500 of cash, leaving a net cash flow of around $1,100. For the year 2005-2006, monthly cash flows averaging just $800 could pay back $7,200, or 42% of the current credit line. Although we believe cash flow is a non-issue going forward for the above reasons, the requisite \u00E2\u0080\u009Cpro forma\u00E2\u0080\u009D cash flow and balance sheet forecasts are given in Exhibit 10. Key Financial Conclusions In order to achieve a secure level of positive cash flow, it is desirable that Sprouts aim to raise its gross margin by two percentage points and grow monthly sales by about 20% between November and May (see Exhibit 9), while controlling costs. An extra part-timer can be employed in the spring to assist with more frequent deliveries and a busier store. 18 X. APPENDICES Exhibit 1 - Organic Food Industry Market Value and Growth Year Value (millions of dollars) Growth 1998 394.7 - 1999 461.8 17.00% 2000 543.5 17.69% 2001 650.0 19.60% 2002 777.4 19.60% 2003 928.0 19.37% Exhibit 2- Organic Food Market Segmentation Category % Meat 39.4 Dairy Food 18.0 Bakery & cereals 14.4 Fruit & vegetables 10.2 Ready meals 3.4 Juices 2.9 Other 11.7 Exhibit 3 - Organic Food Market Share by Type of Outlet Type of Outlet Share (%) Mass Market Outlets 49 Supermarkets 44 Other (drug stores, mass merchandisers) 5 Health and Natural Product Stores 48 Natural Food Supermarkets 31 Natural Food Stores 12 Natural Food Cooperative 3 Supplements 2 Farmers Markets / Community Supported Agriculture programs 3 19 Exhibit 4 - Porter\u00E2\u0080\u0099s Five Forces\u00E2\u0080\u0093 Organic Food Stores Industry Competitors Mass markets outlets Health and natural food stores Suppliers Substitutes Threat of Substitutes ( High ) Occasional organic product consumers are Bargaining Power of Supplier ( Low ) Supplier concentration is not relatively high when compared to the number of organic food stores. Volume is important to suppliers but since there is not much product differentiation their bargaining power is not significant. The costs associated to switching suppliers are also low. There is little freedom to raise prices. There is a moderate threat of forward integration because organic farmers can sell their own products directly to the final consumer. Entry Barriers ( Low ) Economies of scale available to stores that purchase high volumes of products. Very little product differentiation. Low capital requirements. Moderate access to distribution channels. No brand identity required to sell organic products. The Government regulates the standard procedures that organic producers must follow. No specific technology or proprietary learning curve associated to the industry. Potential Entrants Farmer markets price sensitive and may switch to non organicproducts. Consumers will often prefer the convenience of buying goods at a supermarket (one-stop purchase). Buyers Buyer Power ( High ) The majority of organic products are standard and undifferentiated. Consumers are price sensitive, only a small proportion of the population is willing to pay for the higher price of organic products. Buyers are not identified with specific organic store or brand; they can shop for the same type of product in different stores. Rivalry Among Competitors ( High ) Rivals are diverse in sizes, strategies and \u00E2\u0080\u009Cpersonalities.\u00E2\u0080\u009D Industry concentration is low when compared to the market it serves. Organic stores differentiate from the rest through product selection and variety. The industry is expanding so the participating firms are also trying to expand. High holding costs and highly perishable products intensify competition for customers. Customers can freely switch from one organic store to another. Competitors can freely enter and exit the industry. 20 Exhibit 5 \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Sprouts Product List grain, quinoa FROZEN MEAL: white spaghetti millet sheppards pie rigatoni OATS: old fashioned FROZEN SOUP: salt (sea salt) quick frozen stew CRACKERS: tamari RICE: basmati brown BREAD: multigrain garden veggie short grain brown rye granola bars basmati white french cookies (chocolate) barley manna (fruit/nut) CHOCOLATE: PASTA: kamut whole wheat bun milk chocolate white penne COOKIES: chocolate dark chocoalte with popcorn (yellow) peanut butter COFFEE: LENTILS: green french macarroon spices (10 kinds) red MUFFINS: light bran teas packaged chickpeas low carb apple zuchinni teas bulk kidney beans oat raspeberry cocoa powder black beans BAKED SWEETS: hot chocolate GRANOLA: apple berry crumble dried apples CEREAL: oaty bites vegan goodie dried apricots heritage WRAPS: prunes hot cereal (variety8pak) RICE CAKES: unsalted DRIED / CANNED GOODS (continued) dates sugar multigrain apples (earligold) FLOUR: unbleached JAM: strawberry peaches (red haven brown peach lemons pancake mix raspberry broccoli cocoa powder honey tomatoes (field #2) hot chocolate peanut butter (New cucumbers (field) almonds (non-organic) tahini (New World squash (summer) cashews (non-organic) hummus zucchini flax seed black bean dip lettuce baby greens BULK FOOD raisin (mccutcheon ketchup (wild country) carrots (bunch) butter mustard (simply potatoe (russet MILK: skim tamari (amano) sweet potatoe one percent olive oil bananas NECESSITIES eggs (large) flax oil (omega nutrition) avocado SOYMILK: vanilla miso gravy garlic (white music regular miso sauce ginger YOGURT: plain black beans sauce PRODUCE onions (walla walla french vanilla thai peanut sauce soap CHEESE: feta PASTA SAUCE: shampoo mozarella tomato basil conditioner cheddar SALSA: medium deoderant brie Mild toothpaste TOFU: regular firm CANNED BEANS: black dishwashing liquid smoked Kidney laundry detergent SALAD DRESSING: ginger sesame Garbanzo toilet paper sundried tomatoe vegetarian chilli tampons raspberry vinegrette coconut milk sanitary napkins italian with roasted pepper apple juice lip balm bluberries frozen Lemonade cough drops DRIED / CANNED GOODS cookie dough DRIED / CANNED GOODS (continued) PASTA: brown rice spaghetti BODY CARE 21 Exhibit 6 \u00E2\u0080\u0093 SUB food outlets Student Union Building (SUB) Snack Attack Gourmet hot dogs and a variety of 'hot wrap' items Honour Roll Maki rolls, nigiri sushi, bento boxes and Donburi rice bowls The Moon Noodle and wonton soups Pie R Square Pizza Pendulum Sit down restaurant. Sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta and vegetarian dishes Pit Pub Draft beer and sandwiches Pit Burger Bar Burgers, onion rings, belgian fries The Deli Bread, snacks, veggie Pizza pizza Pizza Subway Sandwiches Expresso Coffee and tea A&W Hamburgers and root beer Mandarin Wok Chinese noodles Koya Wok Chinese noodles and salads Bernoulli's Bagel Montreal style bagels, sandwiches, salads Blue Chip Cookies Cookies, cakes, coffee Gallery Lounge Draft beer and snacks Convenience Store Snacks, candy, drinks, newspapers, magazines, etc. AMS Outdoor BBQ Grilled burgers and veggie burgers (summer time) Vancouver-Close proximity to campus Grandville Island Produce Variety of organic foods and products Choices Market Variety of organic foods and products Caper\u00E2\u0080\u0099s Market Variety of organic foods and products New Apple Farm Variety of organic foods and products Point Grey has numerous places where people can get organic food. Grandville Island Produce located at The Village offers a limited variety of organic and fair trade foods. Other organic food markets around campus include Choice Market on 16th, Capers on 4th and New Apple Farm market on 4th. A Safeway supermarket exists on 10th and there is another one planned to open on the south of the Campus in 2006. These mass outlets have a greater variety of products but Sprouts is more convenient option for the UBC community. The SUB mainly offers a variety of fast food stores and coffee shops. See Exhibit X. Some outlets serve organic items however Sprouts has an advantage over them because they offer a wider variety of products. Furthermore, Sprouts is a community base initiative providing awareness and information about sustainable food systems. 22 Exhibit 7 Gross profit composition GROSS PROFIT ON CASH Average Gross profit SALES, OCTOBER % total mark-up Shelves Fridge Freezer Total % total per sq. foot Cakes and wraps $378.60 19.6% 37% 3.0 1.9 - 4.9 2.0% $78.03 Nuts, seeds, and fruits $313.83 16.3% 46% 8.7 1.9 - 10.5 4.3% $29.82 Fruit $131.62 6.8% 27% 14.7 - 1.2 15.9 6.5% $8.29 Packaged snacks $98.41 5.1% 28% 42.3 - - 42.3 17.3% $2.33 Chocolate snacks $90.47 4.7% 17% 2.8 - - 2.8 1.2% $32.09 Yoghurt and ice cream $57.52 3.0% 33% - 0.7 1.7 2.4 1.0% $23.67 Snacks and convenience foods $1,070.45 55.5% 36% 71.5 4.4 2.9 78.8 32.2% $13.59 Cereals $140.79 7.3% 42% 8.6 - - 8.6 3.5% $16.43 Tea, coffee, and cocoa $114.71 5.9% 23% 22.4 - - 22.4 9.2% $5.13 Non-dairy protein $51.16 2.7% 34% - 2.8 1.2 3.9 1.6% $13.00 Juices $40.80 2.1% 46% 2.8 1.4 - 4.2 1.7% $9.70 Spreads and dips $38.85 2.0% 26% 8.5 - - 8.5 3.5% $4.59 Bread $33.93 1.8% 34% 5.8 - - 5.8 2.4% $5.83 Canned food $31.50 1.6% 38% 8.5 - - 8.5 3.5% $3.72 Milk, butter, and soymilk $28.30 1.5% 16% 5.6 1.9 - 7.5 3.1% $3.78 Sugar $18.67 1.0% 40% 1.3 - - 1.3 0.5% $14.23 Cheese $15.11 0.8% 15% - 2.1 - 2.1 0.9% $7.26 Frozen meals $11.25 0.6% 38% - - 3.5 3.5 1.4% $3.24 Simple self-catering $525.07 27.2% 32% 63.4 8.1 4.6 76.2 31.2% $6.89 Grains $92.12 4.8% 52% 7.4 - - 7.4 3.0% $12.38 Pasta $41.22 2.1% 72% 4.5 - - 4.5 1.8% $9.15 Sauces and dressings $36.00 1.9% 26% 15.0 - - 15.0 6.2% $2.39 Vegetables $32.49 1.7% 6% 23.3 - - 23.3 9.6% $1.39 Condiments and spices $28.76 1.5% 33% 6.6 0.9 - 7.5 3.1% $3.83 Beans $17.04 0.9% 26% 4.3 - - 4.3 1.7% $4.01 Baking products $16.56 0.9% 25% 5.6 - - 5.6 2.3% $2.94 Home cooking $264.19 13.7% 25% 66.8 0.9 0.0 67.7 27.7% $3.90 Health supplements $28.94 1.5% 28% 5.3 - - 5.3 2.2% $5.48 Hygiene and cleaning $34.17 1.8% 37% 6.6 - - 6.6 2.7% $5.18 Kitchenware $6.82 0.4% 11% 2.8 - - 2.8 1.2% $2.42 Other products $69.93 3.6% 28% 14.7 0.0 0.0 14.7 6.0% $4.76 Unused space 3.8 3.2 2.9 7.0 2.9% $0.00 GRAND TOTAL $1,929.64 100.0% 33% 220.2 16.7 10.4 244.4 100.0% $7.90 Source: Gross profits calculated by Team 22 from data provided by Sprouts. Not all data available. Areas as of December 1st. Shelves include cooler cabinet. Italics: Team 22 estimate. \"Open price\" items (other than farm produce) assumed sold at cost. Variable costs of bags and labelling not included. Gross profit Area used, square feet 23 Exhibit 8 Balance Sheet & Break Even \"SPROUTS\" BALANCE SHEET BREAKEVEN ANALYSIS Units: Canadian dollars Oct-04 Units: Canadian dollars Current March Cash in hand and in bank 3,819 Fixed costs, 20-day month 2,779 3,233 Receivables 799 Inventory 6,134 Contribution margin ratio 26.1% 27% Store equipment 9,655 Total assets 20,407 Breakeven sales level 10,648 11,974 Trade accounts payable 275 Credit line from AMS, total used 17,126 Total liabilities 17,401 Owners' funds 3,006 Total liabilities and members' funds 20,407 Exhibit 9 Income Statement \"SPROUTS\" INCOME STATEMENT Units: Canadian dollars Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 E Dec-04 E Jan-05 E Feb-05 E Mar-05 E Apr-05 E May-05 E Days store open 12 20 20 8 20 15 21 21 16 Cash sales - 8,470 Credit sales and other - 1,352 Sales 6,856 9,822 13,700 6,000 14,000 11,500 16,900 17,200 13,300 COGS (5,535) (7,340) (10,207) (4,470) (10,360) (8,395) (12,337) (12,384) (9,576) Gross profit 1,321 2,482 3,494 1,530 3,640 3,105 4,563 4,816 3,724 Gross margin (%) 19% 25% 26% 26% 26% 27% 27% 28% 28% Salaries and wages* (2,589) (1,934) (1,980) (792) (1,980) (1,485) (2,508) (2,508) (1,911) Employee benefits (194) (233) (198) (79) (198) (149) (255) (255) (194) Office expenses (157) (133) (190) (97) (190) (151) (198) (198) (159) Store expenses (633) (178) (70) (70) (70) (70) (70) (70) (70) Advertising and promotion (272) - (100) (100) (400) (100) (100) (100) (100) Depreciation (126) (166) (166) (166) (166) (166) (166) (166) (166) Other (186) - (75) (75) (75) (75) (75) (75) (75) SG&A (4,157) (2,643) (2,779) (1,379) (3,079) (2,196) (3,372) (3,372) (2,676) Operating profit/(loss) (2,836) (162) 715 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 Extraordinary income/(losses) 0 (166) (500) Net profit/(loss) (2,836) (328) 215 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 Implied underlying growth rate 39% 9% -7% 10% 5% 2% 2% * Excludes wages formerly paid to educational staff. Start of promotional campaign New paid employee hired 24 Exhibit 10 Cash Flow Statement & Balance Sheet \"SPROUTS\" CASHFLOW FORECAST Underlying sales growth, YoY: 2% 2% Units: Canadian dollars Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 E Dec-04 E Jan-05 E Feb-05 E Mar-05 E Apr-05 E May-05 E FYE 06 FYE 07 Days store open 12 20 20 8 20 15 21 21 16 153 153 Net profit/(loss) -2,836 -328 -2,000 -2,629 -881 -904 -517 -194 -165 -225 -230 -4,710 -1,749 -565 -6,251 -0 -0 -0 -10,874 -2,000 -565 215 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 10,700 10,800 Depreciation 126 166 166 166 166 166 166 166 166 1,992 1,992 Working capital change (worst case) 1,088 678 Extraordinary losses/(profits) 0 166 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Operating cash flow 1,092 1,405 171 840 1,416 1,049 12,467 12,562 Capital investment 7,560 3,000 0 0 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grants and donations 6,000 Credit line increase 13,218 3,908 0 0 0 0 Net cash flow 948 2,000 1,105 171 840 1,416 1,049 1,593 12,562 BALANCE SHEET FORECAST Purchase of soup kettle Cash in hand and in bank 3,819 1,819 1,254 2,359 2,530 3,370 4,786 5,835 7,427 19,989 Receivables 799 1,115 1,220 1,139 1,247 1,309 1,333 1,352 1,376 1,401 Inventory (future projections: worst case) 6,134 8,556 9,368 8,744 9,576 10,052 10,231 10,383 10,568 10,755 Store equipment 9,655 9,489 9,323 9,457 9,291 9,125 8,959 8,793 6,801 4,809 Total assets 20,407 20,978 21,165 21,698 22,644 23,856 25,308 26,363 26,172 36,954 Trade accounts payable 275 384 420 392 429 451 459 465 474 482 Credit line from AMS, total used 17,126 10,875 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 0 0 Total Liabilities 17,401 11,258 11,294 11,266 11,303 11,325 11,333 11,340 474 482 Owners' funds 3,006 9,720 9,871 10,432 11,341 12,532 13,975 15,024 25,698 36,472 Total liabilities and owners' funds 20,407 20,978 21,165 21,698 22,644 23,856 25,308 26,363 26,172 36,954 NB: Apart from the October balance sheet figures, historic numbers include Team 22 assumptions. Exhibit 11 \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Target survey samples Survey Type Population # of respondents Live on or off campus Students status Cooking Face to Face SUB 59 On and Off Under, grad, and staff Yes and No St. John Residents 31 On Undergraduate and graduate No Club members 31 On and Off Undergraduate and graduate Yes and No Online survey MBA students 45 On and Off Graduate Yes and No 25 Exhibit 12 - Survey results Heard before What the campus populations want to buy? Where do they live? (On or Off campus) Gender Yes 56.59% Fresh Products 66.67% On- 34.88% Female 50.00% No 43.41% Off- 65.12% Male 50.00% Snacks 54.26% On- 27.14% Female 60.00% Off- 72.86% Male 40.00% Ingredients 40.31% On- 40.38% Female 65.38% Off- 59.62% Male 34.62% Vegetarian Food 39.53% On- 43.14% Female 60.78% Off- 56.86% Male 39.22% Delicatessen 34.11% On- 31.82% Female 54.55% Off- 68.18% Male 45.45% Yes 77.71% No 22.29% Exhibit 13 - Sales in the Sep. 2004 \u00E2\u0080\u0093 May 2005 Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 Dec-04 Jan-05 Feb-05 Mar-05 Apr-05 May-05 Open days 12 20 20 8 20 15 21 21 16 Total sales($) 6,856 9,822 13,700 6,000 14,000 11,500 16,900 17,200 13,300 Sales adjusted in 20 days($) 11,426 9,822 13,700 15,000 14,000 15,333 16,095 16,381 16,625 Real growth rate -14% 39% 9% -7% 10% 5% 2% 1% Exhibit 14 - Estimated sales over the next three years ($) Sep. 2004 - May 2005 Sep. 2005 - May 2006 Sep. 2006 - May 2007 109,277 111,463 113,692 Exhibit 15 - The sales percentages of total sales from Sep. to Nov of 2004 Department Sep. Percentage Oct. (cash sales only) Percentage Average percentage Growth Rate Bulk Food $ 1,529.66 22.3% $1,909.67 22.5% 22.4% 24.8% Shelf Foods $2633.66 38.4% $2807.26 33.1% 35.8% 6.6% Produce $996.79 14.5% $664.38 7.8% 11.2% -33.3% Dairy $604.06 8.8% $752.29 8.9% 8.8% 24.5% Body Care $284.58 4.2% $275.10 3.2% 3.7% -3.3% Fair Trade $665.86 9.7% $1584.39 18.7% 14.2% 137.9% Farm Food $141.08 2.1% $478.24 5.6% 3.9% 239.0% Total $ 6,855.69 100.0% $ 8,471.33 100.0% 100.0% 23.6% 26 Exhibit 16 Past marketing activities \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A vinyl banner which the store is in the process of obtaining permission to put up \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Flyers in the Imagine Packages for 1st year students \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 An advertisement in the AMS agenda \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Posters around campus and in residences \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A monthly newsletter to all UBC Food Co-op members \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A news article in the UBC newspaper \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Participation by Sprouts management as speakers in university events \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A website linked to the UBC website (www.ams.ubc.ca/clubs/nfc/ ) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 An e-mail to members asking for support Exhibit 17 List of distributors Distributors / Suppliers Location Type of products Pro Organics Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Dairy products \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Fresh produce \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Eggs \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Dried raisins \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Pasta, rice \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Granola \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cereals \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Popcorn Giva Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Soya milk \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Salad dressing \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Condiments \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Juice \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Crackers \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Granola bars \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Soap \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Jam Cook Studio Caf\u00C3\u00A9 Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cookie dough \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Frozen food \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Bread, buns \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cookies, muffins Just Us Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Tea \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Tea packaged Lasiembra Ottawa \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Sugar \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Hot chocolate and bars \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cocoa powder Horizon Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Frozen meals \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Coconut milk \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Bath products \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cough drops Westpoint Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Dried apples The Daily Scoop Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Ice cream \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Frozen yogurt Discovery Organics Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Fresh produce \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Rice & lentils \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Pasta sauce & cans \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Rice cakes Canagreen \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Grain, oats \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Flour \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Pancake mix \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Almond & cashew Caf\u00C3\u00A9 Etico Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Coffee UBC Farm Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Fresh produce European Bakery Vancouver \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Bread Exhibit 18 Average sales per weekday (October-November 2004) Average sales per weekday (Oct-Nov 2004) $- $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Weekdays A ve ra ge S al es Average 27 References 1 Tutunjian, Jerry. Are organic products going mainstream? Canadian Grocer. Toronto: September 2004 2 Canada\u00E2\u0080\u0099s Organic Industry, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, December 2003 http://ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/supply/3313_e.htm 3 Myers S., Rorie S., Facts and Stats: The Year in Review, Organic and Natural News December 2000 4 Cunningham, R., The Organic Consumer Profile: Not Only Who You Think It Is!, April 2001, Alberta Agriculture Food And Rural Development. 5 Planning and institutional research. University of British Columbia. December 2003 www.pair.ubc.ca 28 Business Plan Ruffo D\u00C3\u00ADaz Jessica Lawson George Lee Mikio Matsuo Vivian Wang Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Organic Food Industry \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Socially responsible production \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 No chemicals: pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Lower yields = higher costs \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Certification organizations Canadian Organic Advisory Board \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Products associated with a healthier life style and environmentally friendly Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Industry Market Value 19.37%928.02003 19.60%777.42002 19.60%650.02001 17.69%543.52000 17.00%461.81999 -394.71998 Growth Value (millions of dollars) Year 2005 : $3.1 billion sales 20% growth Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Market Share by Outlet Type 3Farmers Markets / Community Supported 2Supplements 3Natural Food Cooperative 12Natural Food Stores 31Natural Food Supermarkets 48Health and Natural Product Stores 5Other (drug stores, mass merchandisers) 44Supermarkets 49Mass Market Outlets Share (%)Type of Outlet \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 1% of total food sales now \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Expected to grow to 10% by 2010 Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Industry Highlights \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Highly competitive, growing industry \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 British Columbia: \u00E2\u0080\u0093 13% of Canada\u00E2\u0080\u0099s population \u00E2\u0080\u0093 30% of Canada\u00E2\u0080\u0099s organic food consumers \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Competition through differentiation \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Consumer groups \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Regular 18% \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Occasional 22% Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Sprouts \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Full-time organic and fair trade food store inaugurated in 2004 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 UBC Food Co-op initiative \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 UBC Farm relationship \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Strong support from Alma Mater Society (AMS) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Student Union Building (SUB) location \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Free financing and free rent \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 UBC campus sustainability project \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Not-for-profit, run and staffed by students \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Education center Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Two Issues 1. Large potential market on campus but the penetration has been slow 2. Low cost structure but concerned about sustainable operation Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 UBC Population \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 42,000 students (full and part-time) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 11,000 faculty and staff \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 8,000 visitors per day in SUB Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Competitors on Campus \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 In the Village: (Granville Island Produce) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Limited range of organic and fair trade food, convenient for students \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Point Grey: (Capers, Choices Market) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Greater variety of products, but not convenient for students Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Survey Method and Accuracy Yes and No GraduateOn and Off45MBA students Yes and No Undergraduate and graduate On and Off31Club members NoGraduateOn31St. John Residents Online survey Yes and No Undergraduate, graduate and staff On and Off59SUBFace to Face CookingStudents statusLive on or off campus Number of respondents PopulationSurvey Type Margin of error E = \u00C2\u00B1 7.76% (95% confidence) Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Survey Results Interested in organic food? If interested, heard of Sprouts? 22.3% 77.7% 43.4% 56.6% No Yes No Yes Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Survey Results (Cont.) Preferred Organic Categories 66.7% 54.3% 40.3% 39.5% 34.1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Fresh Produce Snacks Ingredients Vegetarian Food Delicatessen Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Marketing Potential to attract customers: 1) Minimal marketing to date 2) UBC is a sizeable potential market Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Overall Marketing Strategy \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Needs to be inexpensive and simple \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 The objective is a combination of profit, education, and community involvement \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Aim to capture niche customers who are interested in supporting small-scale, community-based, and socially conscious initiatives Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Target Market \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 People who have an interest in organic and fair trade food who use the SUB \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 People who have an interest and walk by the SUB regularly \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Includes staff and faculty Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Positioning \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Only 100% organic store on campus \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Position by attributes of products compared with competitors \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 SUB mainly used for food \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Visits for snacks will lead to other purchases \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Information provided by friendly staff Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Value Proposition \u00E2\u0080\u009CVisit the only 100% organic and student run store on campus, supporting sustainable food systems and educating the public. We offer the convenience of the SUB and proximity to the bus loop for organic snacks, groceries, and a lifestyle.\u00E2\u0080\u009D Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Implementation Strategy \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Place \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Basement of SUB building \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Price \u00E2\u0080\u0093 No pricing power \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Must be competitive with other organic retailers Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Implementation (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Product \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Snacks, fresh produce, and convenience items \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Promotion \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Broad promotion \u00E2\u0080\u0093 \u00E2\u0080\u009CBlitz\u00E2\u0080\u009D as soon as possible \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Repeat every year Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Marketing Campaigns Campaign for Next Semester 1. Advertising 2. Class announcements 3. Signs and sandwich board Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Marketing Campaigns Year-Round Campaign 1. Educational events 2. Summer market at the UBC Farm 3. Sampling tables in high concentration areas Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Components of Gross Margin GROSS PROFIT ON CASH Average Gross profit SALES, OCTOBER % total mark-up Shelves Fridge Freezer Total % total per sq. foot Cakes and wraps $378.60 19.6% 37% 3.0 1.9 - 4.9 2.0% $78.03 Nuts, seeds, and fruits $313.83 16.3% 46% 8.7 1.9 - 10.5 4.3% $29.82 Fruit $131.62 6.8% 27% 14.7 - 1.2 15.9 6.5% $8.29 Packaged snacks $98.41 5.1% 28% 42.3 - - 42.3 17.3% $2.33 Chocolate snacks $90.47 4.7% 17% 2.8 - - 2.8 1.2% $32.09 Yoghurt and ice cream $57.52 3.0% 33% - 0.7 1.7 2.4 1.0% $23.67 Snacks and convenience foods $1,070.45 55.5% 36% 71.5 4.4 2.9 78.8 32.2% $13.59 Cereals $140.79 7.3% 42% 8.6 - - 8.6 3.5% $16.43 Tea, coffee, and cocoa $114.71 5.9% 23% 22.4 - - 22.4 9.2% $5.13 Non-dairy protein $51.16 2.7% 34% - 2.8 1.2 3.9 1.6% $13.00 Juices $40.80 2.1% 46% 2.8 1.4 - 4.2 1.7% $9.70 Other (total) $177.61 9.2% 30% 29.7 3.9 3.5 37.1 15.2% $4.79 Simple self-catering $525.07 27.2% 32% 63.4 8.1 4.6 76.2 31.2% $6.89 Grains $92.12 4.8% 52% 7.4 - - 7.4 3.0% $12.38 Pasta $41.22 2.1% 72% 4.5 - - 4.5 1.8% $9.15 Other (total) $130.85 6.8% 16% 54.8 0.9 - 55.8 22.8% $2.35 Home cooking $264.19 13.7% 25% 66.8 0.9 0.0 67.7 27.7% $3.90 Other products (total) $69.93 3.6% 28% 14.7 0.0 0.0 14.7 6.0% $4.76 Unused space 3.8 3.2 2.9 7.0 2.9% $0.00 GRAND TOTAL $1,929.64 100.0% 33% 220.2 16.7 10.4 244.4 100.0% $7.90 Gross profit Area used, square feet Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Low Overheads SG&A EXPENSES (NOV. BUDGET) BREAKEVEN ANALYSIS Current March Salaries and wages 1,980 Fixed costs, 20-day month 2,779 3,233 Employee benefits 198 Office expenses 190 Contribution margin ratio 26% 27% Store expenses 70 Advertising and promotion 100 Breakeven sales level 10,648 11,974 Depreciation 166 Other 75 Total 2,779 Units: Canadian dollars Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Planning Objectives \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Sustainable profitability and positive cash flow by end of year \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Steady state thereafter \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Don\u00E2\u0080\u0099t outgrow premises Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Forecast Income Statement SPROUTS INCOME STATEMENT Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 E Dec-04 E Jan-05 E Feb-05 E Mar-05 E Apr-05 E May-05 E FY 2004 Days store open: 12 20 20 8 20 15 21 21 16 153 Sales 6,856 9,822 13,700 6,000 14,000 11,500 16,900 17,200 13,300 109,277 COGS (5,535) (7,340) (10,207) (4,470) (10,360) (8,395) (12,337) (12,384) (9,576) (80,603) Gross profit 1,321 2,482 3,494 1,530 3,640 3,105 4,563 4,816 3,724 28,674 Gross margin (%) 19% 25% 26% 26% 26% 27% 27% 28% 28% 26% SG&A (4,157) (2,643) (2,779) (1,379) (3,079) (2,196) (3,372) (3,372) (2,676) (25,654) Operating profit/(loss) (2,836) (162) 715 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 3,020 Extraordinary losses 0 (166) (500) 0 0 0 0 0 0 (666) Net profit/(loss) (2,836) (328) 215 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 2,354 Underlying sales growth rate 39% 9% -7% 10% 5% 2% 2% Units: Canadian dollars Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Balance Sheet and Cash Flow \"SPROUTS\" CASHFLOW FORECAST Underlying sales growth, YoY: 2% 2% Units: Canadian dollars Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 E Dec-04 E Jan-05 E Feb-05 E Mar-05 E Apr-05 E May-05 E FYE 06 FYE 07 Days store open 12 20 20 8 20 15 21 21 16 153 153 Net profit/(loss) -2,836 -328 215 151 561 909 1,191 1,444 1,048 10,700 10,800 Depreciation 126 166 166 166 166 166 166 166 166 1,992 1,992 Working capital change (worst case) -2,000 1,088 -2,629 -881 678 -904 -517 -194 -165 -225 -230 Extraordinary losses/(profits) 0 166 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Operating cash flow -4,710 1,092 -1,749 -565 1,405 171 840 1,416 1,049 12,467 12,562 Capital investment 7,560 3,000 0 0 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grants and donations 6,000 Credit line increase 13,218 3,908 -6,251 -0 0 -0 -0 0 0 -10,874 0 Net cash flow 948 2,000 -2,000 -565 1,105 171 840 1,416 1,049 1,593 12,562 BALANCE SHEET FORECAST Purchase of soup kettle Cash in hand and in bank 3,819 1,819 1,254 2,359 2,530 3,370 4,786 5,835 7,427 19,989 Receivables 799 1,115 1,220 1,139 1,247 1,309 1,333 1,352 1,376 1,401 Inventory (future projections: worst case) 6,134 8,556 9,368 8,744 9,576 10,052 10,231 10,383 10,568 10,755 Store equipment 9,655 9,489 9,323 9,457 9,291 9,125 8,959 8,793 6,801 4,809 Total assets 20,407 20,978 21,165 21,698 22,644 23,856 25,308 26,363 26,172 36,954 Trade accounts payable 275 384 420 392 429 451 459 465 474 482 Credit line from AMS, total used 17,126 10,875 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 10,874 0 0 Total Liabilities 17,401 11,258 11,294 11,266 11,303 11,325 11,333 11,340 474 482 Owners' funds 3,006 9,720 9,871 10,432 11,341 12,532 13,975 15,024 25,698 36,472 Total liabilities and owners' funds 20,407 20,978 21,165 21,698 22,644 23,856 25,308 26,363 26,172 36,954 NB: Apart from the October balance sheet figures, historic numbers include Team 22 assumptions. Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Loyalty Card Should Come Later CASH COST OF IMPLEMENTING STAMP CARD Co-op Members Persons Sales Sales/member Persons Sales/member New sales Core 160 8,800$ $55.00 224 $56.00 12,544$ Casual 640 2,200$ $3.44 576 $3.44 1,980$ New joiners - - - 80 $3.44 275$ 800 11,000$ 880 14,799$ less: COGS (8,195)$ less: COGS (11,784)$ Gross profit 2,805$ Gross profit 3,015$ Assumes core members buy 10% more volume Net profit improvement 209$ with average cost 7.5% lower. less: Extra inventory (2,373)$ Cash outflow: (2,164)$ Current (average of Oct and Nov) After promotion Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Concrete Financial Targets In order to achieve financial security, Sprouts should \u00E2\u0080\u00A6 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Grow monthly sales 20%, and \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Increase its gross margin by 2 percentage points \u00E2\u0080\u00A6 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 between now and May \u00E2\u0080\u00A6 \u00E2\u0080\u00A6 while controlling overhead costs. Sprouts \u00E2\u0080\u009C20-2-May\u00E2\u0080\u009D Plan Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Operations \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Operating cycle \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Follows the academic calendar \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Some product availability is seasonal (UBC Farm) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 HR \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Day-to-day operation of Sprouts \u00E2\u0080\u0093 3 paid managers (10-12hrs/week) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 1 or 2 paid employees or volunteers \u00E2\u0080\u0093 1 high-school student (Katimavik program) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 20 other volunteers for food discount Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Operations (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Facilities \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 400 sq. feet \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Adequate for current demand \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Potential 10% increase in inventory Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Operations (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Inventory Management \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Inventory replenished on weekly basis \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Demand looks stochastic, but \u00E2\u0080\u00A6 Average sales per weekday (Oct-Nov 2004) $- $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Weekdays A ve ra ge S al es Average Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Operations (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Cost Control \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Simple procedures can reduce costs \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A volunteer cultivates vegetables at the UBC farm \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Order in large volume, divide and package items Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Operations (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Summary (Cont.) \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Must improve its demand forecasts \u00E2\u0080\u0093 Recommendations \u00E2\u0080\u0093 2 phases 1. Continuous review system \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Place orders when inventory level below reorder point. Maintain a min inventory to assess demand. 2. \u00E2\u0080\u009CNews Vendor\u00E2\u0080\u009D model \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Based on the sales data from phase 1, determine the optimal stocking level (over vs. understocking) Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Risks \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Accuracy of market survey \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Surge in traffic after marketing campaign \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Equipment malfunction \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Safeway 2006 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Change in relationship with AMS \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Succession Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Summary of Recommendations \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Big marketing campaigns every January and September \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 More high margin products such as nuts and fruits \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Bolster snack food range by offering hot snacks \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Monitor inventory daily to introduce News Vendor Model \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Do not attempt to grow by slashing prices \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 To achieve financial security, increase sales by 20% and gross margin by 2 percentage points by May Sauder School of Business | FT MBA 2004 Conclusion \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Small but potentially very profitable \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Possible because of free rent and capital, and inexpensive labour It is an attractive business! Survey questionnaire 1. Are you interested in organic food? Yes___ No___ 2. Have you heard of Sprouts, the organic/fair trade food store in the Student Union Building (SUB) at UBC? Yes____ No___ 3. If you would use an organic food store in the SUB, roughly how many times per week? For ingredients for cooking: 0-1 1-2 2-3 3 or more For general groceries: 0-1 1-2 2-3 3 or more For snacks: 0-1 1-2 2-3 3 or more 4. How many days do you cook for yourself in a typical week? 0 0-1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4+ 5. If you would use an organic food store in the SUB, assuming the price was right, which types of food would you like to buy there? Fresh produce ____ Bulk ingredients and dry food ____ Delicatessen ____ Snacks ____ Vegetarian food ____ Other (please suggest a food): _________________________ 6. Do you live within walking distance of the main UBC campus? Yes ____ No____ 7. You are: Female ____ Male____ Undergraduate____ Graduate ____ Faculty ____ Other____ Yes 77.7% Heard before Fresh Produce 66.67% Campus Gender Yes 56.6% On- 34.88% Female 50.00% No 43.4% Off- 65.12% Male 50.00% Snacks 54.26% Campus Gender On- 27.14% Female 60.00% Off- 72.86% Male 40.00% Ingredients 40.31% Campus Gender On- 40.38% Female 65.38% Off- 59.62% Male 34.62% Vegetarian Food 39.53% Campus Gender On- 43.14% Female 60.78% Off- 56.86% Male 39.22% Delicatessen 34.11% Campus Gender On- 31.82% Female 54.55% Off- 68.18% Male 45.45% No 22.3% Fresh Produce 66.7% Snacks 54.3% Ingredients 40.3% Vegetarian Food 39.5% Delicatessen 34.1% Sprouts: Survey Results Interested in Organic Food? Yes 77.7%, No 22.3% Heard of Sprouts? Yes 56.6%, No 43.4% 66.7% 54.3% 40.3% 39.5% 34.1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Fresh Produce Snacks Ingredients Vegetarian Food Delicatessen"@en . "Report"@en . "10.14288/1.0108077"@en . "eng"@en . "Unreviewed"@en . "Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library"@en . "Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International"@en . "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/"@en . "Graduate"@en . "University of British Columbia. MBA 500"@en . "UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student Report"@en . "Business Plan: Sprouts"@en . "Text"@en . "http://hdl.handle.net/2429/22431"@en .