Andover Business Club

Topic : To kick off the term, we are going to talk about   phone apps . We use these every day and you probably open an app every time you use your phone.  Of course, there are certain apps that are used more than others (i.e. Instagram, Snap, Spotify, Google Maps).  Statista states that there are 2.8 million phone apps out there! However, out of these 2.8 million phone apps, sad to say,   more than “most” fail.    Perhaps better rephrased is, a few succeed.   The question is why .    Can ABC make a list of characteristics that all successful apps share in common?  Bring your ideas and your friends!  This is a new term, and even if you haven’t been to an ABC meeting before, we encourage you to come. Articles to check out: https://clearbridgemobile.com/youre-doing-it-wrong-the-top-6-reasons-why-apps-fail/   (Top 6 Reasons Why Apps Fail) http://www.businessinsider.com/most-used-smartphone-apps-2017-8 - 8-google-play-3 ...

Linked is the application for a position on the Board of ABC in the 2018-2019 school year.  This is due after spring break. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U2-d4hMUW2lAh-gJ7eZlc7vkw1H5qZ8OgyS9rqpMlHg/edit?usp=sharing

Topic:   Nordstrom   was in the headlines for quite some time in 2017. Nordstrom is working to improve their sales still, and they have incorporated a number of strategies, such as eliminated 10%-20% of brands that under performance in stores.  In Irvine, Calif. Nordstrom has set up a store that has minimal inventory, but has the sizes and colors of all the available products of particulars brands to promote customers to come into stores and see their size and color but wait to purchase online.  E-commerce is indubitably taking over the retail industry and department stores seem to be in the worst position since they sell collections of other brands. How is Nordstrom differentiating itself?  What can department stores do to promote better business?    Why were department stores even started in the first place/what was the initial idea that they could succeed?

Topic :    The Last Jedi , the latest Star Wars movie’s revenue fell short of 200 million dollars of what analysts predicted.    Why   is this the case for this particular Star Wars? In addition,   Starbucks’   quarterly review did “top estimates, but that didn’t impress investors” in the United States.  They are, however, noticing an increase in sales in China.  Apparently, the profits made in the US can be credited towards an increase in the price in each drink, even though the number of sales has remained the same.  What caused the surge for Starbucks in recent years?  Why is it beginning to stabilize (yes, it’s stocks are going down)?  What will the company have to do to innovate in the future? Links to check out: http://money.cnn.com/2018/01/26/investing/starbucks-earnings-stock/index.html https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-last-jedi-loses-sales-momentum-raising-concern-for-disney-1517245312?mod=searchresults...

Topic : Just last Thursday, Amazon picked out 20 finalists for the location of their headquarters #2.  Some of the cities include LA, Dallas, Boston, New York City, Atlanta, and Newark etc.  Why have these cities been kept while others were eliminated from the list?  What makes a suitable location for a large company’s headquarters?  What is Amazon looking for in particular?  In addition, Amazon is set to launch AmazonGO, which is paving the way for cashier-less stores.  Do you think this idea will succeed, and what current brick-and-mortar stores are now in danger?   https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazons-cashierless-go-convenience-store-set-to-open-1516546801 https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-narrows-choices-for-second-headquarters-to-20-1516284607?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=14

Topic : Apple made an unexpected appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) just last week in Las Vegas.  Apple is well known for  not  attending this show, instead, hosting their own show.  However, this year, representatives were spotted at CES.  The question is why  2018?   Why  now?  In addition, if you are interested, we can discuss the Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Apple Homepod (if they release it???) and why Apple still believes they can charge over 2 times the cost having not obtained the first mover advantage.  http://www.techradar.com/news/ apple-made-a-secret-trip-to- ces-to-talk-ar-glasses-says- report https://www.digitaltrends.com/ computing/alexa-dominates-ces- 2018/ Notes:

Each week, we will decide upon a topic to discuss.  We want to hear what you want to discuss, so if there is something that interests you, please let us know.  Email: andoverbusinessclub@gmail.com At the beginning of our meeting, we'll read a short article to provide some more context and information about the chosen topic. Discussion follows. This is all about YOUR IDEAS.  There isn't a wrong or a right answer, and one of the goals of the ABC Board is to cultivate a safe place to voice everyone's opinions.  Discussion will happen in a Harkness style, similar to English classes in the sense that we will sit in a circle and that there will not a Board member controlling the discussion.  We want to hear you.  Join our first discussion on Thursday, January 18th from 6:30-7:00 PM.