3.3.2

Niche & Mass Markets

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Niche vs. Mass Markets

Markets can be split into mass segments and niche segments. Their characteristics are different.

Illustrative background for Mass marketIllustrative background for Mass market ?? "content

Mass market

  • The mass market tries to make products and/or services for all consumers.
  • The mass market will be larger and the types of products will be more generalised.
Illustrative background for Niche marketIllustrative background for Niche market ?? "content

Niche market

  • The niche market appeals to a much smaller segment.
  • The niche market will be smaller than the mass market.
  • The niche market provides products and/or services which focus on a specialist want or need.
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Examples

  • In the fast-food industry there are a few dominant players who appeal to the mass market - McDonalds, Burger King, Subway.
  • There is a smaller niche market for healthy fast food. This is addressed by businesses such as Leon.
Illustrative background for Benefits and disadvantages of mass marketsIllustrative background for Benefits and disadvantages of mass markets ?? "content

Benefits and disadvantages of mass markets

  • Benefits:
    • Having more customers.
    • Benefitting from economies of scale (due to higher output levels).
    • Can build a strong market presence.
  • Disadvantages
    • Higher levels of competition.
    • Lower profit margins
Illustrative background for Pros and cons of niche marketsIllustrative background for Pros and cons of niche markets ?? "content

Pros and cons of niche markets

  • Pros:
    • Less competition.
    • Specific market.
    • Can develop specific expertise.
    • Higher profit margins.
    • Customer loyalty.
  • Cons:
    • No economies of scale.
    • Vulnerability because they have an undiverse product portfolio.

Jump to other topics

1What is Business?

2Managers, Leadership & Decision Making

3Decision Making to Improve Marketing Performance

4Decision Making to Improve Operational Performance

5Decision Making to Improve Financial Performance

6Improving Human Resource Performance

7Analysing the Strategic Position of a Business

8Choosing Strategic Direction

9How to Pursue Strategies

10Managing Strategic Change

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