4.2.3

Niche & Mass Markets

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Niche vs. Mass Markets

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

Mass market

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.
Niche market

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.
Examples

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.
Benefits and disadvantages of mass markets

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
Pros and cons of niche markets

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
1

Business Organisation & Environment

2

Human Resource Management

3

Finance & Accounts

4

Marketing

5

Operations Management

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