Distribution channels P4 (a)

A Distribution Channel is the chain of businesses or intermediaries through which a good or service passes until it reaches the end consumer.
A distribution channel can include wholesalers, retailers, distributors and even the internet.

Distribution channels are a key element in the entire marketing strategy and help the company to expand their reach and grow revenue consisting of Product, Promotion, Price and Placement.
Companies can sell through a single distribution channel or through multiple channels that may include:
- Wholesaler/Distributor
- Direct/Internet
- Direct/Catalog
- Direct/Sales Team
- Value-Added Reseller
- Consultant
- Dealer
- Retail
- Sales Agent/Manufacturers Rep

Vogue Magazines are distributed in:

- Newsagents: Local and National such as WHSmiths and newsagents in train/bus stations and airports.

- Supermarkets: All major UK supermarkets such as Tesco's, Sainsbury's and Asda etc

- Department Stores: M&S, John Lewis and Selfridges etc 

- Chain Stores: Topshop, HMV and Virgin

- Subscription: Available vie the magazine itself, promotion in magazines from the same magazine house vie leaflets and vie the website

- Website: The Vogue website itself - http://www.vogue.co.uk/

 In WHSmiths, there is a magazine shelf where Vogue will feature in the Beauty magazine department. Vogue is often stacked at the top of the shelf due to it being the most popular  women's beauty and fashion magazine helping to promote and advertise the product. 

On the Vogue Website Print and digital editions of the Vogue magazine are on sale promoting the product to the target audience. 

Stats:

Vogue's audience profile is similar between Print, web and print and web together. This shows that the distribution channel for the print and the web are able to ensure target audiences are reached in both areas. 

63% are regular readers of Vogue online at Vogue.co.uk and 67% as already mentioned will get their monthly Vogue print either in the post or at local newsagents such as WHsmiths. 

Meaning and Purpose:

A Distribution Channel is the chain of businesses or intermediaries through which a good or service passes until it reaches the end consumer. By knowing the distribution channels, readership increases as target audiences are reached. This is because they know where they can reach Vogue, whether that is by print or on the web.

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