Kroger Research Paper

Columbia is a global sportswear giant, specializing in apparel, footwear, and equipment. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Colombia has 5,978 employees according to Forbes. According to ycharts.com, the value of the company is 4.46 billion dollars. Columbia sportswear company is among one of the largest in the world, competing directly against the likes of North Face and Patagonia. The advantage that Columbia has in their industry is that they sell top end, premium gear to people not wanting their rain jacket to soak through or gear to ruin in the conditions. The companies growth has showed that consumers are willing to spend more to get their brand. Even though Columbia is already a giant in their industry, they have the ability to win over more customers and grow in size.
One of the main reasons why I chose this company to research is because I am a fan and consumer of their products. I believe the products they put in the market are on par with other premium brands. I would enjoy finding a job in

their marketing division, being a marketing major myself. Another reason was because they are a locally headquartered company. Working for a company that is based out of Oregon would be a great way to feel more connected to the company. I could definitely see myself living and working in Portland after I am done with undergraduate studies at Oregon State, so Columbia would potentially be a great employer. Columbia is also going to be at the Career Expo at Austin Hall, so I will be able to discuss the possibility of employment and internships over the summer.

Kroger
Kroger is an American retailing company Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kroger has spread through to many different store formats, including supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, and jewelry stores. According to STORES Media, Kroger supermarket chain worth 115 billion dollars, only second to Walmart. Kroger is also the third largest private employer in the Unites States with 443,000 employees according to kroger.com. Kroger is in 34 states and will most likely expand into more with time. The advantage Kroger has amongst its peers is the connivence an uniform quality within their stores. Even franchises such as Fred Meyer that Kroger owns will have similar store options and products in other Kroger owned stores. This advantage, similar to that of Starbucks, lets consumers know what to expect when entering a Kroger store. Unlike Columbia, Kroger has an very large number of employees, meaning a lot more opportunities for a job within the

company.
A large selling point for me as a prospective employee on Kroger is their large company and brand. Getting an internship for a company of that size and doing well will most likely lead to a job offer. If the circumstances don’t turn out as such then being able to say that I did an internship at a company which the majority of people are familiar with will also earn me credibility. Even though a trend of people these days try to avoid big chains like Kroger when shopping, I do not see the need because Kroger is American owned and has many employees all over the country. Since there are many Kroger retailers in Oregon I believe that I won’t have to go far in the event that I get a job offer. Kroger will also be at the Career Expo at Austin Hall, I plan on talking with a representative of the company and finding out more about their internship opportunities and career paths.