This article is a case study of a relative newcomer to the furniture industry in Canada.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Entrepreneurship, marketing, online sales, channels of distribution

Key Questions to Explore:

• What distribution channels are best for the consumer while also being cost-effective for a company?

Materials needed:

Copies of the article

Introduction to lesson and task:

Students will examine various distribution channels and how they can work for an online retailer.

Action (lesson plan and task):

• Review channels of distribution with the class.
• Discuss supply chain optimization
• Distribute the first half of the article (case study) for the class to read.
• In pairs, have students brainstorm solutions for The Challenge: How can a small company like Rove Concepts improve its supply chain to ensure high-quality delivery no matter where the customer is?
• Combine pairs and have students share their responses.

Consolidation of Learning:

• Distribute the expert advice and have students read and compare the expert advice to their own brainstormed solutions. Have them look for what was similar and what was different.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand supply chain distribution and how to add value along the way.

Confirming Activity:

• Ask students to write a one or two paragraph piece of advice on how to optimize supply chain distribution for an online retailer.