Project Title: Competitor Benchmarking
Sokolin, LLC
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| Project Title | Competitor Benchmarking |
| Project Topics | Customer Service & Account Management Digital Marketing Growth Strategy Market Research Marketing Sales & Business Development Strategic Planning |
| Skills & Expertise | Brand Strategy Experimentation & Testing Management Consulting Market Research Marketing Strategy Sales & Business Development Social Media Strategy |
| Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity | Sokolin is one of the nation’s premier fine wine retailers, offering rare and collectible wines to discerning clients. In a market where digital experience, customer loyalty, and curated service define competitive advantage, Sokolin seeks to better understand the evolving landscape of wine eCommerce—both in the U.S. and select global markets. MBA students will lead a comprehensive competitor research and benchmarking initiative to assess how peer companies are approaching customer experience, order incentives, loyalty programs, marketing campaigns, digital strategies, and international expansion. Their findings will directly support Sokolin’s executive team as they refine growth and innovation strategies.
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| Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required | Action Items · Identify and profile key domestic competitors (e.g., Wine.com, Vivino, Benchmark Wine, Total Wine, K&L, and other specialty fine wine merchants). · Evaluate competitor offerings across customer experience, including service models, shipping/returns, order minimums, packaging, concierge services, and loyalty programs. · Conduct a digital strategy analysis including technology stack, advertising tactics, and presence across search, paid social, and affiliate channels. · Analyze customer and order incentives, including bundling, referral offers, first-time purchase discounts, subscriptions, and seasonal promotions. · Benchmark digital marketing strategies: email flows, SMS engagement, SEO/SEM presence, influencer use, and content marketing. · Assess the market positioning and entry strategies of top competitors in high-potential global regions (e.g., UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE). · Synthesize findings into a tactical recommendations roadmap to enhance Sokolin’s competitive edge.
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| Project Synopsis: Expected Results | This project will be considered successful if the student team: · Clearly articulates the differences in customer strategy among Sokolin’s competitors. · Identifies gaps or innovation opportunities Sokolin can pursue. · Provides a synthesized view of the global competitive landscape in key growth markets. · Produces actionable insights Sokolin can integrate into marketing, product, or technology planning. · Delivers a final report and presentation of professional quality that sparks internal strategy conversations.
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Project Timeline
Sokolin, LLC - Competitor Benchmarking
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Due Date
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Activities |
Deliverables
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Fri, 06/06/25
12:00 AM
UTC
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Kickoff Self Evaluation
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Mon, 06/09/25
12:00 AM
UTC
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Program Kickoff
Keys to Success
● Think Like a Strategist: Don't just collect data. Ask "Why?" and "So what?" to uncover the strategic implications for Sokolin. ● Go Deep on Data: Your analysis will only be as good as the information you gather. Be thorough and curious. ● Communicate Proactively: Provide regular updates on your progress and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions. ● Tell a Story: Your final presentation should tell a clear and compelling story about the competitive landscape and Sokolin's path forward. |
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
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Guiding Questions:
Keys to Success
● Think Like a Strategist: Don't just collect data. Ask "Why?" and "So what?" to uncover the strategic implications for Sokolin. ● Go Deep on Data: Your analysis will only be as good as the information you gather. Be thorough and curious. ● Communicate Proactively: Provide regular updates on your progress and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions. ● Tell a Story: Your final presentation should tell a clear and compelling story about the competitive landscape and Sokolin's path forward. Location: In Person
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Mon, 06/16/25
5:00 PM
US/Eastern (UTC-04:00)
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TEMPERATURE CHECK: How's it going?
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Mon, 06/16/25
5:00 PM
UTC
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Temp Check #1
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Mon, 07/07/25
5:00 AM
US/Eastern (UTC-04:00)
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Temp Check #2
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Fri, 08/08/25
12:00 AM
UTC
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HOW DID IT GO? Please give us feedback =)
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Fri, 08/08/25
12:00 AM
UTC
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End of Project Peer Evaluation
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Fri, 08/08/25
12:00 AM
UTC
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End of Project Self Reflection
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Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
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Program Managers
| Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Alisa Hunt | Post University |
| Raymond Kasei | Post University |