As import penetration in the U.S. market footwear reached 81% in 1986, BW shoes, along with all their U.S. competitors are struggling. Supply line is deteriorating, retailers and importers is gaining momentum, and the government rejected two successive defense motions. Like all industries experienced comparative cost disadvantages in international competition, shoe companies like BW have to find new ways to compete. This case explores the various coping strategies to manage the comparative disadvantage. "Hide
by David B. Yoffie, Stewart Burton S. Source: Harvard Business School 20 pages. Publication Date: 03 Oct 1986. Prod. #: 387022-PDF-ENG