Why is it important for marketers to analyze the positions of both direct and indirect competitors? Give an example of direct and indirect competitors for a supermarket

What will be an ideal response?

Marketers need to understand the positions of both their direct and indirect competitors in order to develop a winning position for their own product. Indirect competitors that provide similar benefits to direct competitors may signal an emerging consumer trend that marketers need to be aware of. For a supermarket, direct competitors would be other supermarkets and grocery stores. An indirect competitor could be a convenience store that begins to stock a small selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.