MARKET BASKET CASE QUESTIONS

For those unfamiliar with Market Basket, it’s a small, regional grocery chain with 71 stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. For decades, two members of the family that owns Market Basket—Arthur T. Demoulas and Arthur S. Demoulas—have been fighting for control of the business. In late June of this year, Arthur S. and other board members fired then-CEO of Market Basket, Arthur T. Less than one month after Arthur T.’s removal, Market Basket employees began protesting the move. As of this writing, it’s nearly two weeks into the protests, which have left store shelves empty of products, rallied customers on the side of the protesting employees, and even prompted some elected officials to weigh in.

CASE QUESTIONS:

1. What were Market Basket employees really striking for?

2. What CHANGES came about as a result of the strike?

What CHANGES needed to be made immediately?

What CHANGES focused on long-term business plans?

Were these CHANGES consistent with the goals Arthur T. set forth?

3. What are the differences between Arthur T. versus Arthur S.? Why has Arthur T. earned the respect and loyalty of Market Basket employees?

4. What business lessons can other CEOs learn from the Market Basket strike?

5. What is the CURRENT status of Market Basket? Has Arthur T. upheld his commitment to the employees?  Is Market Basket adding new stores, closing stores, etc.?  What is the financial outlook of Market Basket?