In the 2008-2009 Great Recession, Nordstrom added products at the lower end of its product categories, such as an exclusive line of Elie Tahari professional women's clothing priced 30 percent lower than Elie Tahari's main collection, and the Easy Money jean brand, priced at under $100. Most other competitors turned to discounts to attract customers. 1. During a recession, should retailers anticipate that demand would increase for high-featured, high-priced versions or low-featured, low-priced versions? 2. Which approach should be more profitable-discounting existing offers or adding new offers at the lower end of the product category? Why? 3. What are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category in general? Specifically, what are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category during a recession?

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In the 2008-2009 Great Recession, Nordstrom added products at the lower end of its product categories, such as an exclusive line of Elie Tahari professional women's clothing priced 30 percent lower than Elie Tahari's main collection, and the Easy Money jean brand, priced at under $100. Most other competitors turned to discounts to attract customers. 1. During a recession, should retailers anticipate that demand would increase for high-featured, high-priced versions or low-featured, low-priced versions? 2. Which approach should be more profitable-discounting existing offers or adding new offers at the lower end of the product category? Why? 3. What are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category in general? Specifically, what are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category during a recession? In the 2008-2009 Great Recession, Nordstrom added products at the lower end of its product categories, such as an exclusive line of Elie Tahari professional women's clothing priced 30 percent lower than Elie Tahari's main collection, and the Easy Money jean brand, priced at under $100. Most other competitors turned to discounts to attract customers. 1. During a recession, should retailers anticipate that demand would increase for high-featured, high-priced versions or low-featured, low-priced versions? 2. Which approach should be more profitable-discounting existing offers or adding new offers at the lower end of the product category? Why? 3. What are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category in general? Specifically, what are some drawbacks of launching new products at the lower end of the product category during a recession?