Rowena Baker is proving successful, but the City’s big investors haven’t been persuaded. According to retail analyst, John Matthews, ‘Money had already been invested in refurbishment of the store and in fact that led to the boost in sales. She took the credit, but hadn’t done anything to achieve it. And in my view the company’s shareholders are not convinced. The fact is that unless she opens several more stores pretty soon, Smithson’s profits will start to fall because turnover at the existing store will inevitably start to decline.’
13. According to the writer, in the mid-1990s Smithson’s department store
A. was making a loss
B. had a problem keeping staff
C. was unhappy with its advertising agency
D. mostly sold goods under the Smithson’s name
14. According to the writer, Smithson’s profits started rising three years ago because of
A. an improvement in the retailing sector
B. the previous work done on the store
C. Rowena Baker’s choice of designer
D. a change in the products on sale
15. According to Rowena Baker, one problem which Smithson’s faced when she joined was that
A. the number of people using the store was failing slowly.
B. its competitors offered a more specialized range of products.
C. the store’s prices were set at the wrong level.
D. customers were unhappy with the service provided.
16. According to the writer, many staff opposed Baker’s plans because
A. they were unwilling to change their way of working.
B. they disagreed with her goals for the store.
C. they felt they were not consulted enough about the changes.
D. they were unhappy with her style of management.
17 Baker has changed staff policies because she believes that
A. the corporate image can be improved through staff uniforms.
B. the previous rules were not fair to customers.
C. customers should be able to identify with the staff serving them.
D. employees should share in company profits.
18. What problem does John Matthews think Smithson’s is facing?
A. More money needs to be invested in the present store.
B. The company’s profits will only continue to rise if it expands.
C. The refurbishment of the store is proving unpopular with customers.
D. Smithson’s shareholders expect a quick return on their investments.
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