Stiff competition has forced Benetton to radically change its retail strategy (Economist: 9 November 2004). To that end it has introduced over 100 „mega-stores‟ and, whilst the majority remain under the franchise system, the company has decided to take direct ownership and control of a few as it seeks to form a closer relationship with its clientele; the logic being that this will facilitate a deeper understanding of customer preferences (Camuffo et al 2001:50). One expert has stated that Benetton – a former market leader – is lagging behind its competitors, not through any defects in its supply chain, but more because it is “less good at seeing the opportunity”, inferring that the franchise system is to blame because it creates a barrier between company and customer. Zara, on the other hand, is proving to be far more successful because of it has adopted „agile‟ supply chain practices (Cane 2007:1).