Which strategy involves gaining a competitive edge by offering unique products?

The differentiation strategy is focused on offering unique products that stand out from the competition. By emphasizing distinct features, quality, or services, firms can create a perception of value that appeals to customers. This approach allows businesses to cultivate brand loyalty and can enable them to charge premium prices, as consumers may be willing to pay more for products that they perceive as superior or unique.

In contrast to cost leadership strategies, which prioritize being the lowest-cost producer in the industry, differentiation shifts the focus to creating a unique selling proposition. A stability strategy aims to maintain current operations without significant changes, while a retrenchment strategy seeks to reduce the scope of operations to improve financial performance. Neither of these strategies emphasizes the creation of unique or innovative products. Thus, the differentiation strategy is most effective for businesses that aim to stand out in a crowded market through the uniqueness of their offerings.