How Business Rivalry is Influencing Competitiveness of Hardware Stores in South Imenti Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya

Business rivalry has occasioned a cut-throat competition which is threatening the growth of hardware stores in South Imenti sub-county. The intensive competition may have been heightened by the increased constructions of commercial houses to meet the rising demand for housing in the region. The competitive rivalry may likely curtail creation of a stable employment and can be a deterrent to affordable housing which is one of national agenda 4. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of rivalry on the competitiveness of hardware stores in South Imenti sub-county. It hypothesized that business rivalry has no significant influence on the competitiveness of hardware sector in South Imenti sub-county. The porters five competitive model was significant in guiding this study. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Data was collected from the registered hardware stores in South Imenti using a structured questionnaire. Census sampling technique was used since the population was small. Content and construct validity ensured data quality, while cronbach's alpha was used to test the reliability of the research instruments. Mean, standard deviation, and linear regression analysis were used in analyzing research data. Results indicated that business rivalry positively and significantly affect the competition of hardware stores. The study concluded that there is intensive business rivalry among hardware stores in Imenti South. This has occasioned price wars among the hardware owners and a scramble for the market share, hence the unsystematic expansion and growth. The study recommends collaborations of business associates and introduction of differentiated products in the market.