Business Strategy

Six Flags Principles of Competitive Advantage

Product Implementations

All Six Flags locations are strategically placed throughout the North America in high demand areas. Six Flags produces new rides and attractions that promise to measure as well or even better than their current products. They offer new rides and/or attractions every year at all locations. Products are not limited to new rides. They have recently introduced Evolve Express, a new state of the art security system that promotes patron safety and expedites entrance to the park. 

Process Implementations

Six Flags offers seasonal passes for park visitors as a way to lock in their business. With a season pass, customers are able to visit the park as often as they like within the season. An additional component to their process implementation is their longstanding relationship with suppliers. They have affiliations with Warner Bros and DC Comics for use of cartoon characters which are often seen at the parks and in ads. They also have national partnerships with Alliant, Coca-Cola, Dasani, Icee, Frito Lay, Mars Wrigley, Nathan’s, Famous, and Tyson to name a few.  Local partners in the Jackson, NJ location include Bassetts Ice Cream and Premio Sausage. Products for these company affiliates are sold at the park and are recognized on their website and in ads. The company’s process implementation extends to the fact that they offer the most attractions (new rides annually, Hurricane Harbor, Wild Safari Adventure, seasonal special events: Freight Fest, Holiday Lights Show) with the most locations throughout North America. With all of the benefits they offer, they also implement cost reduction by offering season passes at an additional reduced rate that this time and reduced admission after 4 p.m. Six Flags has also more recently collaborated with Evolv Express for a new security system that is in line with social distancing protocols.

Porter’s Five Forces Model of Industry Structure

Bargaining Power of Customers: Medium to Low 

There are similar competitors such as Busch Gardens, Keansburg Amusement Park, King’s Dominion, DisneyWorld, Dorney Park, Hershey Park and several other smaller amusement parks throughout North America. However, there are less locations for these other parks, not always making them easily accessible. 

Threat of Substitutions: Medium to Low 

Similar competitors can offer similar products at reduced rates but may not be able to offer the substantial amount of product and service Six Flags can.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Medium

Suppliers can go elsewhere but Six Flags offers the most visibility and use as they have a significant geographical impact throughout North America.

Threat of New Entrants: Medium 

There are current similar competitors and potential for new competitors.

Rivalry: Medium to Low 

Other current competitors have limitations that does not allow them to compete at the same level. Currently Six Flags offers an extremely deep discount on products and services with maximum benefit as they are able to offer a wide variety of same.