Firms maximize profits by adjusting quality to match changing consumer tastes.
The article explores how companies compete in a market where consumers have different tastes and firms offer varying quality levels. Firms first choose where to position their quality, then set prices, and may adjust quality based on changing consumer preferences. They can make profits by setting prices higher than costs. Firms resist changing quality locations but may do so to gain more market share. More variety in consumer tastes leads to more diverse quality options.