<April 25, 2012> Almost exactly one year ago, the specialty electronics world was stunned to learn that Lenbrook America, the company that distributes NAD and PSB in the United States and often looked upon as a paragon of the specialty A/V community, had decided to fire its sales manager, public relations company, and independent specialty sales representative sales force to go factory direct. While not the first company – nor likely the last – to make such a decision…the company’s long time commitment to the specialty channel and abrupt announcement sent shock waves around the industry. [Read more…] about Taking Sales Factory Direct at Lenbrook – One Year Later
Industry Trends
Best Buy Reveals List of Stores to be Closed
<April 18, 2012> On Monday, Best Buy revealed the specific store locations it planned to close as previously announced by former CEO Brian Dunn, just days before he unexpectedly resigned under potentially scandalous circumstances. In the wake of reporting disappointing financial results, Dunn had announced – among other things – that the company would shutter 50 of its big box superstores, but did not identify specifically which store locations would close. [Read more…] about Best Buy Reveals List of Stores to be Closed
Key Digital Selects AVAD as the Exclusive Distributor of Its Compass Control System
<April 11, 2012> Key Digital Systems, Inc. announced today that it has selected Ingram Micro’s AVAD division as the exclusive residential distributor in the continental U.S. for its Compass Control System. Key’s Compass system is said to be a “plug and play” technology developed to support third party protocols and drivers creating a universe of products from a variety of suppliers they call the Compass Alliance Partners (CAP). [Read more…] about Key Digital Selects AVAD as the Exclusive Distributor of Its Compass Control System
Nortek’s Losses Increased in 2011, But Company Says Q4 Results are Encouraging
<April 4, 2012> In financial results filed with the SEC at the end of last week, Nortek, Inc. said fiscal year 2011 (year ending December 31, 2011) saw a substantial sales increase of 12.7% from $1.899 billion in 2010 to $2.141 billion last year. However, the company reported that losses also increased from 2010’s $13.4 million to last year’s $55.9 million. Still, the company feels there’s cause for optimism as fourth quarter results improved substantially over the fourth quarter of 2010. [Read more…] about Nortek’s Losses Increased in 2011, But Company Says Q4 Results are Encouraging
University Offering Free Training to Those Who Will Start a Tech Company in Michigan
<March 28, 2012> Kettering University is offering free training for technology entrepreneurs interested in starting tech companies in the State of Michigan. The training, called their TechWorks program, begins in April and runs through May. [Read more…] about University Offering Free Training to Those Who Will Start a Tech Company in Michigan
Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
>>NOTE: UPDATED MARCH 9TH – SEE BOX BELOW<<
<March 7, 2012> Last week, Stratecon’s BEACON broke the news about a major overhaul and consolidation of D&M Holdings’ sales representative and distributor network. Later that day, D&M confirmed our initial report, releasing a statement spelling out the substantive, albeit generally described, changes to their sales network. Now the ALERT has discovered that not all of D&M’s rep territories were merged – in select markets, separate sales rep forces are being maintained. [Read more…] about Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
<March 6, 2012> Gibson Guitar announced yesterday that it has hired ex-D&M President Bob Weissburg as global executive vice president – a new position at Gibson. Although Weissburg’s focus will likely be their consumer electronics and pro divisions, Gibson says he will be in charge of all divisions at the company – including musical instruments. [Read more…] about Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
D&M Consolidates Sales Force; Some Long-Time Reps Lose Key Lines
<February 29, 2012> Multiple sources are telling the BEACON that D&M Holdings has consolidated their sales representative network, unifying their Denon, Boston Acoustics, and Marantz brands under one representative firm in each territory. Prior to this move, each territory had a Denon/Boston Acoustics representative, and a Marantz representative. So this move effectively cuts their force in half. [Read more…] about D&M Consolidates Sales Force; Some Long-Time Reps Lose Key Lines
CE Shipments in Japan Drop Almost 34%, The Sixth Straight Month of Decline
<February 22, 2012> Shipments of consumer electronics products in Japan destined for domestic consumption dropped an amazing 33.9% for the month of January according to data from the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association. [Read more…] about CE Shipments in Japan Drop Almost 34%, The Sixth Straight Month of Decline
It’s Official – Philips Is Out of the TV Business…Globally
<February 22, 2012> The final step in a move that has been expected by some for a long time has been completed as China’s TPV Technology Ltd. shareholders approved the acquisition of the money-losing TV division from Philips Electronics. While Philips exited the TV business here in the United States several years ago, the company enjoyed greater sales success – if not profitably – elsewhere in the world. In fact, at one time, Philips was one of the biggest television brands in the world – but no longer. [Read more…] about It’s Official – Philips Is Out of the TV Business…Globally
