ProSource, a retail buying group that describes themselves as the biggest integration, audio, and video buying group in the country, said this week that it has added Origin Acoustics – an all-new company – to its product line-up. According to ProSource, Origin has chosen them as its “exclusive buying group.”
Strategy
Economy Falling into Recession, Moody’s Cuts Japan’s Credit Rating
Saying that there is “rising uncertainty” with regards to the country’s debt situation, Moody’s has cut Japan’s credit rating. Yet another indicator of fundamental problems in one of the world’s most powerful economies, Japan’s problems go well beyond its dramatically changing TECH industry.
See more on this surprising downgrade and what it means… [Read more…] about Economy Falling into Recession, Moody’s Cuts Japan’s Credit Rating
One Week Later, DOW Electronics Expands CI Assortment with Select Lutron Products
About a week ago, we told you that DOW Electronics announced it was expanding its custom integration-oriented (CI) offerings by adding Logitech’s Harmony remote control line. Now, just one week later, the Southeast-region distributor announces new a partnership with CI cornerstone line Lutron on its wireless Caséta line.
See more on yet another CI-line acquisition by DOW… [Read more…] about One Week Later, DOW Electronics Expands CI Assortment with Select Lutron Products
Having Dumped Everything Else, Pioneer Makes Plans to Dominate Car Electronics
About the AV biz? Hoping Onkyo Keeps the Pioneer Name…
Pioneer Corporation
In a revealing interview with the Nikkei in Tokyo, Pioneer Corp. President Susumu Kotani said that Pioneer – after spending several months selling off all of its divisions other than automotive – is considering resorting to acquisitions in order to build a dominant position within its chosen market. A radical shift after months of divestiture, he makes clear that the company is preparing to move to offense, in order to build a new – and expanded – future.
See more on the company’s plans – including just what areas Pioneer is considering entering… [Read more…] about Having Dumped Everything Else, Pioneer Makes Plans to Dominate Car Electronics
Sennheiser Launches Its Own Retail Stores, At Least Temporarily
The Sennheiser Group, a well-known manufacturer of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission systems, launched two “pop-up” stores – one in New York and another in San Francisco – this past weekend. Their purpose? To showcase Sennheiser products and to highlight its “efforts to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of premium sound.”
See more on Sennheiser’s foray into retail this holiday season… [Read more…] about Sennheiser Launches Its Own Retail Stores, At Least Temporarily
SVS Hires Director of Global Sales
SVS, a brand that markets its line of speakers and subwoofers both direct-to-consumers and through retailers, announced today that it has hired Walter R. Schofield as its new Director of Global Sales. The company says the appointment is effective immediately.
See more on Schofield and SVS… [Read more…] about SVS Hires Director of Global Sales
Despite Revenue Decline, JVC Kenwood Cuts Losses as Restructuring Takes Hold
JVC Kenwood Corp., the troubled consolidation of two struggling Japanese brands, seems to have turned a corner despite reporting fiscal Q2 and first half revenue declines and continuing losses. The company, which in January surprised many by announcing its decision to withdraw from the consumer electronics business to focus on B-to-B business, announced with pride that – although still showing a loss – the company has seen solid improvement in profits with dramatically reduced losses.
See more on this huge company in a big transition… [Read more…] about Despite Revenue Decline, JVC Kenwood Cuts Losses as Restructuring Takes Hold
Dow Electronics to Sell Harmony Remote Nationwide
We have learned that DOW Electronics, a Florida-based satellite and electronics distributor, is adding Logitech’s Harmony remote control line to its expanding custom integration (CI) assortment. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, we are told that the company will be distributing the line on a national basis.
See more on this new new CI line for the expanding Dow… [Read more…] about Dow Electronics to Sell Harmony Remote Nationwide
Everything’s Fine, Says Control4; But Investors See Monsters Under the Bed
This story is being written on Halloween – hence, the “monsters” in the headline. On Thursday, Control4 released the financial results for their fiscal third quarter and held a conference call for analysts and investors. The numbers all looked good and the management team rightly crowed about their prowess. But during the Q&A session tough questions emerged…
See what had some analysts a little spooked… [Read more…] about Everything’s Fine, Says Control4; But Investors See Monsters Under the Bed
Ingram Micro’s Q3 Financials Show Sales Up; Profits Down
Ingram Micro, Inc. released the financial results for their fiscal third quarter (the period ending Sept. 27, 2014) showing generally positive results. Sales for the quarter increased to $11.2 billion, a $1 billion or 11% increase over the $10.2 billion for the same period last year. According to Ingram Micro CEO Alain Monié, the increase was due primarily to “new wins” and “strong market share.”
But while gross profits were up, gross margins, operating income, and net income were all down for the period…and that fact led us to take a closer look.
