Steve Scogings, chairman of CIH, which is part of the Euronics buying group, has urged manufacturers not to sell direct to consumers.
Speaking at its annual suppliers’ lunch earlier this month, he said: “Why continue down this path when we can offer you a better solution?
“As independents, we are the experts in managing consumers’ issues, we are on hand to help a consumer who cannot work a new product or is having issues on how to tune their TV or has a service issue and wants someone to hold their hand through what they need to do to get the product repaired.”
He added: “We also deliver and install better than any third-party delivery company, as it’s our reputation on the line. Consumers are continually choosing our members to fulfil their needs because of this second-to-none service offering.”
Looking ahead to 2023, Mr Scogings said: “My hope this year is that we all work together to confront this challenge and help produce a solution that helps all of us to achieve the growth we require but also give the consumer the best experience. You do not need to do D2C to have a strong brand, and if you are willing to work with us, we can prove it.”
Euronics also used the event to present awards to its top suppliers. Hoover Candy picked up the trophy for White Goods Supplier of the Year, Brown Goods Supplier of the Year went to Sony, and Liebherr was recognised as a brand that had shown a commitment to the independent retailer.
The award for Members’ Supplier of the Year was given to Beko/Blomberg. Voted for by CIH retailers, this was judged not just on turnover, but also visits from reps, the returns process and marketing support.
Mr Scogings also used the suppliers’ lunch to announce the launch of its new e-commerce platform, which will be called Euronics Evolution and available from April 2023.
Commenting on the online offering, Mr Scogings said: “It has been a long time coming but Evolution will lead the way in an online offering that not only gives us national visibility for all the products we supply through agency but will also include further products from your ranges that the members buy direct.
“The initial launch will be a few thousand extra products on the site with the intent to ramp this up over the following months. This will utilise the 600-plus stores we have over the whole country to highlight what they all have to offer, while also giving the consumer a wider choice and the bonus of dealing with a local company.
“This will further enhance our standing with consumers and give all our members the chance to get involved online and showcase the many benefits they offer their local communities.”
Speaking at its annual suppliers’ lunch earlier this month, he said: “Why continue down this path when we can offer you a better solution?
“As independents, we are the experts in managing consumers’ issues, we are on hand to help a consumer who cannot work a new product or is having issues on how to tune their TV or has a service issue and wants someone to hold their hand through what they need to do to get the product repaired.”
He added: “We also deliver and install better than any third-party delivery company, as it’s our reputation on the line. Consumers are continually choosing our members to fulfil their needs because of this second-to-none service offering.”
Looking ahead to 2023, Mr Scogings said: “My hope this year is that we all work together to confront this challenge and help produce a solution that helps all of us to achieve the growth we require but also give the consumer the best experience. You do not need to do D2C to have a strong brand, and if you are willing to work with us, we can prove it.”
Euronics also used the event to present awards to its top suppliers. Hoover Candy picked up the trophy for White Goods Supplier of the Year, Brown Goods Supplier of the Year went to Sony, and Liebherr was recognised as a brand that had shown a commitment to the independent retailer.
The award for Members’ Supplier of the Year was given to Beko/Blomberg. Voted for by CIH retailers, this was judged not just on turnover, but also visits from reps, the returns process and marketing support.
Mr Scogings also used the suppliers’ lunch to announce the launch of its new e-commerce platform, which will be called Euronics Evolution and available from April 2023.
Commenting on the online offering, Mr Scogings said: “It has been a long time coming but Evolution will lead the way in an online offering that not only gives us national visibility for all the products we supply through agency but will also include further products from your ranges that the members buy direct.
“The initial launch will be a few thousand extra products on the site with the intent to ramp this up over the following months. This will utilise the 600-plus stores we have over the whole country to highlight what they all have to offer, while also giving the consumer a wider choice and the bonus of dealing with a local company.
“This will further enhance our standing with consumers and give all our members the chance to get involved online and showcase the many benefits they offer their local communities.”
He added: “Our intention is to grow this business to rival the major online players over the next three years and once again cement our place as the best omnichannel offering in our market.”
