editorial
As Economic Challenges Mount, MERA is Here to Lend a Hand
The success of the specialty retailer is certainly worth preserving as it represents the backbone of
Chris Cook President
our industry. MERA is committed to this cause and will be persistent in bringing valuable resources to strengthen our industry for the greater good. MERA’s mission is to grow the mobile electronics industry, and we are always looking for ways to make your business better. However, in the midst of attempting to grow the industry, we are faced with another familiar reality: rising gas prices. They are rising just as faint signs of an economic recovery are beginning to surface. It’s bad enough that we have to fight for our portion of a consumer’s disposable income, but it adds insult to injury when that disposable income is used to fill up the family truckster instead of buying some great entertainment and safety products for their automobile. As a business owner, hearing the latest doom and gloom about the economy can make you weary of the future. We are bombarded daily with news that does little more than fan the flames of fear; fears that can sometimes make you question your survival as a specialty retailer. I am sure that all of us are not in dire straits, but it makes me wonder what future we have without some relief from the constant shocking news reports or some other headline that instills more apprehension into the hearts and wallets of the consumer. Progressively, and in a sort of defined order, business appears to have become subject to the day’s and week’s events. Regardless of the headline, we must go on as those before us to provide a future for those who will inherit our actions. While it is important to take economic times into account, it may also be best not to make decisions based on snapshots but rather by looking at long-term consumer trends. The mobile electronics industry is facing change based on the lifestyles of consumers. They are gravitating toward integrating the smart- phone and media player rather than just adding products to enhance the sound quality and/or safety and convenience in their automobile. Product sales and forecast data from several organizations continue to show that traditional head
units, amplifiers and speakers are in a long-term decline. Consumer demand is moving away from the traditional remove-and-replace model and toward integration and service-based solutions to enhance a connected lifestyle. Understanding these and other trends will provide better information to make the right decisions to grow the business. As specialty retailers, you’re on the front lines. You hear the stories of what the consumer needs, and you do your best to provide the products and services the consumer wants at a price they are willing to pay. Your efforts make up what we are proud to call the mobile electronics industry. We at MERA want you to know that we will continue to do our part, always hopeful that we can make a positive difference in our industry. Over the past few months, you may have noticed changes in our website and member benefits. At
www.merausa.org, you will notice a new design that is easy to navigate and find the information you need. There is now a unique login for each member allowing access to the great member benefits, legislative resources, industry news and an interactive member directory. Another great way to share with others in our industry is the annual KnowledgeFest held near Dallas in August. This educational event is designed to help you learn great ways to improve every aspect of your business. Thanks to all who participated last year and made it another record-breaking event. Specialty retailers from 42 states (including Alaska and Hawaii) took the time to visit the 60-plus exhibitors and participate in nearly 20 education sessions and several informative keynotes. This year we are expect- ing another record-breaking event. This is the result of our industry’s commitment to come together and learn from one another. MERA also produces Mobile Electronics magazine, the specialty retailer’s No. 1 resource for all things related to our industry, and its bi-weekly Hotwire newsletter. In every issue, such as this one, you will find articles that provide new ideas for product and service offerings to help add profits to your store. Hotwire is designed to keep you informed of what is going on in our industry. We encourage you to get involved and make a difference. We look forward to your e-mail and phone calls and hope that you see the need, as we have, for a more shared collaboration within our industry. Coming together will make a positive impact on your business as well as the future of our industry! ■
54 Mobile Electronics February | March 2012
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68