Feature: Independent Retailer Spotlight


Home Entertainment W


Independent electrical retailers continue to support their chosen manufacturers, providing the best possible service to their local communities with the latest in audio and TV products.


hilst spotlighting all and sundry would not be possible, over the


following months, we at IER hope to spotlight a cross section of like-minded businesses with large and not so large, single or multiple premises. Crampton & Moore (C&M) was launched by


partners John Moore and Roy Crampton in 1966 to meet increasing demand for more affordable and rentable televisions with the launch of BBC2 and the start of colour broadcasts. Initially offering a TV repair service then


moving into TV sales and rentals the company grew further opening shops initially in Rotherham and then moving to Ecclesfield and Firth Park in Sheffield in the 70’s In the early 2000s the current MD Rob


Moore took charge and implemented a new growth strategy launching online with its own website, which has grown rapidly and expanded its customer base nationwide. C&M also opened a successful Trade department supplying landlords, residential developers and government contracts. They now have successful and well- established stores across Yorkshire, in Leeds and Harrogate, while its recently opened 45,000 sq. ft Sheffield/Rotherham showroom and distribution hub places Crampton & Moore as the largest independent operator in the area. Main stockists for Samsung, LG, Sony,


Panasonic, Loewe and Hisense with new state of the art displays in its brand-new showroom at the company’s Rotherham HQ. Displaying all sizes up to 120”, home cinema rooms, projectors and the latest Dolby Atmos sound bars. Facing great competition, the company


has won many deserving accolades over the decades, including the IER 2025 Award as Best Large Independent Retailer for Consumer Electronics. Talking of competition, the Highly


Commended IER Award was given to another worthy independent retailer, AVENSYS in the Best Large Retailer - Consumer Electronics category.


Established in 2000 by Markus and Sam


Wood, Avensys has grown impressively, achieving a turnover of over £5 million. Its flagship superstore is a go-to destination for the


26 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


latest consumer electronics, home appliances, kitchens, smart home technology, and staycation/outdoor essentials. Stockists of SONY, Panasonic, SONOS, LG, Samsung, Avtex, Yamaha, Denon, KEF, Bowers & Wilkins and Control4. Let’s now spotlight on, let’s say, a not as large independent retailer, albeit very large within their own community, Dacombes of Wimborne At the time of going to press, two of


Wimborne’s longest running independent family-run businesses have joined forces in a landmark merger. Holmans of Wimborne, established in 1948, is relocating to the multi- award winning Dacombes of Wimborne, founded over a century ago. Multi award winning is synonymous with Dacombes as they have again picked up another IER award for Best Small Independent Retailer in the category of Consumer electronics Together, the merger represents nearly 180


years of trusted local trading, creating what is now the most dynamic, independent electrical retailer in Dorset, based at Dacombes of Wimborne state-of-the-art showroom on Leigh Road. “The coming together of these two historic companies means that customers will now enjoy unrivalled choice, service and expertise under one roof,” said Gary Holman, Executive Director of Holmans of Wimborne. Matt Renaut, Managing Director of Dacombes


of Wimborne commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the Holmans name – and many of the familiar faces – into our business. “Employing some of the Holmans staff


was key to ensuring the same great service continues as part of the Dacombes family.” Dacombes of Wimborne began life as E.T. Dacombe & Son, founded by Edwin Thomas


PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE


Dacombe in 1920. The shop sold prams, bicycles, motor bikes and charged accumulators. With the advent of television in the 1950’s, the business began to rent and sell television sets and still offers a rental service today. Over the decades, Dacombes expanded into domestic appliances, joined the international Euronics group and took over another Euronics dealer and family business in the town – Brian Dryden, taking on all its staff. In 2017, it opened its 5,000 sq.ft destination showroom, complete with home cinema, kitchen showroom and a vast range of domestic appliances. Holmans was founded in 1948, as Holman Radio, by William Holman, charging accumulators and selling wireless receivers. Today, brothers Gary and Steve Holman continue their grandfather’s legacy from King Street. Steve Holman commented: “Although


products and technology have changed, both businesses share the same ethos: friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and competitive prices in store and online.” Matt Renaut added: “From helping customers


purchase the right appliance through to installation and technical support – we offer it all. There’s no robotic, hard-to-reach call centre - we provide everything in person.” Another specialist consumer electronics


retailer we wish to spotlight is Potters Home Electrical. Established in 1913 their shop has been a feature on Tenterden High Street for over 100 years. Around 30 years ago, Potters Home moved into working with homeowners, developers and interior designers to bring more than just products. Potters have found a specialist niche offering their services and products to include a ‘turnkey’ solution with home cinema rooms, media rooms, lighting design and control, automated blinds, smart home integration, smart gardens, Wi-Fi and data networks, CCTV and access control. Supply and install of TVs from 32 inch to 115 inches as well as serious hi-fi, cinematic sound solutions, smart speakers, portable audio and all accessories for AV in your home, Potters well deserved an accolade at the 2025 IER Awards and as such were Highly Recommended in the Home Entertainment category.


Winter 2025


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