News CIH celebrates 60th anniversary with brand refresh


CIH is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a refreshed brand identity. The electrical buying group originally formed from a need to support local independent retailers and allow them to compete with the fast developing buying power of multiple retailers. The first meeting of CIH Ltd was held in May 1963. CIH is now supported by 11 groups looking after the


interests of 453 Members with 642 stores across the country; in 1996 the group adopted the Euronics brand. Membership of the group has grown rapidly over


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the years. There are a number of members which have been trading for nearly a century; the oldest store is Hatcher & Sons Ltd, which can trace its origins back to 1775 as a drapery store. “60 years is a huge milestone,” said Paul Tyler, CEO


of CIH. “CIH has gone from strength to strength over the last six decades, providing invaluable support to its members and agents, ensuring they can compete with the multi-nationals.”


CIH Chairman, Steve Scogings, added: “The future is looking bright. Our new Marketplace e-commerce platform has the ability to showcase a wider range of members’ stock, offers and services; it’s a powerful tool to extend the reach and connect with more customers, making their journey as easy as possible.”


Euronics Showcase returns to NEC The buying group’s unique members-only event – Euronics Showcase – returned to the NEC this month with a record number of companies in attendance, exhibiting a full range of domestic appliances, televisions, computing and smart technologies. The Euronics stand was staged to reflect a real home, showing visitors the products that its Buying


Marks Electrical hails ‘record’ full-year sales driven by demand for energy efficient appliances


Marks Electrical has reported that it has continued to gain market share in the MDA and CE markets as it reveals it latest trading update. In the year to March 2023, the online electricals


retailer said it delivered “a record revenue performance” with sales climbing 21.5 per cent to £97.8 million, driven by particularly strong demand in A-rated energy efficient appliances, as well as SDA including air fryers, coffee machines and vacuum cleaners. The Leicester-based firm’s recently-launched


installation service (covering integrated, gas, electric and television products) also saw over 80 per cent


growth in bookings compared to last year. As well as this, Marks’ investment into further delivery vehicles during the year and additional warehouse mezzanine floors has led to increased capacity for its next-day delivery capabilities across the UK. Mark Smithson, the company’s CEO, commented:


“During the final quarter, we remained focused on customer service excellence and were proud to have received over 4,500 five-star Trustpilot reviews.” He said he expects to see further growth in the new installation service during the coming year, saying he’s “excited about its potential”.


Team think are worth special attention, as well as highlighting the trends that led them to recommend these products.


“Everything about this


year’s event was geared towards helping our members and agents cultivate success in a challenging retail environment,” Mr Tyler concluded. “This is the best space to see the latest product innovations and hear about the promotions, new initiatives, support and training that’s available from both us and the manufacturers.”


Loewe partnership


Audio and visual products from Loewe are now available in Euronics stores across the UK. The German technology brand – with ranges including We.SEE and bild TVs and klang and We.HEAR speakers and soundbars – has joined up with the buying group as it continues its drive to secure more retail partners.


Alan Whyte, MD of Loewe UK, said: “I am thrilled to announce this brilliant partnership with CIH; its ethos and values are what attracted us and, given the company’s impressive range of stores nationwide, I believe this partnership will benefit both parties enormously going forward.” The news comes as Loewe is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year; its recently- announced high-end flagship TV, the iconic, will be available to consumers later this year.


He added: “As we look to FY24, following a strong exit in March and a positive start to April, we now expect to exceed full year targets on profit.”


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