March 2024
ertonline.co.uk
relationship, which is something you don’t get in the bigger multiple stores. They will ask all the right questions, they’ll make sure they have got the right product, and they’ll deliver and install it and take all the rubbish away. There’s so much more to it than just a one-off in-and-out sale. How do we get that across to the public?
We’ve been very fortunate to have some really successful TV and radio advert campaigns in recent years and we are building on that momentum. Our adverts are not just about product and price anymore because the market is too competitive, so instead we focus on specific product features that our members can demonstrate instore.
And with Nick Knowles as our Brand Ambassador – his values are so aligned to the values of our members. We love the work he does with DIY SOS to bring whole communities and people from all trades together to deliver a service. And he fronts that with such passion.
Q: As a company, how is CIH being more sustainable these days? PT: In 2021 we opened a new 125,000sq ft warehouse in Tankersley, South Yorkshire and we have invested in that site significantly to cut down our deliveries from Andover to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Your thoughts on…
Q: Manufacturer direct-to-consumer (DTC) selling. How can independent retailers compete with this? PT: I believe manufacturers are great at producing products and retailers are great at selling them. I think it’s a shame when manufacturers believe they can shortcut traditional retail. Can we work in harmony? Possibly. But there is definitely an unfair playing field when there’s no margin left for the retailer. Sadly I don’t think this is going to change and I know it is an underlying concern for many of our members. Euronics works with some amazing brands
across the industry, and those that continue to support and work with us will continue to be given shop floor space by our members. I’m happy that our relationships with our suppliers are robust and, in the main, we are able to be competitive. Blomberg and Zenith
From a buildings perspective we have achieved a lot already and we will continue to get better. There are solar panels installed at Tankersley so throughout the day that building is pretty much off grid, and we’ll soon be replicating that here in Andover. All the lighting here is LED and all of our company vehicles are either fully electric or hybrid. As a buying group we are focused on helping
to drive change – we should lead by example – and I want our members to understand their responsibility to make their stores greener.
Q: How important is that sustainability message when it comes to consumer behaviour and the products they choose? PT: I think there are two parts to any purchasing journey... The emotional element is increasing in terms of sustainability and our awareness of the need for change. The rational element, however, is much more centred around cost. So if a consumer can replace their 10-year- old fridge-freezer with a brand new efficient model, yes they are making a more sustainable choice, but they know that in the long term they will also be reducing their running costs. It’s a similar story when it comes to that initial investment – many people just think about the purchase price rather than their savings.
are great examples of exclusive brands to Euronics offering a real point of difference in the market. Electrolux is also on a really great trajectory with us at the moment, as are Sony and Liebherr, and long may that continue.
Q: What’s your take on the Arçelik and Whirlpool deal and the impact that might have on the industry going forward? PT: The appliances market is constantly evolving. I remember 30 years ago Mr Miele told me that in the future there would only be five key players in the market – and he’s probably right.
This merger is an amalgamation of several key brands, certainly some of the most powerful brands in this country and we have a great relationship with all of them. I am hoping things won’t change too much but it will be interesting to see what conditions come along with this merger and ultimately what that really means for the UK market.
Q: How would you say CIH has developed and been successful over its 60 years? And how will you drive the business forward? PT: The foresight to create CIH – the bringing together of all of that buying power – is one of the key reasons for the robustness of the independent sector today. I have 450 business owners who, collectively, are my think tank – they are driving us forward with lots of new ideas. Behind the scenes we are a group made up of the best people in each of their areas that ultimately delivers a full service offering. 60 years is a huge achievement. Right now we’ve got many more independents showing interest in joining us, which is really exciting, and we are working to make CIH more accessible and to join more independents together. We are stronger as one. The market is tough at the moment and getting harder to navigate, so I don’t know how an independent retailer survives on their own today not needing the support and security of a buying group. But I believe the opportunities for our members are incredible. They recognise the importance of each and every one of their customers and they provide the best solutions for them. For us as a buying group we have to ensure the consumer knows they can count on the support of their local Euronics dealer.
17
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
