NEWS ‘We need to take back control’:
CIH unveils two new member-owned appliance brands for the UK By Jack Cheeseman, ERT Editor
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CIH/Euronics is launching two new home appliance own-brands into the UK market; these will be sold exclusively through Euronics retailers. The announcement came at the end of September at the buying group’s annual Member Conference – aptly name ‘Gamechangers’. I was lucky enough to be invited along to see the unveiling of not just one, but two completely new product ranges that will be available in Euronics stores from January next year. The new own brands are called Sensis and Schönhaus and they are each starting off with washing machines, tumble dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers. Sensis includes quality, affordable products aimed towards busy young families, while the Schönhaus range is aimed at the 50+ consumer who is looking for a more considered purchase. So why has CIH/Euronics – a 450-strong buying
group of electrical retailers – decided to manufacture and start selling its own brands of home appliances? As Steve Scogings, Chairman of CIH and Managing Director of Stellison, opened the Conference, all became clear… “Many brands are entering the
direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel, all believing they can make more money and increase their market share,” said Mr Scogings. “They will continue to grow their D2C online businesses while still looking to their retail partners for support in doing so.”
Steve Scogings ‘Manufacturing monopoly’
Mr Scogings went on: “Our only option is to take back control for all our Members to supply you with the tools to help put an end to this manufacturing monopoly and set your company’s future on a different course. “What you see here is just the beginning, but only when we are all working together can we turn the tide in favour of the independent electrical retailer – and away from the multinational manufacturing behemoths.” CIH Chief Executive, Paul Tyler, then took to the stage to explain how the electrical retail market is changing with more manufacturers making cutbacks and potentially using fewer independent retailers to display their products.
Paul Tyler “One of our main threats as a Membership is the
irresponsible behaviour of some of our suppliers and their chosen routes to market,” he said. “D2C is, without question, becoming more aggressive and a distraction to consumers. Some Members have made the decision to stop supporting the brands that are making decisions like this, but will the loss of one or two retailers be enough to change things? Certainly not, but if we all take this stance, it will make a difference. “This is a battle that we will never win. Certain suppliers are on a journey that will ultimately not end well for us; they have your margin or your commission to trade directly with the consumer with.” Mr Tyler spoke about his concerns for the long- term future of the traditional electrical retailer, and why it’s important for independents to survive on the high street with a physical presence. “So we need to take back control,” added Mr Tyler, “By securing not just one, but two brands that you all own this is our chance to prove the suppliers are wrong with their chosen activities, and if we all do this together it’s going to be a real success.” Stay tuned for the full report from the Euronics Gamechangers Conference, coming soon...
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