Dallas, TX–Home Entertainment Source (HES), the A/V specialty division of Brandsource, hosted its annual Summit and Buy Fair March 2528. New at this years event were video supplier presentations to group members by Hitachi, Samsung, Pioneer, Mitsubishi, and Sharp.
In his opening statement to members, Jim Ristow announced that group sales were up 30 percent versus the industrys 8 percent growth in 2006. However, in an industry where unit sales are forecast to increase and dollar sales will remain flat, Ristow asked group members to look at their businesses differently.
Keep low inventory, reevaluate suppliers, and use add on sales to maximize profitability,” Ristow said. “Maximizing profit will require you to look at all aspects of your business.
HES already has programs in place to assist members with wholesale and consumer finance, extended service plans, health care, marketing, human resource, as well as warehouse fulfillment.
Ristow also introduced a newly formed partnership with Comcast where HES members are now able to participate in the Comcast Authorized Dealer Program. This program allows group members to offer one-stop shopping to their clientele. There is no need to carry inventory. Orders are simply placed online. As part of the authorized retailer program, HES group members will be able to earn commissions based on number of activations and the level of packaging sold to a consumer. Other new lines announced at the show include the addition of home theater seating and BellO furniture to the Expert Warehouse and the addition of Monster Cable to the Custom Warehouse program.
Also announced during the opening session were 2006 vendor and member awards where Klipsch was named Vendor of the Year, Honeywell Genesis Most Supportive, and Hitachi MVP. Rowe Photo Video Audio was named HES member of the year.
New at this years summit, were presentations from five video suppliers to HES group members. Members had the opportunity to listen to three of five video suppliers in breakout meetings designed to deliver each vendors market strategy for 2007. Hitachi, Samsung, Pioneer, Mitsubishi, and Sharp each participated and delivered a total of three presentations to the group. These were high-level presentations designed to give HES members the same type of information the big-box stores receive. Afterward, Ristow reviewed the groups merchandising strategy for 2007, which includes a core model line up, where as much as 80 percent of the groups efforts will be focused.
In establishing his merchandising strategy, Ristow looked to the manufacturers and models providing the best distribution, pricing and program strategy. The models selected offer the best all around solution for the AV specialist.
The final two days of the event were focused on educational courses and a Buy Fair. With each vendor coming to Dallas with special buying opportunities, members took full advantage and broke records for orders written at the show.
To learn more about HES membership, contact Home Entertainment Sources corporate office at 714.502.9620.
