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YOU will be reading this probably in the early days of September when the industry will again be gearing itself into a season of autumn promotions and new product activities with an eye for Christmas specials. There will, of course, be a lot of silly low price 'last minute' bargains which only spoil the game for everyone.
However, there is a gleam of hope on the horizon. In a recent conversation I had with Ian Biles of FutureHome, which is featured in this month's Beat the Competition, he said to me that last year he was worried about the future with big multiples getting an increasingly large share of the electrical business. “Now, however, there appears to be greater willingness on the part of manufacturers to support independent dealers. Perhaps in this way their product is perceived as a higher value proposition.” FutureHome's 'Shop in Shop' partnership with Samsung is the best proof of this trend.
Although there will always be plenty of bucket shops selling everything as cheap as possible, the indie stores don't need to be in this category. The good news for you is also the growing sophistication of products, especially those equipped with a fair amount of electronics. The average punter needs professional advice and help to make sense of them and in your community they should know where they can find it.
Wishing you a good autumn season.
Anna Ryland, Editor
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