The opening of first two Best Buy stores was surrounded by a lot of hype to which other major multiple players responded with announcements of their expansion plans. Tom Cole reports.

A lot of education is still required to convince customers of the benefits of induction technology. Independent dealers are well positioned to embark on this educational task and capitalise on the fast growing and lucrative market. Anna Ryland reports.

The way we watch TV is currently undergoing something of a revolution. But are you and your customers staying ahead of the game in keeping up with all the latest freesat developments?

Despite the economic crisis, the personal audio sector has continued to flourish, helped by innovations such as touch screens and the increasing popularity of social networking and music streaming services. Libby Plummer reports.

Consumers can now enjoy DSLR quality images and responsive shooting using a Sony camera the size of a traditional compact.

At the time the first game of the FIFA World Cup was played, free-to-air high definition television services were available to approximately 50% of UK households. To help retailers recommend the right products for their customers, Paul Bristow, VP Strategy - Middleware and Consumer Experience, at Advanced Digital Broadcast, provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

A distribution system managed from a single point – an integrated IT system – has a direct impact on the productivity, efficiency and profitability of your business, advises Andrew Maszyr, Development Director, Cromwell Business Systems.

Despite the change of government and new priorities at the top, many issues with which AMDEA will be dealing in the second half of 2010 are a continuation of the current work of the Association. Douglas Herbison, AMDEA’s chief executive, explains.

Lee Miller, Head of Retail Sales at leading warranty services provider Domestic and General, says that outstanding customer service is the ultimate attachment sale.

Bosch Home Appliances has teamed up with Henkel – and its Persil brand – to introduce a new laundry concept by opening Wash & Coffee, the first café laundromat in Munich. In lounge-like atmosphere, while sampling a selection of coffee and snacks, its customers can use one of 14 Bosch Logixx 8 VarioPerfect washing machines and eight 10 Bosch Logixx 8 condenser dryers.

The 2009 business results of the BSH Group show that the company not only weathered the recession well but also demonstrated its leadership in the market of energy-efficient products. Anna Ryland reports.

ROBERTS’ compact SOUND 66 DAB/FM RDS digital sound system with dock for an iPod, is the first in a line-up of new contemporary styled models.

Amica’s latest built-in induction hob – Inari is a breakthrough in minimalist design. Inari features a control panel with ErgoTouch fingertip sensor controls and a Touch Slider sensor control for smooth adjustment. Sensors are placed beneath four shallow depressions in the glass, each controlling a heating zone.

Whirlpool’s new freestanding dishwasher boasts 30% more space with a third wash level and excellent results with new PowerClean MAX and 6th Sense Aquasteam.

The Glass Line, the MSS 20 CG114 model fridge freezer from Maytag, with its sophisticated mix of black glass and stainless steel door panels is the perfect showcase for any contemporary kitchen. It is driven by Maytag’s IntelliSense technology system, which restores the inner temperature five times faster than the norm after the door has been opened, keeping food fresher for longer.

Gorenje’s RK 1000IP freestanding iPod touch fridge freezer is a union of cutting edge cooling and multimedia technology.

The Samsung FlexiClean includes a host of innovative features including a 15in wide brush for use in large spaces which is complemented by a pop-up tool for cleaning narrow areas such as edges, under furniture and stairs. A 3.5m long flexible hose allows users to clean a room from top to bottom, whilst the Dual Motor System adapts the cleaner to different floor surfaces.

ONE Mi, the newest member of PURE’s ONE family of digital radios, with a price of less than £35, is a DAB model affordable to a mass market.

At its annual trade event, Varta’s demonstrated that ‘green’ products – rechargeable batteries and chargers – present a win-win opportunity for both retailers and their customers. Anna Ryland reports.

The latest product innovations from LG employ the power of steam either to improve cooking results (and energy consumption!), to sanitise the laundry or to deliver the benefits of steam cleaning with its floorcare.

A joint venture between AEG-Electrolux and the state-of-the-art Dalesford Organic Cookery School gives Electrolux the kind of brand exposure that every manufacturer dreams about.

The anxiously anticipated Budget has just been revealed. It included an increase in VAT and a 25% cut to the public sector. Defending it, the Chancellor, George Osborne confirmed that it would instil confidence in the UK economy and create jobs in the future. He also said that he attempted to make it fair to all industries, evenly spreading the burden among small and large enterprises. ‘Adequate provisions’ for everyone were the intention.

The Co-operative Food has introduced electrical shop pilots in three of its larger stores. The pilots use a combination of an in-store display and ‘pods’ where customers can view an electronic catalogue of more than 2,000 products in The Co-operative electricals range. Larger products are available for delivery within 48 hours. Lines carried in-store will include white goods such as washing machines, audio, video and personal care items.

Based in the North of England, Cello Electronics which manufactures affordable LCD televisions retailed through a wide range of channels – from John Lewis to Netto, and makes own brand products for the likes of Marks & Spencer and Littlewoods, has announced its two firsts on the UK market.

PANGOO, a new and innovative Chinese brand, is establishing itself in the UK and seeking the cooperation of the independent channel as its chosen distributor. The majority of the brand's shares are owned by Tsinghua University in Beijing, which is also responsible for the technological know-how and product innovations of the company.

For the fifth consecutive year, BSH has received the Supplier of the Year Award in the white goods category from Euronics International. The coveted title was awarded at the Euronics Annual Event in Berlin.

Sony recently launched a full range of 3D hardware and content in almost 600 retail outlets around the UK.