Sky has unveiled its new strategy for the independent channel which aims to create a 300-strong independent dealer network in the UK. It will focus on delivering a first-rate specialist service to Sky customers. Sky is looking for retailers to join the Sky team and become their recommended Sky approved retailers for their local region. Successful applicants will have a reputation as the best audio visual specialist in their region, delivering a complete sale and specialist install service to their customers.

CIH has called for government action following the recent announcement that shoppers drifted away from the high street between May and July. According to the Springboard’s footfall study, the high street has seen the highest drop in footfall during the last 12 months of 2.6%.

For the third successive year, BSH Customer Service has won Domestic & General’s Total Excellence and Quality (TEQ) customer service award for its Bosch, Neff, Siemens and Gaggenau brands. In the annual independent survey of over 420,000 customers who had an engineer’s visit in the last 12 months, 94.8% rated BSH Customer Service as excellent or good in the white goods manufacturers’ category.

The August riots in London and other cities north and south of the capital shook the society to the core. Yet it was the retail industry that suffered most from the mindless violence and destruction – with both electrical independents and multiple stores being the targets of looters and vandals. The question to which no one could find an answer at the time was: Why did this outburst of violence happen? What did the rioters hope to achieve?

The Whirlpool Corporation will be celebrating its centenary on 11 November 2011. Its origins date back to 1911 when the Upton Machine Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan, produced its first electric motor-driven wringer washer. The company grew through mergers and acquisitions to become the Whirlpool Corporation as we know it. Today Whirlpool is the world’s leading manufacturer of major domestic appliances, selling an appliance somewhere in the world every second.

PURE’s Move 2500 is more lightweight and streamlined than its predecessor, the PocketDAB 1500. It has a black aluminium fascia with steel casework and is easily controlled via a sleek rotary dial and selector. Move 2500 has significantly improved audio, delivering rich bass as well as detailed treble. The earphones cancel out most background noise, enabling users to keep the volume lower.

Loewe has equipped its Connect and Art TV series with 3D technology, among a host of other improvements. The brightness and high picture frequency of the new TVs – the Loewe Connect 40 3D, Loewe Art 40 3D and Loewe Art 46 3D – make them perfect for viewing 3D content. They are also capable of converting two-dimensional programmes into 3D.

Sony’s NEX-7 is an all-in-one compact interchangeable lens camera with 24.3 megapixel resolution. Weighing only 291g and styled in magnesium alloy for strength, it is designed to travel. A unique combination of sensor and processor assures ultra-rapid shooting responses. Extending from ISO 100-16000, the ultra-high sensitivity range makes it easy to capture clean images in dimly lit interiors or at dusk.

An A+++ energy rated no-frost combi fridge freezer (RL60GQERS) is the latest edition to Samsung’s G-Series refrigeration range. A Digital Inverter Compressor and Smart Eco System, that uses multiple sensors to continuously assess the temperature and humidity levels in the appliance, makes it the most energy efficient model in the UK, according to the manufacturer.

The Philips DS7700 compact, light and portable dock is designed for Apple’s tablet, but can also be used with iPhones and iPods. The DS7700 features a built-in rechargeable battery with 10 hours of use (although it can also be powered from the mains) and Bluetooth for easy wireless playback and superb gaming sound effects. It comes with a magnetic aluminium cover to protect the dock when not in use and while on the move.

The new retro style FAB dishwashers from Smeg (DF6FAB-1 freestanding model and the DI6FAB-1 built-in model) can accommodate 13 place settings and use as little as 10 litres of water and 0.92 kWh electricity.

Celebrating its eightieth anniversary this Christmas, Roberts has made its seasonal offer special with ten new radio models.

A new Consumer Rights Directive is due to be published later this year and, separately, the UK government is consulting on consumer-related proposals. Both will have far-reaching implications for consumers and retailers, advises Douglas Herbison, chief executive of Amdea.

They are as interactive as smartphones but versatile enough to oust laptops and even small TVs as a viewing device. Ian Calcutt reports on how the tablet is poised for the big time.

John and George Digwa, the directors of Ilford-based PRC Hi Fi & Video, and winners of the Best Large Consumer Electronics Retailer title at this year’s IBA, told Anna Ryland, how they embrace change to stay at the top of the game.

Vogel’s market research clearly shows that customers are still reluctant to mount their flat screen TVs on the wall, while independents are missing out on this significant sales opportunity, says James Attfield, Vogel’s UK manager.

The prospect of another cold winter may be the most effective incentive for customers to invest in heating products. There are plenty of highly effective solutions on offer and most of them won’t break the bank. Anna Ryland looks at the options.

The last decade has seen a significant advancement in  the technology used in torches and other portable light devices. Vince Armitage, divisional vice president of consumer batteries manufacturer Varta, explains why independent electrical retailers should refresh their sales strategy for these products to reduce consumer confusion.

The batteries market has been evolving in line with the CE products its supports. Yet, many consumers are unaware of the solutions on offer and the fact that value for money in this sector does not equal a cheap price. Anna Ryland reports.

While its online business goes form strength to strength, John Lewis’ network of brick and mortar stores continues to span the country. Tom Cole reports.

BSkyB will be hosting a series of roadshows from the 27 September, dedicated to supporting it’s independent electrical retailer network. The autumn roadshow programme is part of the company’s new strategy to shift sales support away from distributors and large chain stores, in favour of independent retailers. It is looking to build to its network to around 300 independent retailers over the coming months.