Independent Electrical Retailer - the leading trade magazine for the electrical industry

Independent Electrical Retailer

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Slow pace of recovery in 2010

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

MODEST economic growth in the third and fourth quarters of this year will initiate the emergence of the UK from the recession. However, the growth in 2010 will be slow due to constraints on demand, predicted the CBI in its latest economic forecast.

Eco induction from Belling

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

BELLING has just launched a new collection of kitchen appliances which includes a number of firsts for the manufacturer and the UK market.

The most innovative development is perhaps the BI60i Belling Eco Induction Oven, which uses induction technology in the main oven cavity making 50% energy savings on an A rated oven. The built-in, 6-in-1 oven uses an integrated induction plate inside the oven cavity and is capable of slow cooking, roasting, grilling and steaming food. The BI60i comes with a cast iron pot as well as a steaming and roasting trivet for induction cooking. The Eco Induction Oven will be manufactured in Britain as part of GDHA's commitment to home-grown innovation.

Customer has its say

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Retailer of the Year is by far the biggest survey of independent electrical retailers in the UK. More than 250,000 surveys are mailed out to consumers within 30 days of purchasing electrical goods from independent retailers in the UK. Administered by Domestic & General, the survey runs for a 12-month period from 1 August to 31 July every year. The survey is sent to customers registering their products with manufacturers and from retailer customer returns (ie it encompasses all independent retailers - not just D&G's warranty retailers). Customers filling in the survey are entered into a draw to win a cash prize equivalent to the retail purchase price of their goods.

Smart energy systems

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

AMDEA has participated recently in a number of meetings and conferences to discuss what one of my staff calls "smart thingies".

Yes, we are talking about Smart Meters, but in fact what we are discussing goes much further than just a gadget to allow consumers to see how much electricity or gas they are consuming.

Easy living

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today's home cook is many things. Inspired by adventurous ideas on cookery programmes and with interest in healthy eating at an all-time high, there has never been a better time to capitalise on the nation's love of entertaining at home.

The love affair continues

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The presence of coffee shops, such as Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Starbucks, on almost every high street has raised people's expectations of the quality and variety of coffee they drink. In fact, coffee has become a part of the modern lifestyle. Recreating �the caf� experience' at home is now not only an aspiration but it is considered a necessity by many consumers, especially during the recession. This is excellent news for electrical retailers.

Christmas specials

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A number of consumer electronics products and small appliances are predicted to become Christmas bestsellers regardless of the recessionary pressures on family budgets. In fact, the competitive situation in the market was responsible for a great spate of new product developments with which manufacturers are trying to tempt the retrenching consumer back into the marketplace.

A mixed bag

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Tesco in the six months to the end of August delivered a very strong non-food performance with double-digit like-for-like growth in electricals; its own brand Technika is now the fifth best-selling TV brand in the UK. Chairman Terry Leahy believes �we are past the low point, things are getting better, people feel their financial circumstances are under control'. He sees recovery as being �slow and steady'.

IER Training: Selling by accident

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Selling the added-value features of warranties, such as cover for damage caused by accidents, is vital to increasing conversion says Lee Miller, Director of Sales at Domestic & General.

Most customers are aware of the breakdown cover that a warranty or service plan offers but do they understand all the benefits? It is the added-value features of products like D&G's Safehands service plans that can clinch a warranty sale, so it is essential sales staff can sell the sizzle and not just the sausage! One of Safehands' most sizzling features is repair or replacement of the product should it get damaged by an accident in the home.

SportsDAB the �must have' for sports fan

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The SportsDAB is Roberts' second generation hand held DAB/FM RDS radio. More versatile than ever the SportsDAB now features a built in speaker and headphone socket so you can use it on the move, at home, in the garden or in the office. There are two aerials now, a built in telescopic one for stationary use and the headphones double as the aerial for use out and about.