IASCA Launches Car Stereo Traffic-Builder Promo

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 6/6/2008

Daytona Beach, Fla. — IASCA plans to launch a nationwide promotion offering a “free car stereo system evaluation” where consumers may take their car into a local dealer for evaluation.

The promotion is designed to build foot traffic at car stereo retailers, said IASCA president Paul Papadeas.

IASCA has launched a database search engine on its Web site, which will help consumers find local dealers who are participating in the free evaluation program. Dealers are encouraged to register to be in the search engine.

Papadeas said building foot traffic has become a critical issue for 12-volt retailers. “In my 35 years as a car audio installer, retailer and promoter, I have never seen the need for action and industry unity as great as we need now. Prior to car audio magazines, big-box retailers and well before internet usage, specialty retailers like us had a following — a community of enthusiasts, who would frequently visit our stores, hang out and ‘talk shop’. Today, a great segment of that community is in their homes immersed in Facebook and MySpace.”

He added, “IASCA’s goal is to influence this community of enthusiasts to revisit these shops to get the ‘real deal’ experience.”

IASCA said the free system-evaluation program will launch once a critical number of retailers around the country register.

IASCA is also soliciting support from suppliers to offer promotional items such as posters and key chains for consumers participating in the free car stereo evaluation program.