B&O Readies Networked-Audio Product Releases

By Joseph Palenchar On Aug 6 2012 - 4:02am

DEERFIELD, ILL. – Luxury brand Bang & Olufsen is expanding its selection of networked- audio products with the launch of a $425 device that adds wireless-network capability to any of the company’s active home speakers.

The Playmaker became available in Bang & Olufsen showrooms at the end of July.

 

 

Analysts See Prepaid Penetration Hitting 33 Percent In Year

By Joseph Palenchar On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

WASHINGTON – The percentage of cellphone users who use prepaid service “could very likely” reach 33 percent of all U.S. subscribers in the next 12 months, up from today’s 25 percent, two analysts contend.

IHS: Average TV Prices Rose In The Second Quarter

By Greg Tarr On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. — Secondquarter sales of advanced features and larger screen sizes helped average retail prices on U.S. flat-panel televisions climb to the highest level in two and a half years, according to a new study released by IHS iSuppli.

The market research firm’s “U.S. TV Price and Specifications Market Tracker Report” showed pricing for U.S. flatpanel televisions reached $1,224 during the second quarter, up 3 percent from $1,190 the previous quarter, and 9 percent from $1,124 in the same period a year ago.

Z. Reiss Acquires M. Rothman

By John Laposky On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — .CE distributor Z. Reiss & Associates has purchased fellow distributor M. Rothman & Co. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Z. Reiss will operate the new entity, M. Rothman Group, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the newly formed Z. Rothman Inc.

Merchants Laud New Pricing Policies, Mostly

By Alan Wolf On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Most merchants appear to favor the unilateral pricing policies (UPP) imposed on select new product lines, and the tougher stance some manufacturers are taking with MAP enforcement both on- and off-line.

“UPP and MAP policies are better for the industry overall,” said Fred Towns, president of New Age Electronics and Jack of All Games, the Synnex distributors. “Better profits can be realized by tightening pricing variances, and protection of manufacturers’ brand integrity also helps lessen the commoditization of CE products.”

First Look: Virgin Mobile's New Flagship Chicago Store

By Alan Wolf On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

CHICAGO – Sprint Nextel is no newcomer to carrierowned stores, operating both the post-paid Sprint and prepaid Boost Mobile chains.

Joining the retail portfolio this summer is Sprint’s other prepaid brand, Virgin Mobile, which will have seven standalone stores, four kiosks and one in-line mall shop up and running throughout Chicagoland this week.

Back-To-School CE Spending To Rise 33%: Survey

By Alan Wolf On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

WASHINGTON – Back-to-school spending on CE and IT products is expected to increase 33.3 percent over last year to about $9.6 billion, a new survey indicates.

According to a July poll of 8,509 consumers by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and BIGinsight, parents will spend a net average of $217.88 on computers, handheld devices and other CE products this season, up from $189.51 in 2011.

Religious Group Goes Gaga Over Office Depot Donation

By Alan Wolf On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

BOCA RATON, FLA. – A Christian right group has taken umbrage with Office Depot’s support of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which encourages young people to accept themselves and others.

The Tampa-based Florida Family Association believes that the retailer’s $1 million pledge to the charity — raised through the sale of back-to-school products with inspirational messages like “Be Yourself” and “Be Accepting” — will sway teens toward a gay lifestyle.

Toshiba 2012 TVs Ship At Value PricesToshiba 2012 TVs Ship At Value Prices

By Greg Tarr On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

IRVINE, CALIF. – Toshiba has started delivering a range of TV models in its 2012 line, all of which offer new cosmetic styling and value price points for their respective classes.

All models this year have been designed to present “a family look” in styling, deliver strong picture and sound quality, and present consumers with good value for the price, the company said.

The 2012 cosmetic is called the Aero Design and stresses a minimalist bezel look, thin depth, a wing bottom accent and pedestal stand.

hhgregg Posts $5.7M Loss In Fiscal 1st Qtr.

By Steve Smith On Aug 6 2012 - 4:01am

INDIANAPOLIS — hhgregg reported a net loss of $5.7 million for the quarter, compared with an $800,000 loss in the prior year’s opening quarter, with sales of video products continuing to be a major problem for the company.

The increase in the net loss was the result of a comp-store sales decrease of 5.1 percent. Overall sales rose 13.5 percent for the quarter to $489.9 million.

The report was in line with the retailer’s preview of fiscal first-quarter results on July 16.