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Stereo Advantage Relocating

John Laposky — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:05:29 +0000

Williamsville, N.Y. – Stereo Advantage is moving.

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Williamsville, N.Y. – Stereo Advantage is moving.

The Buffalo, N.Y.-area specialty A/V dealer and system integrator is relocating its showroom and operations to its nearby and more spacious service center facility, where it will have more sound rooms and a wider selection of merchandise on display.

The new concept showroom, dubbed The Stereo Advantage Warehouse Sales Center, will provide consumers, businesses, schools and other institutions a full range of design, integration and installation products and services.

The facility is located at 1955 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. 14221, and will officially open its doors to the public on Tuesday, May 28.

A member of the ProSource buying group, Stereo Advantage began in 1978 with a single brick-and-mortar storefront in Williamsville, N.Y., and has since expanded its reach nationwide with a catalog and well-trafficked website at StereoAdvantage.com. The dealer is a unit of The Advantage Co., which expanded beyond retail into separate apparel, fitness, e-commerce, executive placement, t-shirt manufacturing, premium and incentive, construction, kitchen cabinetry, and real estate businesses.

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May 17 2013 - 4:03pm

Best Buy Joins Sony Ultra HD Rollout

John Laposky — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:59:41 +0000

Minneapolis – Sony Electronics’ three-step line of 4K Ultra High-Definition TVs are rolling out to Best Buy stores this week.

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Minneapolis – Sony Electronics’ three-step line of 4K Ultra High-Definition TVs are rolling out to Best Buy stores this week.

Nearly 750 locations will carry the XBR-X900 series, which includes Sony’s 84-inch flagship and recently-released 65- and 55-inch displays.

The LED TVs are Best Buy’s first Ultra High-Definition models.

The 4K sets will formally go on sale this Sunday, and BestBuy.com is already taking pre-orders for the 55- and 65-inch models, a Best Buy spokesperson told TWICE.

Within stores, a limited number of 84-inch sets will be merchandised within Best Buy’s super-premium Magnolia in-store Home Theater shops and Design Center departments.

The 55-inch 4K model will be displayed on Best Buy sales floors within a Sony-branded standalone “smart wall” fixture that stands about six feet high.

The 65-inch model will be merchandised within both the Magnolia sections and Best Buy stores proper, depending on store configurations and space availability.

The TVs will carry Sony’s suggested retail step of $5,000, $7,000 and $25,000.

Best Buy is the first national chain to carry Sony’s 4K series. The XBR-84X900 was released late last year, while the XBR-65X900 and XBR-55X900 models began shipping to A/V specialty dealer last month.

Earlier this year Sony Electronics U.S. president Phil Molyneux said the manufacturer would be very selective in its choice of 4K channel partners. “It’s not just ‘let’s ship to everyone and hope it happens,’” he said.

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May 17 2013 - 1:54pm

Petra Mails ’13 Catalog To Retailers

Doug Olenick — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:02:57 +0000

Edmond, Okla. —Petra Industries recently mailed its 1,200+ page, 2013 spring catalog to more than 75,000 independent retailers, e-tailers and custom installers and integrators across the U.S.

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Edmond, Okla. —Petra Industries recently mailed its 1,200+ page, 2013 spring catalog to more than 75,000 independent retailers, e-tailers and custom installers and integrators across the U.S.

Petra’s spring 2013 catalog showcases over 20,000 products from more than 500 industry-leading manufacturers including Sony, Canon, SiriusXM, JVC, Garmin, Clarion, RCA, Midland, Monster, Jensen, Belkin, Peerless, Ballistic, Trident, Griffin, iLuv, Speck, iHome, Scosche, Pentax, Conair, Panasonic and more.

Several manufacturers have been added to Petra’s 2013 product lineup including Boombotix, Cocoon, Dri Cat, Hitachi, HMDX, Koblenz, Mohu, Ruger, Sabre, Stansport and Woodees, offering dealers even more options, the distributor said.

Petra expanded the catalog to include four new categories: portable speakers, health & fitness, home & personal care and portable power & natteries. The catalog introduces more than 3,800 new products and over 1,200 price drops. In addition, new interactive QR codes at the beginning of each section lead dealers to Petra’s exclusive online product videos, the distributor said.

“Our catalog is such a helpful buying tool for all dealers and our teams work very hard to ensure we are offering the best products and accessories at the most competitive prices to add directly to their bottom line,” said Tate Morgan, president of Petra Industries. “With the CE industry constantly changing, we’re always on top of the latest trends. Every single page presents an opportunity for dealers to see Petra’s level of service and product value at work.”

Petra’s Spring 2013 catalog can also be viewed online, giving Petra dealers instant access to product and purchasing information with just a few simple clicks.

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May 17 2013 - 9:01am

Samsung 85-Inch Ultra Goes Hollywood At Video & Audio Center Event

Doug Olenick — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:02:43 +0000

Santa Monica, Calif. – Samsung’s 85-inch (model N85S9000) Ultra High-Definition TV came to Video & Audio Center, here, Wednesday night and drew a crowd of more than 130 customers.

Posing with the new Samsung 85-inch Ultra HD TV are (from left) Tom Campbell, Video & Audio Center (VAC); Bill Dickey, Samsung; Joseph Akhtarzad, VAC; Don Rapaport, Samsung; and Mayer Akhtarzad, VAC

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Santa Monica, Calif. – Samsung’s 85-inch (model N85S9000) Ultra High-Definition TV came to Video & Audio Center, here, Wednesday night and drew a crowd of more than 130 customers.

According to corporate director Tom Campbell, the special Samsung event drew many customers from the movie business and, most importantly, four sets were sold at the suggested retail of $40,000 each.

This is the flagship of Samsung’s 2013 TV line and has four times the pixels available in 1080p displays. It also includes a 3.2-channel, 120-watt sound system, and a new Smart Hub employing five onscreen panels to assist in content discovery.

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May 16 2013 - 1:01pm

ADI Dealer Wins Two Chevy Camaros

Doug Olenick — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:14 +0000

Melville, N.Y. - ADI reports that Troy Leach, product manager at Triphase Technologies in Carmel, Ind., has won two brand new Chevrolet Camaro Coupes in the distributor’s customer appreciation sweepstakes.

Glen Petit, regional account manager at ADI, hands over the keys to two new Chevrolet Camaro Coupes to Troy Leach, product manager at Triphase Technologies.

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Leach was the lucky recipient selected from over 17,000 entry forms received the sweepstakes.

For more than ten years, ADI has awarded a lucky dealer with a brand new car through its customer appreciation sweepstakes. Thousands of ADI customers complete entry forms each year at U.S. ADI Expos and industry tradeshows including ISC West, InfoComm, and CEDIA EXPO.

ADI said ,“In the spirit of providing its customers with more, this year’s winner received two high performance vehicles.”

John Sullivan, senior VP of sales at ADI, said, “Running this sweepstakes is one way we get to thank our customers each year. We are really excited for Troy.”

Leach has been in the security and A/V industry for more than five years, after spending nine years working in the retail A/V market. Troy and his colleagues regularly visit ADI’s Indianapolis branch, and take advantage of branch training opportunities and attend the ADI Expo Training Series each year.

ADI offers events and activities throughout the year to express its gratitude to customers. ADI events include Expo training seminars, trade show events, branch customer appreciation days, vendor product demos, training classes and more.

This year, ADI will be giving away the coveted Cadillac CTS-V. Customers can see the vehicle up close at industry tradeshows throughout the year. Dealers may enter for their chance to win by completing an entry form at the local ADI Expo, or by visiting ADI’s booth at ISC West, InfoComm and CEDIA EXPO

Click here, for the complete 2013 ADI sweepstakes official rules.

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May 16 2013 - 1:34pm

Wal-Mart Reports Slight Sales, Profit Increases

Doug Olenick — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:25:51 +0000

Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores reported slightly higher net sales and income for the first quarter, ended April 30.

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Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores reported slightly higher net sales and income for the first quarter, ended April 30.

Net sales for the first quarter were $113.4 billion, an increase of 1 percent over last year. Net sales last year benefited by 1 percent from the extra day due to leap year. On a constant currency basis, net sales would have increased 1.8 percent to $114.2 billion.

Consolidated net income attributable to Walmart for the first quarter was $3.8 billion, up 1.1 percent.

“In a quarter marked by considerable headwinds to top line sales, Walmart delivered solid EPS growth of 4.6 percent,” said Mike Duke, Wal-Mart Stores president and CEO.

Duke added, “Our expectations about our U.S. businesses' performance, coupled with more discipline in international, will allow us to improve our performance throughout the year.”

Duke also noted that e-commerce sales grew more than 30 percent in the first quarter vs. last year.

First-quarter sales for Walmart U.S were $66.55 billion, up 0.3 percent. Sam’s Club sales were up slightly, 0.1 percent, to $13.87 billion.

Operating income for Walmart U.S. was up 5.9 percent to $5.3 billion, and Sam’s Club was up 6.6 percent to $519 million, excluding fuel.

Without fuel, comp-store sales for Walmart U.S. were down 1.4 percent year on year, with Sam’s Club up 0.2 percent.

Bill Simon, Walmart U.S. president/CEO, said that even though comp sales were “lower than expected, we continued to generate market share gains.”

As of May 15, Sam’s Club increased its membership fee to $45 nationwide for both Advantage and Business base memberships, reflecting a $5 and $10 increase, respectively. It is the first fee increase for Sam’s Club since January 2006, the company said.

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May 16 2013 - 9:24am

ABC Warehouse Kicks Off New Sony 4K UHD TVs

ljohnston — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:37:58 +0000

Pontiac, Mich. — ABC Warehouse will showcase Sony’s newest 4K Ultra High-Definition televisions in a special showcase taking place from noon to 4 p.m. May 19 at the store’s outlet at 43435 Ford Road in Canton, Mich.

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The event, which is expected to draw members of the media, technological enthusiasts and TV lovers, will feature a live demonstration of one of Sony’s newest 4K Ultra HD TV models, including 55-inch and 65-inch models in the XBR-X900A series. The new sets are priced at $4,998 and $6,998, respectively.

ABC Warehouse will use the occasion to give away to lucky attendees more than $2,000 in prizes, including a Sony 46-inch HDTV and Blu-ray players.

Both of the new 4K Ultra HD sets come with three Blu-ray movies mastered in 4K and third-party streaming services for 12 months, including Music Unlimited for 30 days.

The Sony 4K Ultra HD TVs present four times the picture resolution of FullHD 1080p displays. This enables viewers to sit closer to the large screen size without seeing image degradation.

To maximize content options, the sets employ Sony’s proprietary up-scaling technology — the 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine. Sound is also enhanced in the new sets using unique magnetic fluid speaker technology that produces a thinner, more efficient integrated tonal experience.

“The Sony brand has always had a huge following and its new 4K Ultra HD TV does not disappoint,” said Martin Hartunian, ABC Warehouse CEO and president. “To hear about this product’s capabilities is one thing. To actually see it in action is truly an experience to behold. Our customers are in for quite a treat if they join us on Sunday.”

ABC Warehouse stores are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

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May 15 2013 - 4:31pm

RadioShack Targets College Bookstores

Doug Olenick — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:37:26 +0000

Fort Worth, Texas – Branded RadioShack sections will begin appearing in college bookstores this fall under a new five-year distribution agreement between the retailer and a leading college-market distributor.

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Under the plan, the National Association of College Stores (Nacscorp) will offer its nearly 4,000 college accounts a tailored mix of RadioShack’s top-selling headphones, wireless speakers and power supplies under such brands as Beats by Dr. Dre, Skullcandy and SOL Republic, as well as the retailer’s own private-label Enercell and Auvio lines.

“This agreement lets our brand fill a specific need for college stores and for college students,” said recently installed RadioShack CEO Joe Magnacca. “This represents a unique opportunity for RadioShack to enter a non-traditional marketplace, and agreements like this are key to introducing new consumers to the role that RadioShack can play in their lives.”

RadioShack’s franchise VP Marty Amschler noted that college students are avid CE consumers, and that merchandising “cool products they didn’t even know they needed” inside campus stores “is a great way to get the collegiate crowd interested in our brand” and tap into a whole new fan base.

Indeed, a key element of Magnacca’s turnaround plan for the ailing business is to refresh its image and draw a new, younger generation of customers to the 92-year-old chain. The first fruits of that effort include a suggestive music video spot for Beats’ Pill wireless speaker that began airing last month.

The new retail concept is expected to roll out in time for the fall semester.

Janney Montgomery Scott retail analyst David Strasser said the products will fill 4- to 12-foot sections of wall featuring RadioShack branding, and described the program as a more sensible and profitable strategy than its outsourced mobile departments for Target and Sam’s Club.

“This appears a sensible and logical growth vehicle that will not only drive profits but increased name recognition with a demographic they are not strong with at the moment,” he observed in a research note. “Clearly there is some thoughtful and sensible analysis being done at RadioShack these days.”

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May 15 2013 - 11:36am

HSNi’s CFO Schmeling Adds COO Title

Doug Olenick — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:03:32 +0000

St. Petersburg, Fla.- HSNi, the interactive multichannel retailer has named Judy Schmeling chief operating officer, effective immediately, and continues as chief financial officer.

Judy Schmeling

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St. Petersburg, Fla.- HSNi, the interactive multichannel retailer has named Judy Schmeling chief operating officer, effective immediately, and continues as chief financial officer.

Schmeling has served as HSNi's executive VP and chief financial officer since 2001.

In her new role, she will be responsible for supply chain operations and customer care functions in addition to providing ongoing leadership for finance and information technology. These four areas are now company-wide operations spanning HSN and the Cornerstone portfolio of home and lifestyle brands.

"Judy is a world-class leader and the consummate professional, and she has been my partner in transforming HSNi and driving growth across all our businesses," said Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSNi.

Schmeling will be responsible for support in information technology, logistics and supply chain operations, customer care and facilities for HSN and Cornerstone, in addition to managing all finance-related activities. She will continue to be based at the company's headquarters, here.

“With this new structure, HSNi is better positioned than ever to capitalize on our strong brands and reshape the landscape of commerce,” Ms. Schmeling. “I'm excited about the opportunity to fully leverage technology, supply chain operations and customer service across all of HSNi.”

Schmeling joined the company in 1994 as director of investor Relations and Treasury.

HSNi also announced the promotion of two senior finance executives, Michael J. Attinella and Patrick Vonderhaar, both reporting to Schmeling.

Attinella was appointed chief financial officer of HSN and chief accounting officer of HSNi. He joined HSN in 2001 and most recently served as senior VP, chief accounting officer and corporate controller of HSNi.

Vonderhaar was elevated from VP and corporate controller to chief financial officer for Cornerstone Brands.

In addition, Rob Solomon has been appointed executive VP of customer care & operations administration, HSNi, and Bob Monti as executive VP, supply chain & logistics, HSNi, both reporting to Schmeling.

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May 15 2013 - 10:02am

PRO Group, HES Refine ProSource Plans

Doug Olenick — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:10:04 +0000

San Antonio — The Progressive Retailers Organization (PRO Group) and its sister buying collective Home Entertainment Source (HES) will further coalesce under the ProSource umbrella, and will organize their membership by size and expertise around four core product categories.

From left, PRO Group chairman Murray Huppin of Huppin’s/OneCall, with ProSource execs Dave Workman and Jim Ristow

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The strategy was outlined yesterday by ProSource president/CEO Dave Workman and HES executive VP Jim Ristow at PRO’s annual spring meeting here.

Under the plan, ProSource, the three-year-old, $3 billion umbrella organization for the two BrandSource buying collectives, will become the forward-facing franchise for the sister groups. Workman, who also serves as president/COO of PRO Group, acknowledged to vendors during a state-of-the-union address that “we confused the hell out of you” with their mix of names and acronyms, and that “ProSource is the entity, ProSource is the future.”

But the PRO and HES affiliations will continue, at least internally. PRO will remain the home for ProSource’s brick-and-click promotional dealers with annual sales volume of $10 million or higher, while HES’s 400 members are in the $2 million-plus range. Workman plans to expand PRO’s membership ranks from its current 14 dealers to upward of 25, which would be culled from HES or recruited from outside the organization.

In addition, a third ProSource designation has been added for 66 “power dealers,” which are large custom installers and system integrators with annual sales of $3 million to $10 million.

Grouping the members by size and business model will help ProSource better develop tailored strategic programs with manufacturers that include exclusive runs, product launches and promotional sets, Workman said.

ProSource has also identified four key product platforms that will provide focused growth opportunities and help differentiate its dealers in the marketplace: step-up TV, legacy audio, “new” audio, and home and commercial custom installation and integration.

Workman added that unlike some retailers that are “running away from CE” by adding majaps and mattresses to their mix, ProSource instead is digging out new opportunities in electronics and remains committed to the category. In the process, the group is culling its vendor roster, as “fewer and deeper vendor partnerships are our future,” he said.

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May 15 2013 - 9:04am