119 Million Tablets To Ship This Year: Gartner

By Doug Olenick On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

STAMFORD, CONN. – Gartner is forecasting media tablet sales of 118.9 million for 2012, a 98 percent increase over 2011.

Apple will continue to dominate the category, garnering 61.4 percent share this year, although Android-based tablets will slightly close the gap, with 31.9 percent of the market.

A lack of dedicated tablet Android apps is still hindering this category, Gartner said.

 

 

PC Shipments Show Surprise Q1 Growth

By Doug Olenick On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

STAMFORD, CONN. – Worldwide PC shipments made an unexpected jump during the first quarter, according to Gartner’s latest research.

First-quarter PC shipments worldwide totaled 89 million units, up 1.9 percent from the 87.3 million shipped during the same period in 2011. Gartner had forecast a 1.2 percent decline for the quarter.

The unexpected increase was due to stronger sales it the EMEA region, despite a slowdown in India and China.

More Watching Mobile TV; Price Hampers Growth: Study

By Lisa Johnston On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

TORONTO — The number of users interested in a multi-screen video service is up from last year, according to an independent study commissioned by Quick- Play Media, but fear of cost is still the biggest reason why people won’t try it.

The “2012 Market Tools” survey reported that 57 percent of respondents are interested in a multi-screen video service, up from 48 percent in 2011.

HTSA Holds Spring Meeting In San Diego

By TWICE Staff On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

SAN DIEGO – Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA), the 63-member buying group of custom installers and high-end retailers, held its first convention with managing director Bob Hana at the helm earlier this month at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel, here.

The group drew most of its members here and drew its top suppliers, including new key vendors: Key Digital, Lenbrook America (NAD and PSB brands), Leon Speakers, Pakedge and Sunbrite TV.

Buying Groups Change Strategies, Broaden Benefits

By Alan Wolf On May 8 2012 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — It’s been a busy year for the nation’s buying groups.

The retail confederations, which provide merchandising, marketing and business support services for independent CE, majap and furniture dealers, have been scrambling to stay ahead of the structural changes sweeping the industry.

Distributors Discern The Top Growth Categories For 2012

By TWICE Staff On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

TWICE: Which categories will provide growth and profit opportunities for retailers in the first half and why?

Warren Chaiken, Almo: I believe the best opportunity for profit and sales growth in the first half will be in appliances. Instead of buying new homes, consumers are remodeling and upgrading. The replacement market right now is quite strong, particularly for higher-end appliances, which provide a better profit opportunity for dealers.

Distributors Take 'Wait And See' View Of Apple TV And Its Effects

By TWICE Staff On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

TWICE: Do you think speculation about an Apple TV introduction will curb sales or spur interest in smart TVs for the industry this year?

Distributors Preparing For Differentiated Product Lines

By TWICE Staff On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

TWICE: Are you seeing attempts by suppliers to differentiate their lines and push commodity products to mass channels and more high-end products to specialists?

Nationwide Points Dealers Toward High-Profit Categories

By Alan Wolf On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. – Ancillary categories like lighting control, gaming, digital imaging and telecommunications can provide new profit opportunities for TV and appliance dealers, Nationwide Marketing Group executives said.

TWICE On The Scene: Nationwide Holds Upbeat Meeting In Orlando

By Steve Smith On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. – The Nationwide Marketing Group held its PrimeTime! convention at the Gaylord Palms Resort, here, Feb. 26-29 which drew a record 3,400 attendees for its annual Winter meeting. The mood of the event was upbeat as members discussed opportunities for growth with CE, major appliances and other categories such as bedding and furniture. Members and vendors of the $12 billion group, of which $6.5 billion, consists of major appliance sales, were in a good mood about 2012.