Anaheim, Calif. – Home Entertainment Source
(HES) has added nine more manufacturers to its vendor roster.
The additions include Savant, Planar/Runco, TK Living, SIM2,
Lutron, Vutec, Salez Toolz, Cinemacoustic Solutions and Zvox.
The specialty A/V buying group, a division of the $14 billion
BrandSource organization, said the new additions provide more options for its
independent dealer members and demonstrate the group’s growth.
“Q1 was very productive for
us,” observed HES communications director Andy Orozco. “The clout behind these brands
cannot be underestimated — these manufacturers are the best in the business
and will allow dealers to offer more complete solutions to their customers.”
Savant executive VP Jim Carroll said his
company had already enjoyed “tremendous success” with a large number of HES
members before formalizing his relationship with the group. “Both HES and
Savant management recognized that an official program would bring additional
visibility and focus to the Savant brand, increasing support amongst member
dealers,” he said.
Adam Schmidt, channel sales VP for Planar
Systems, said the new alliance “enhances our relationships with HES dealers,” which
it will equip with “innovative, high-performing and profitable video
solutions.”
Zvox, makers of slim and stylish home-theater
speakers, was highlighted at HES’s spring meeting in February, while TK Living
and Cinemacoustic Solutions will help HES members provide turnkey solutions for
home theater, including high-end media furniture, accessories, acoustic fabric,
accessories and precision acoustic paneling.
The addition of Lutron, a top name in
lighting systems, will boost members’ standing in the whole-home and home-theater
market, while Salez Toolz software provide independent retailers with easy
quoting capabilities, allowing them to dynamically create and adjust quotes on
the fly using intuitive and customizable software, HES said.
“We are adding more and more new members,
new programs, and new manufacturers and are excited to continue to grow and
offer our members the most comprehensive programs, products, and support
available from any consumer electronics buying group,” said Jim Ristow, the
group’s executive VP.
HES is a 100 percent member-owned
merchandising group dedicated to the independent A/V integrator and retailer.
Together with ProSource partner Progressive Retailers Organization (PRO Group),
it has the combined purchasing power of more than 500 dealers nationwide. HES
provides specialized pricing, merchandising allowances and rebate programs to
its members, while leveraging the clout of parent organization BrandSource to
provide a wide range of general business services. For information, contact Sherry Dantonio at
(714) 422-0747.