Berlin, September 6, 2013
In 2012, EURONICS International, Europe’s largest buying group in the consumer electronics market, recorded sales of EUR 17.6 in spite of the economic crisis which continues to affect many European countries. This equates to an increase in sales of 8.6 per cent compared with the previous year. “Although the economic conditions remain difficult, particularly in the Southern European countries, we were able to increase our turnover in 2012,” explained Hans Carpels, President of EURONICS International at a press conference at the IFA international trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances in Berlin. “Our added-value strategy has been proven to be right and is a strategy we will continue to pursue. We now need to communicate the added value of Smart TVs in order to help the saturated TV market back onto its feet.”
Samsung Executive Vice President visits EURONICS
In order to increase the demand for Smart TVs, EURONICS works closely with the market leader Samsung. The partnership between the trading association and the South Korean manufacturer was also underlined by the participation of Hans Wienands, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics GmbH, at the EURONICS IFA press conference. “Market research results show that many people still do not own a Smart TV or are not even aware of their many possible uses,” explained Wienands. “We have found in EURONICS, the leading buying group in Europe, a strong trading partner with which we can jointly stimulate the sale of televisions in international markets.”
Smart TVs not yet driving sales
It is the role of trade and industry to convince consumers, who in most cases already own a flatscreen TV, to purchase a next generation Smart TV. According to the Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungselektronik (Consumer Electronics Association), 34 per cent of German households currently have a Smart TV. France leads the way in Europe with 42 per cent. Market analyses also reveal that many users are still not online with their internet-enabled TVs. This is why the “Smarter Fernsehen” (Smarter TV) campaign is currently being launched in Germany. Retailers, industry, and associations want to jointly help consumers understand about interactive TV. In partnership with Samsung, the leading manufacturer of Smart TVs, EURONICS International will now work to give fresh impetus to the internet TV market at European level. As the largest CE trade fair in the world, the IFA is the ideal platform from which to launch this initiative. “Smart TV is for us one of the major markets of the future,” explained Carpels, who sees signs of a more positive outlook for the industry at the IFA. “We will benefit in the next few years from the increasing quality awareness of consumers. The increasing convergence of appliances also requires a high level of service and advice from retailers – a development which will benefit EURONICS retailers.”
New member: Teknosa Group of Turkey
EURONICS’ growth in sales over the past financial year is primarily due to the integration of new member associations. In 2012 the EEL Group of Sweden and the buying cooperative Media Expert Group of Poland joined EURONICS International. In the Turkish trading group Teknosa, EURONICS has acquired an additional strong partner. “Turkey is one of the emerging markets for consumer electronics, and against this background the new cooperation is a major success. With its more than 290 stores in 75 cities, Teknosa is present as the market leader in every corner of the country,” explained John Olsen, since September 2013 the new Managing Director of EURONICS International. The 45-year-old joined EURONICS from TP Vision and has more than 20 years of industry experience after holding several leadership positions at Philips and TP Vision.
“On the whole, the European CE market has stabilised in 2013,” explained Olsen. According to GfK TEMAX, the financial and economic crisis is still making itself felt in Southern Europe, and particularly in Greece and Spain. Sales in Portugal, Italy and the Northern European countries have however picked up. “New products in the telecommunications sector and media tablets will remain strong drivers of growth,” explained Olsen. In addition, internet-based innovations and network solutions will appear increasingly on the market.
Unanimous re-election of Management Board
At the general meeting in July 2013 in Tallinn, Estonia, the delegates elected a new Management Board. All of the Board Members, including Hans Carpels as President, Paolo Galimberti as Vice President and Marcel Vloemans as Managing Director of EURONICS GEIE, were unanimously confirmed in their office. Kiril Novikov was newly elected to the Board as the representative of EURONICS Russia. He developed the first franchise system for consumer electronics for the Russian market and is now among the top 5 electronics retailers in the country.
In Hall 23A “only the very best gets a star”
At IFA, EURONICS is once again showcasing itself in Hall 23A under the motto “only the very best gets a star”. At the buying group’s stand, which resembles a pit lane at the German Touring Car Championships (DTM), Samsung, Sony, Monster, and Miele, among others, will be presenting numerous product highlights and networking solutions. A further highlight this year will be the visit to the EURONICS IFA stand by the two DTM drivers Gary Paffett and Christian Vietoris. The two racing drivers will be appearing on the stand with a show car branded in the EURONICS look and feel.
For more information:
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EURONICS Deutschland eG
Cornelia Bonow
Tel.: +49 (0) 71 56 / 933 1403
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Engel & Zimmermann AG
Communications Consultancy
Bjoern Seeger Schloss Fußberg, Am Schlosspark 15, 82131 Gauting
Tel. +49 (0) 89/89 35 63 3
Fax +49 (0) 89/89 39 84 29
E-Mail: info@engel-zimmermann.de
