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TRADE NEWS ©byGfK MS, www.gfkms.com CE Sales Value%Jan-Jul2007/2008 number of opportunities to network them will be a core area in the years ahead,” Winkelmann said. “And high-definition media, such as Blu-ray players and camcorders look set to show strong sales.” There will of course always be a need among consumers to replace and, increasingly upgrade white goods. New generations of appliances increasingly linked to lifestyle trends are now attracting the interest of consumers. Operating ease, intelligent technologies, excellent design and enhanced energy efficiency as well as convenient and simple operation are driving demand. The demographic known as LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) is also ever more important to dealers – a consumer group that bases its lifestyle on health and sustainability. Current market figures demonstrate that more and more consumers are prepared to invest in high-end products that display real ecological attributes. “We expect high growth rates in these sorts of white goods over the next few years,” Lahrmann said. European Markets: a saturated West and a still emerging East Russian dealers joined Euronics in 2007 and the country is already close to Great Britain and fighting for third place in purchase volume behind Germany and Italy. Spain & Portugal are the latest countries having become part of the Euronics family. Industry partnerships as success factor “International supplier agreements and close cooperation with the manufacturing industry have long been a crucial success factor for our marketing and purchasing alliance”, added Lahrmann. “In mid-June, Euronics International awarded its “Supplier of the Year” prize for white goods to Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH and to Philips Lifestyle for the consumer electronics segment.” E-tail continues to grow In Europe, the Internet continues to gain significance as a sales platform. “The number of sales via the web is rising. Many consumers are seeking dealers who offer good service and competent advice about their product portfolio,” said Lahrmann. “Consequently Euronics International is building its Internet presence with a tailor-made multichannel strategy. Consequently our members are now profiting from genuine synergy between online activities and the bricks and mortar business. But the latter still represents our core market.” Challenges for retailers In consumer electronics, European dealers have been witnessing shorter product cycles and significant price decline for several years, especially in new entertainment products. Competition has also grown rapidly over the last ten years and at the same time consumer aspirations have also risen. “Quality of experience and convenience are key factors in consumer electronics, and every dealer needs to communicate that to his customers,” said Lahrmann. IFA 2008 meets expectations With a new trade fair presence of around 500 m², the alliance has been presenting a selection of examples of the services offered by its European members. Dealers from across Europe can exchange ideas on product presentation, advertising, e- commerce and member communication. This year more than ever, dialogue with consumers is a huge point of interest and discussion at IFA. “From the perspective of Euronics International, IFA is rapidly establishing itself as the world’s most important trade and consumer fair for white and brown goods. As Europe’s biggest alliance of independent retailers, we welcome the expansion of the fair. Dealers and consumers can finally look forward to a genuinely shared trade fair platform,” added Winkelmann and Lahrmann. Hall 23a / Stand 102 34 www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Wednesday, 3 rd September 2008
GOING OUT Where to go inBerlin We know what it’s like! You’re arriving in a town you either don’t know well or don’t know at all... one of the most legendary and amazing cities in Europe... you don’t have a lot of time and you want to optimise what little time you have going out… Get it right the first time! Indeed Berlin has a lot of fantastic spots to go out, but like every big city, there are som e dives. - We of cou rse recommend the official Berlin Tourist Office, but we also hope that the following pages as well as our interactive blog www.trendset.biz will be a real boon as well. Enjoy, and give us YOUR impressions!!! See you in Berlin! INTERNATIONAL HOTELS IN BERLIN A little bit of England in Berlin – Angleterre Berlin Let yourself be spoiled at the 4 star superior class Angleterre hotel. Discover the great service behind the renovated building originally constructed in 1891. True to its name, it is like being in an English hotel, and the style of the hotel reflects this. The over 100 years old wall paintings and stucco ceilings are a particularly attractive feature. One can get an English stout at the Commonwealth bar lounge and have a great meal at the Speaker’s Corner restaurant. The close proximity to Friedrichstrasse makes getting around the city very easy. Friedrichstr. 31 10969 Berlin Tel.: 030-2021 3700 IFA International • Wednesday, 3 rd September 2008 www.trendset.biz 35
