<April 25, 2012> In a narrative that at times was more daytime soap opera than strategic corporate initiative, Russound has disposed of Colorado vNet for the last time, selling the brand off to Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mike Anderson. This ends a problematic history with Russound acquiring, closing down, relaunching, and now selling off Colorado vNet in a short on-again-off-again three-year relationship that started in 2009. [Read more…] about With a Final Heave-Ho, Russound Sells Off Colorado vNet
Pivot Point
Taking Sales Factory Direct at Lenbrook – One Year Later
<April 25, 2012> Almost exactly one year ago, the specialty electronics world was stunned to learn that Lenbrook America, the company that distributes NAD and PSB in the United States and often looked upon as a paragon of the specialty A/V community, had decided to fire its sales manager, public relations company, and independent specialty sales representative sales force to go factory direct. While not the first company – nor likely the last – to make such a decision…the company’s long time commitment to the specialty channel and abrupt announcement sent shock waves around the industry. [Read more…] about Taking Sales Factory Direct at Lenbrook – One Year Later
Best Buy Reveals List of Stores to be Closed
<April 18, 2012> On Monday, Best Buy revealed the specific store locations it planned to close as previously announced by former CEO Brian Dunn, just days before he unexpectedly resigned under potentially scandalous circumstances. In the wake of reporting disappointing financial results, Dunn had announced – among other things – that the company would shutter 50 of its big box superstores, but did not identify specifically which store locations would close. [Read more…] about Best Buy Reveals List of Stores to be Closed
Key Digital Selects AVAD as the Exclusive Distributor of Its Compass Control System
<April 11, 2012> Key Digital Systems, Inc. announced today that it has selected Ingram Micro’s AVAD division as the exclusive residential distributor in the continental U.S. for its Compass Control System. Key’s Compass system is said to be a “plug and play” technology developed to support third party protocols and drivers creating a universe of products from a variety of suppliers they call the Compass Alliance Partners (CAP). [Read more…] about Key Digital Selects AVAD as the Exclusive Distributor of Its Compass Control System
Best Buy’s Dunn is Done, But an Investigation into His Personal Misconduct Continues
<April 11, 2012> Best Buy Company’s abrupt announcement on Tuesday morning that CEO Brian Dunn, a 28-year veteran of the nation’s top electronics retailer, was leaving the company effective immediately, caught industry and financial analysts by surprise. No one saw it coming although in view of Best Buy’s dismal financial performance, the company’s explanation that it needed new leadership to forge a new strategic direction for the company seemed to ring true. [Read more…] about Best Buy’s Dunn is Done, But an Investigation into His Personal Misconduct Continues
Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
>>NOTE: UPDATED MARCH 9TH – SEE BOX BELOW<<
<March 7, 2012> Last week, Stratecon’s BEACON broke the news about a major overhaul and consolidation of D&M Holdings’ sales representative and distributor network. Later that day, D&M confirmed our initial report, releasing a statement spelling out the substantive, albeit generally described, changes to their sales network. Now the ALERT has discovered that not all of D&M’s rep territories were merged – in select markets, separate sales rep forces are being maintained. [Read more…] about Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
<March 6, 2012> Gibson Guitar announced yesterday that it has hired ex-D&M President Bob Weissburg as global executive vice president – a new position at Gibson. Although Weissburg’s focus will likely be their consumer electronics and pro divisions, Gibson says he will be in charge of all divisions at the company – including musical instruments. [Read more…] about Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
It’s Official – Philips Is Out of the TV Business…Globally
<February 22, 2012> The final step in a move that has been expected by some for a long time has been completed as China’s TPV Technology Ltd. shareholders approved the acquisition of the money-losing TV division from Philips Electronics. While Philips exited the TV business here in the United States several years ago, the company enjoyed greater sales success – if not profitably – elsewhere in the world. In fact, at one time, Philips was one of the biggest television brands in the world – but no longer. [Read more…] about It’s Official – Philips Is Out of the TV Business…Globally
TV War Won, Samsung Considers Spinning Off its Money-Losing LCD TV Business
<February 15, 2012> Samsung Electronics Co. surprised many in the industry today when it revealed that it is considering spinning-off its LCD flat-panel television business which is losing money amid a worldwide slowdown in consumer demand according to a report by Reuters. The company says letting the LCD business go will allow it to focus on what it believes will be the next wave in television technology – OLED which it hopes will stimulate consumer demand …and company profits. [Read more…] about TV War Won, Samsung Considers Spinning Off its Money-Losing LCD TV Business
New Wave of Apple iTV Rumors Circulate as Industry Remains on Edge Waiting for Launch
<February 8, 2012> Several reports of new iTV “sightings” have emerged around the Internet with many coming out of Canada as Apple is said to have submitted samples of its latest innovation – a revolutionary new television design – to various testing agencies for approval. [Read more…] about New Wave of Apple iTV Rumors Circulate as Industry Remains on Edge Waiting for Launch