HOME From showrooming to unichannel
The latest buzzword to hit retail is ‘showrooming’. Channel EMEA Editor Stuart Wilson reckons this will give rise to a whole new retail model. Get ready for the ‘unichannel’.
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Samsung and Amazon take tablet fight to Apple
The latest tablet market data from the numbercrunchers at IDC shows Samsung and Amazon starting to take a bite out of Apple’s market share. IDC estimates that worldwide tablet shipments hit 27.8 million units in the third quarter of 2012 - up 49.5% year-on-year and 6.7% sequentially. The tablet product category is expecting a bumper fourth quarter in terms of unit sales.
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Senheng teams with U Mobile for data packages
Malaysian IT and consumer electronics retailer Senheng Electric has launched a tablet PC promotion with telecoms operator U Mobile. Under the terms of the agreement U Mobile becomes the first 3G telecoms operator to provide data packages with devices sold through Senheng and SenQ retail outlets across Malaysia. U Mobile believes the deal is an important step in terms of widening in-country distribution of its data packages.
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Rakuten launches Malaysian e-mall
Japanese e-commerce specialist Rakuten has opened a Malaysian internet shopping mall featuring more than 11,000 products from 40-plus local retailers. The Rakuten Online Shopping virtual mall aims to provide consumers in Malaysia with an entirely new online shopping experience that is entertaining and interactive. Consumer electronics, computer and IT products are available with retailers such as Senheng Electric and Best Denki already signed up as partners.
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Singapore-based ICT and consumer electronics (CE) retailer Challenger has reported third quarter 2012 sales of S$88.6m (US$72.4m), up 10% year-on-year. Challenger’s after tax profits were up 21% year-on-year at S$4.1m (US$3.35m) – a profit margin of 4.6%. Challenger currently operates 28 stores in Singapore and four outlets in Malaysia.
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Ingram Micro reports third quarter figures
Global distribution giant Ingram Micro’s worldwide sales were up 1% year-on-year at US$9.03 billion for the third quarter of 2012 ending September 29th. Net profits more than doubled year-on-year to hit US$53.3m. Gross profits rose slightly driven primarily by sales growth in Ingram Micro’s North American high margin business and logistics operations. This increase was tempered by a negative impact created by the fulfilment model used to supply tablet devices.
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Ingram Micro has completed its purchase of Dubai-based distributor Aptec. Ingram Micro has drafted in Philip Cheok from its Asia Pacific operation to serve as CFO of its newly acquired Middle East, Africa and Near East operation. Aptec announced the completion of its purchase by Ingram Micro during the GITEX trade show in Dubai.
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Asus boosts Indian service reach
Hardware vendor Asus has boosted its service offering in India, appointing Compuage as an authorised service provider for its notebook, EeePC, EeePad and various products. Compuage will offer both on-site and carry-in services for Asus customers. The agreement forms part of Asus’ efforts to bolster its post-sales service availability across India, with a service provider ideally available within 40km of a customer.
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Lalani launches E-tech City retail venture
Indian channel player Lalani Group has outlined its ambitions in the country’s fast-growing retail market for IT, mobile and office products. Lalani Group plans to develop a chain of large format stores under the E-tech City brand. The company has opened its first 13,000 square foot E-tech City store in Kolkata and plans to have 25 stores across India by 2015.
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Lenovo teams with Ziptech for new Chennai store
PC giant Lenovo has launched a new store in Chennai, India, as the vendor looks to cement its reputation as the country’s leading brand. Lenovo is committed to building a strong retail infrastructure across India as it looks to drive ‘hypergrowth’ in the Indian PC market.
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