Following an opening address in which Karl Trautmann reflected on the global political and economic situation and its direct and indirect impact on the electronics industry, the event continued with updates on the EP: and MEDIMAX brands. Friedrich Sobol gave an overwhelmingly positive summary of the ten-year quality initiative for EP:specialist retailers:
"Together with our members, we have successfully shaped the specialist retail sector in a sustainable way, differentiated ourselves from the competition, and consistently outperformed the market year after year! This will remain our goal, which is why we have developed many new concepts in close collaboration with the advisory board."
The defining feature of EP:specialist retailers, their focus on service, is now visually emphasized through the redesigned website, as well as print and online advertising. The visuals showcasing different service worlds can be individually adapted by each retailer. The new marketing approach for EP: is fresher, more colorful, and aims to attract a younger target audience.
The retail chain MEDIMAX has proven itself as resilient, dynamic, and more than capable of meeting market demands in its 35th year, following a successful privatization. Numerous renovations by committed franchise partners and local customer feedback demonstrate that the transformation into a full franchise system was the right decision, and the brand has achieved a clear, high-quality standard in its public image. Recent sales developments, particularly in the household appliances and consumer electronics sectors, also send a strong signal. The marketing strategy for 2024 is already in place, combining a wide variety of channels to engage all target groups.
"It is still important to us not to prioritize generating online revenue, but rather to bring people into the stores," emphasizes Friedrich Sobol.
To support further expansion of EP: and MEDIMAX and to secure succession for existing locations, ElectronicPartner recently launched the "Entrepreneurs Wanted" campaign. This initiative will remain a key focus in 2024.
Meanwhile, the revival of ProMarkt is also progressing successfully and is set to expand to additional locations. For this, the buying group and its franchise partners rely on a discount concept with shorter opening hours, fewer staff, and a carefully selected range – brand-name products that are more affordable, yet still high-quality and attractively presented.
For the first time at the 2023 Industry Meeting, Friedrich Sobol announced the upcoming launch of the new "WENDEpunkt" marketing line next year. This initiative will focus on renewable energy solutions – from photovoltaic systems and heat pumps to solar thermal energy. To support this major project, ElectronicPartner has expanded its team and established a dedicated specialist department that has developed a multi-level concept for the retail trade. "We have thoroughly explored the renewable energy sector and carefully prepared an effective entry into this field. Not everyone can work on roofs or has the trained staff for that. But we offer every electronics retailer the opportunity to benefit from this topic: from planning and referral services to quote preparation and complete installation," explains Friedrich Sobol. Existing members of the buying group are also included so they can participate in the multi-level sales concept.
ElectronicPartner has big plans for 2024 – it promises to be an eventful year! This also applies to the comTeam brand, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Matthias Assmann, the board member responsible for the entire IT division at ElectronicPartner, provided insights into the latest services from the technology network, including consulting on whistleblower platforms. He also demonstrated examples of the state-of-the-art technological infrastructure that ElectronicPartner continues to develop in order to be a reliable and capable partner for members and industry. The groundwork has already been laid for future AI solution implementations. Current projects also include the recently completed migration of the entire merchandise management system to the cloud, the further development of central settlement processes, and the technological realignment of logistics operations.
To close the Industry Meeting, participants enjoyed a keynote speech by physicist and comedian Vince Ebert, who delivered a sharp-witted appeal for common sense in challenging times. In line with ElectronicPartner’s philosophy, he illustrated through entertaining anecdotes and scientific insights what is needed to make smart decisions even in the face of great challenges: courage, optimism, vision, and the ability to collaborate as partners.
