Jonathan wrote:

Kennedy (E.G.I. Investments) is the Master Dealer for Australia & New Zealand, like Andrew Donaldson and the Smorgan family were. Premium Sound in St Kilda is a Victorian franchise, Audiohub in Perth is a W.A. franchise.

I am reliably informed that Premium Sound in St. Kilda is the Bose shop that used to be Denman HiFi and that B&O are being sold alongside Bose, with the salespeople having little real knowledge of B&O products.

Certainly whilst this move might benefit the Emerald group as wholesalers, and perhaps up the number of units that Struer sells, the downside is that the established B&O only outlets are reputably suffering loss of business, whilst the publics link of B&O being just an over expensive Bose product, seems to be getting strengthened.  

It might be good for the Emerald group and short term sales, but I don't feel it augurs well for the future - a bit like being able to buy a Lexus at the local toyota dealer - if there isn't a sense of exclusivity and added value re service, how can they justify the price?

Certainly I've heard upset murmurs from some highly experienced and HiFi literate staff at B&O's standalone emporiums, considering their options re a move elsewhere - which would be a huge loss to B&O, knowing of their backgrounds and experience in the world of HiFi and AV.

Cheers

To get back on topic and being positive.

Perhaps the discounts offered on the Eclipse internationally will make it downunder. Fingers crossed.

I for one would have a closer look.

Beoaus.

Yes, they have a similar campaign running in Denmark at the moment (DKK 10,000 for your old TV). I just pulled the trigger on an Eclipse 65" and on top of this rebate, I got a nice price for my beloved BV 7-55.

Vantage

Off topic (sorry)

It's a bit of a double edged sword...

Keep it exclusive in standalone stores, and the brand slips from people's minds and stores close because they don't make money

Let select retailers sell B&O properly, and the product will look great next to competitors eg Bose but loses a little exclusivity

I think it's beneficial. Gets the brand out a lot more, the independents do better marketing for the brand, they're VERY carefully selected so not in Harvey Norman or JB Hifi. Kennedy wants to move units, and wants another successful brand under their umbrella, but they need a much more creative marketing spend.

The reason Smorgan stopped doing B&O in Australia was that Struer wouldn't let them franchise or sell outside dedicated stores. I think that was a narrow old fashioned view that is thankfully changing! 

Back on topic...

Aussie Michael wrote:

Jonathan wrote:

 

Kennedy (E.G.I. Investments) is the Master Dealer for Australia & New Zealand, like Andrew Donaldson and the Smorgan family were. Premium Sound in St Kilda is a Victorian franchise, Audiohub in Perth is a W.A. franchise.

 

x:________________________

 

 

A franchise of Kennedy? Or independent Jon?

 

 

I still have to come and have a look at B&O Camberwell :-)

Kennedy has the complete rights to Bang & Olufsen in Australia and New Zealand, but there is a second Play distributor in Australia. Premium Sound and Audiohub are franchises through Kennedy, so they buy from Kennedy not Struer.

Feel free to drop by, maybe message me before you come to ensure I'm there. Only for a limited time unfortunately