JVC-branded LED TVs, including a Smart 3D model, are currently being sold “exclusively” through Dick Smith, both online and in stores.
The famous Japanese brand and one-time major sponsor of the Arsenal Football Club transferred from Hagemeyer to Kenwood after the former company was sold to Shriro. In the Hagemeyer days, JVC was an active marketer achieving a high profile and plenty of consumer traction, through executions such as a partnership agreement with popular music television host Ruby Rose.
Since transferring to Kenwood, JVC has slipped off the radar, withdrawing from a lot of above the line marketing and suspending any PR activity.
The new JVC TVs are now being supplied to Dick Smith under licence by Yale Prima, a sourcing company with offices in Shenzhen, China, and Sydney, Australia.
When Appliance Retailer visited Yale Prima’s website, a sign said “maintenance was in progress” and that it would be back online shortly.
This is the latest example of name brands being placed on TVs sold at value prices, generally under exclusivity arrangements, through retailers. Both the famous Hitachi and Polaroid brands have been used recently, as retailers look to combine the cost-effective sourcing of TVs with an attractive and recognisable brand proposition.