With new home entertainment products.
Panasonic recently rolled out new products within its home entertainment category and consumer electronics group director, Richard Tassone, is expecting strong sales with the upcoming Olympics.
How has the first half of 2016 been for your business?
In general, business has been strong for Panasonic. We’ve also seen a high level of competition in the market. There have been firm sales for our TV and wider home entertainment range, as well as good performances from Lumix and our small appliance and microwave categories.
What are your predictions for the second half of the year?
We think the business climate will be similar. Panasonic is expecting to be strong in the home entertainment area with a new TV, Blu-ray and audio range being rolled out with key products available for the Olympic period. With an excellent air conditioning offering, we are hoping for a warm start to spring to encourage sales.
What opportunities do you see for the electrical retailing industry?
The current attention on picture quality and premium products in the TV category is good for both Panasonic’s business and the industry as a whole. If we can continue to focus on the high value market and sell new technologies and their benefits to the consumer, this will impact positively on our industry’s overall growth potential.
What threats are currently present in the industry?
There have been some significant recent changes in our industry in the retail and vendor side. These pose challenges that we will need to face to combat contraction of the industry.
What is your favourite product for 2016 so far?
The new Panasonic VIERA Ultra HD 4K LED LCD TV – the TH-65DX900. This Ultra HD premium TV has exceptional picture quality and stunning design. It delivers on the promise of offering the consumer a cinema experience at home.