By Chris Nicholls
MELBOURNE: Asko has issued a clarification regarding the announcement in Current.com.au yesterday that it would start an agency distribution system.
Asko National marketing manager, James Vogdanos, said while the firm would introduce a new distribution system called Laundry Care to 27 stores from April, it would run on top of its current distribution system and would have no impact on retailers who sell their products currently.
"Asko is introducing our new Laundry Care System which will sit above our existing range and create a brand new segment in the market place for the discerning buyer. This new range of products in the Laundry Care System offers the consumer a complete Asko experience. In no way is Asko looking at endangering our strong business relationships, but merely enhancing them.
"Our existing kitchen and laundry products will not be included in the new Laundry Care System. It is business as usual when it comes to these products and our existing dealer network will still sell these products,” he said.
"We are 100 per cent behind our retailers. We always have and we always will be.”
"Asko has been in the Australian market since 1972. We were the first European company to introduce dishwashers into the market and we introduced front loading washing machines in 1985."
“Asko believes the products in the Laundry Care range will be a highly successful and offer selected retailers a range of products that combines itself into a one stop solution for the laundry,” Vogdanos said.