Presents exciting business opportunity.
JB Hi-Fi has recorded good category growth evolution across gaming, telecommunications and connected technology, according to Group CEO, Richard Murray.
“Customers see JB Hi-Fi as first for new and a destination for exploring all things tech. Our ability to bring new products to life, in-store and online, is recognised and valued by our suppliers,” he said.
“As we talk about our category evolution, we are really excited about PC gaming and gaming more generally. On a global scale, we see retailers evolving their gaming offering and we are really excited about the opportunity it presents,” he told investors.
JB Hi-Fi recently appointed former Telstra group managing director, Andy Ellis to head of telecommunications and product services. “His experience in retail and telco is very helpful given our focus in this category,” Murray said.
“We are also seeing opportunity in connected tech and home automation with the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming a reality in the customers’ eyes. Most of JB’s products already connect to the internet but there will be all new connected home appliances next year.”
Murray expects these smart appliances to reduce product upgrade cycles due to their understandable and usable feature set. “We have to educate consumers on these benefits and how it will improve their lives. With new engagement zones around our stores, we have positioned ourselves as a retailer who understands technology and how it is relevant to home appliances,” he said.
JB Hi-Fi is the presenting partner for the upcoming Melbourne eSports Open for the next three years, which supports the retailer’s focus on PC gaming. “Our suppliers are behind us on this partnership and we look forward to making this a great event.”