The Electrical Retailing Awards (ERAs) were held last Friday night and consumer electronics companies excelled with numerous awards across a variety of manufacturers.
Sony showed a strong performance winning the best audio brand, in a market that was worth over $887 million and up 7 per cent from the previous year. Beating rivals Apple, Panasonic, Samsung and Yamaha to take the top spot.
They also won best home theatre brand, topping close competitors LG, Panasonic, Pioneer and Samsung, the category was worth $488 million in 2008.
The visual category was up 13 per cent for 2008 to over $3 billion. Whilst LG, Panasonic, Philips and Samsung were exceptional performers, Sony was the clear winner on the night.
Sony also picked up the best product of the year award for its KDL40Z4500 40’ Z series Bravia LCD.
Uniden picked up an ERA as best communications brand of the year, Oricom, Panasonic, Philips and Telstra were runners-up.
HP also had a very strong performance on the night winning in the very competitive categories of best computer brand of the year and best home office brand of the year.
HP took top spot over Acer, Apple, Compaq and Toshiba in the computer category, while Acer, Brother, Canon and Samsung were runners-up for home office.
Panasonic also claimed top spot in the imaging category, fighting off tough competition from Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony to take home the prestigious award.
Summary of winners in consumer electronics ERA categories:
Sony for Best Audio, Home Theatre, Visual and Best Product
HP for Best Computer and Home Office
Uniden for Best Communications
Panasonic for Best Imaging
All winners were voted on by retailers from several groups around the country.