Consumer Electronics Daily News

Sony Electronics to Launch New Retail Space, 'Sony Experience at Best Buy,' in approximately 350 Stores Nationwide

Sony Electronics will be opening new home theater retail spaces at approximately 350 Best Buy locations nationwide. The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' shop-in-shops will provide consumers with a best-in-class shopping experience through enhanced fixtures, interactive demonstration areas and dedicated, knowledgeable Sony Experience Experts.
"We welcome consumers to experience the best of Sony with a premium and unique shopping experience at Best Buy," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics, "With user-friendly, interactive demonstration experiences and a dedicated team of Best Buy product experts trained to deliver a world-class experience, the Sony Experience at Best Buy will be an ideal place to inspire, engage and educate consumers about Sony's home theater products."
"The Sony Experience will give consumers a shopping experience unlike anything before," said Mike Mohan, Best Buy's Chief Merchandising Officer. "Sony's 4K Ultra HD televisions have to be seen to be believed. Our newly transformed home theater areas will, for the first time, allow customers to test, try and experience how all of the Sony products work together."
The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will deliver an exceptional home theater experience and will showcase a comprehensive selection of Sony's TV line-up, from entry level HDTVs to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs. The retail space will highlight a full 4K Ultra HD solution for consumers, including Sony's 4K Ultra HD TVs, 4K Ultra HD Media Players (FMP-X1 and FMP-X10) and 4K HandyCam camcorder (FDR-AX100), home theater sound solutions including sound bars, gaming solutions showcasing PlayStation 4 and more.
The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will offer consumers unique demonstration capabilities and an immersive shopping experience that will increase confidence in purchasing new technologies. Using touchscreens, visitors can control and engage with various content demonstrations on the TV wall. Users can compare 4K Ultra HD TVs alongside HDTVs with HD video and native 4k content, demonstrate all of Sony's superior technologies such as TRILUMINOS™ Display, explore broadcast TV and display Blu-ray™ quality content, all with the touch of their finger. For our consumers this will be an interactive environment that allows them to shop and compare products and features intuitively. The dedicated Sony Experience Experts will be certified and on-hand to assist and explain the benefits Sony products have to offer.
To address the online shopper, a Sony experience at BestBuy.com will be available to provide customers with a dedicated online space to learn about and shop the broad range of Sony home theater products.
The new 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will begin deploying mid-May at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Further Growth of Big Data, Wearable Devices and B2B Online Retailing Predicted as Global Trends for 2014

In 2014, big data will grow bigger, wearable devices will become more abundant, and online retailing will become more prevalent amongst business-to-business.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Top 14 Ideas and Innovations for 2014, finds that the trends mentioned above are the top three key global game changers for 2014.
Big data is growing at a rate of 40 percent annually generating a massive pool of data offering valuable insights and opportunity for predictive analytics. This year will see increased activity from businesses in using this big data to offer personalized, customized and intelligent services that are more real-time or proactive, thus making its augmentation the top prediction of 2014.
"Virtualization of data and analytics will become imperative to businesses," said Frost & Sullivan's Visionary Innovation Team Leader and Senior Research Analyst Archana Vidyasekar. "Online retail giants, such as Amazon, have already launched interesting services, such as Amazon Kinesis, that analyzes data in the real-time to offer customized services."
Much like the first trend, wearable devices have already started to create a buzz that is only expected to become louder in 2014. Last year saw the launch of wearable smart gadgets, such as smart watches and Google Glass that emulated functions of a smartphone perfectly. While there is skepticism and hype surrounding this market, its potential in regards to new services, such as undisputed monitoring of health, has propelled these gadgets to the forefront of products to watch in the wellness industry. In fact, most of big technology and web companies are actively pursuing this market.
Finally, while e-commerce has recently grown tremendously through B2C retail, many do not realize that there has been a massive upturn on B2B online retailing in the past few years, contributing more to the e-commerce market than B2C.
"Electronic B2B that was traditionally comprised of conventional electronic data interchange platforms with minimum choice of vendors and a costlier implementation system, is moving to the wider web of the internet toward online platforms that offer more choice, flexibility and price options," said Vidyasekar. "These online platforms provide instant quotes, thus offering quicker responses and much more agile procurement and supply services."

Epson Earns Inside Track Top Honors from Dealers for Sixth Consecutive Year

Epson, the number one selling projector brand worldwide, today announced that for the sixth year in a row, it earned the number one spot for Home Video Display companies in the 2013 Supplier Loyalty Test conducted by inside track. The Supplier Loyalty Test is an annual independent North American survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers and custom installers that grades companies on a range of issues directly impacting dealers, including product innovation and reliability, technical service and training, and distribution and pricing.

"Epson continues to provide dealers with an outstanding video display experience from start to finish as evidenced by this year's survey results," said Gisela Schoell, Editor, inside track. "Moreover, Epson had 29 percent more dealer evaluations than last year, and surpassed every other video vendor in the survey in the number of dealers who evaluated them, underscoring the high brand loyalty Epson enjoys among dealers. I congratulate them on this well-deserved honor."

Epson finished in the top three for 13 out of 16 categories, earning first place in survey parameters assessing dealer support, including Resolution of Service Issues, Quality of Sales Representatives, Just-in-Time Delivery, and Ease of Doing Business. Epson also ranked first in the group on Inventory Turns. Other rankings include second place in Product Innovation, Appropriate Assortment, Distribution Policies that Support Specialists, Product Changes/Price Protection, Specialist Oriented Business Programs, Technical Support, and Dealer Training.

"We work very hard to build state-of-the-art products that are backed by an industry-leading service and support network to provide our dealers, installers and their customers with a seamless experience," said Richard Miller, group product manager, Projector Marketing and Development, Epson America. "We are humbled to be recognized by these industry professionals, as they are an irreplaceable part of the channel ecosystem."

Dealers from 43 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces participated in the 2013 Supplier Loyalty Test survey. More information regarding the survey and results can be found at www.inside-track-online.com.  

RadioShack Appoints John W. Feray as Chief Financial Officer

RadioShack Corporation today announced the appointment of specialty retail industry veteran John W. Feray as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 6, 2014.

Feray joins RadioShack from Dollar General Corporation, where he has been Senior Vice President-Finance and Strategy since 2008 under both private equity ownership and as a public company. With responsibility for financial planning and analysis, long-term strategic planning, real estate market planning and operational improvement activities, he has been a key contributor to Dollar General's growth. He also played an integral role in the development of the Dollar General strategies for their successful return to the public markets in 2009.

Joseph C. Magnacca, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are extremely pleased to have a finance professional with John's experience join us as we move forward with our turnaround plan. John worked as a key member of the finance team that was responsible for the significant financial improvement at Dollar General, and has the strong operational orientation needed to contribute to our strategic efforts. We will benefit from his leadership and insight as we look to increase our operational efficiency and re-build the business in 2014 and beyond."

Feray said, "I look forward to working with Joe and the entire RadioShack team on the transformation of this iconic American retailer. I believe my experience at Dollar General is directly applicable to RadioShack and I am delighted to have the opportunity to help the Company accomplish the turnaround plan that is underway."

Prior to joining Dollar General, Feray served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First American Payment Systems. Before that he spent several years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Haggar Corporation, the menswear manufacturer and retailer. During his tenure, he oversaw Haggar's transition from a public to a privately owned enterprise. He has an extensive background in financial management which began at Arthur Andersen where he served as an audit manager. Feray is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and a Certified Public Accountant.

Feray is the latest addition to RadioShack's new leadership team, which over the last year, has included a new Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Merchandising Officer as well as Senior Vice Presidents of Store Concepts, Franchise, Global Sourcing, and Inventory Planning and Allocation.

RadioShack's Interim CFO Holly Etlin will continue to work with the company as a member of the AlixPartners team advising the company on its operational turnaround.

Haier Ranked #1 Global Major Appliances Brand for 5th Consecutive Year

Haier is ranked the world's number one major home appliances brand with a 9.7 percent retail volume share, according to the 2013 Global Major Appliances Brand rankings released by the Euromonitor International consumer market strategy research firm. In terms of the manufacturer rankings, Haier gained the top position with an 11.6 percent market share, while Whirlpool and Electrolux remained Haier's strong competitors.

Haier also maintained its leadership position in the global markets for refrigerators, washing machines, wine coolers and freezers.

According to the research data of Euromonitor in recent years, this is the fifth time Haier has been recognized as the #1 Global Major Appliances Brand. Against the backdrop of increasing international competition, Haier's consistent and steady growth has attracted widespread attention, but industry watchers are even more interested in investigating into the driving factors behind Haier's success.

Haier is deploying a networking strategy to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Internet era. This differentiates Haier from other players in the global appliances market. Haier aims to develop innovative and smart appliances that users can communicate with through the internet, enabling multi-way communications between users and a suite of smart appliances to create an intelligent life experience.

Haier strives to build smart homes and communities, in order to rapidly create a smart living experience for consumers. However, Haier is not the only player in the smart appliances market, and a number of rivals are challenging its leadership position to gain a larger piece of the pie. Looking ahead, the industry's attention will be focused on if Haier can leverage its networking strategy to maintain its global appliances leadership position amid the intense market competition.

Hastings Entertainment, Inc. to Host Midnight Release Party for Call of Duty: Ghosts

Superstore retailer Hastings Entertainment, Inc. has announced its plans to host a midnight release party for Call of Duty: Ghosts on Monday night, November 4. Call of Duty: Ghosts is a first person shooter franchise that has gained popularity with its multiplayer platform. This most recent edition is expected to have both new maps and mechanics designed to enhance play.

Festivities for the night will begin at 9:00 p.m. local time and will end with the release of the game at midnight. Only select stores will be participating in the midnight release event so check with your local store to see if they are among those participating. While awaiting the release of the game, Hastings will also have a number of offers going on throughout the store.

To find out more about the Call of Duty: Ghosts midnight release party in your area, visit or contact your local Hastings superstore or visit online at www.goHastings.com.

RadioShack Brings One of Its New Concept Stores to Detroit

RadioShack returns to Detroit with the opening of the company's first area concept store on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m. RadioShack has deep roots in Detroit, opening its first store more than 44 years ago in 1969.  The completely remodeled location can be found in Gateway Marketplace at 1347 W. Eight Mile.

All concept stores in the company's portfolio feature an upgraded shopping experience, which showcases the company's new look, and incorporates interactive areas designed to help shoppers improve their technology profile. Some features include:

• A speaker wall where customers can shop and compare 13 different speakers using music installed on in-store tablets or played from their own Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices;
• Interactive displays that enable shoppers to find and compare products, including headphone demo stations where they can listen to leading brands like SOL REPUBLIC, Skullcandy and Beats by Dr. Dre; a remote control (RC) toy exploration center; and a GoPro camera display demonstrating the capabilities of several models of GoPro cameras;
• Technology that makes shopping interesting and playful, like touchscreens and apps that help shoppers understand the benefits of products;
• Newly configured displays highlighting in-demand brands like Apple, HTC and Samsung, as well as mobile carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon;
• Helpful, informative RadioShack staff who can answer shoppers' questions about hundreds of products and services, and direct customers to the items that meet their specific needs; and
• A Do-It-Yourself area where consumers can plan projects.

RadioShack is opening a select number of these highly experiential stores in neighborhoods throughout the nation. The Detroit location is the eighth concept store to open since the company began converting to the new format this summer. These new stores reflect the company's strides towards reinvigorating its stores, revamping its product assortment and repositioning the brand.  By the end of 2013, RadioShack will have more than 100 concept and brand statement stores open and will have made improvements to nearly all 4,300 stores throughout the nation.

Neighbors are invited to come see the newer, brighter RadioShack and pick up an instant savings coupon good for $10 off any $40 qualifying purchase while supplies last, or check into the store on Foursquare to claim the deal for a limited time.

Samsung Electronics Canada Strengthens National Retail Presence

Samsung Electronics Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of the world's number one smartphone manufacturer today announced its plans to expand its Canadian retail footprint. These plans consist of opening two new individual Samsung Experience Stores in Edmonton, AB and Richmond, B.C. in addition to 33 Samsung Experience Shops™ in partnership with Best Buy Canada and Future Shop.  All retail locations are scheduled to open by spring 2014, creating widespread destinations where consumers can experience Samsung's extensive product ecosystem and learn how they work together from dedicated Samsung Experience Consultants™.

Samsung's overall Canadian retail strategy is driven by the success of its first Brand Experience Store introduced in July 2012, in Burnaby, B.C.  Consumers have responded positively to having increased interaction with the brand and its products in one convenient space, prompting the opening of additional Samsung Experience Stores and the launch of Samsung Experience Shops to provide Canadians with more integrated shopping opportunities.

"Samsung is a leading brand bringing unique, cutting edge experiences to Canadian consumers," said James Politeski, President of Samsung Electronics Canada.  "We are expanding our retail presence to ensure consumers get the most out of our innovation by learning how to leverage their mobile devices across our ecosystem of consumer electronics. Consumers nationwide will now have convenient access to explore and learn about our portfolio of mobile products, with the support of a trained Samsung Experience Consultant."

About the Samsung Experience Stores
Following the success of its first branded, standalone store in Burnaby, B.C., Samsung is opening two additional Samsung Experience Stores in the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, AB (2,200 square feet in size) and in the Richmond Centre inRichmond, B.C. (1,900 square feet).  Both Samsung Experience Stores are expected to open by 2014 and will include a dedicated service and training area, providing consumers substantial access to Samsung's latest products.

Hastings Entertainment, Inc. to Host Midnight Release Party for Battlefield 4 & Assassin's Creed IV

Superstore retailer Hastings Entertainment, Inc. has announced its plans to host a midnight release party for both Battlefield 4 & Assassin's Creed IV on Monday night, October 28. Battlefield 4 is a sequel to 2011's Battlefield 3 and the thirteenth installment of the Battlefield first-person shooter video game and Assassin's Creed IV is a sequel to Assassin's Creed III and is expected to introduce a full cast of historical pirate characters.

Festivities for the night will begin at 9:00 p.m. local time and will end with the release of the games at midnight. Only select stores will be participating in the midnight release party, so check with your local store to see if they are among those participating. All stores participating in the midnight release party will also be hosting a Pirates vs. Soldiers costume contest. The winner at each store location will win a Hastings $25 gift card. While awaiting the release of the game, Hastings will also have a number of  discount offers going on throughout the store.

To find out more about the Battlefield 4 and Assassin's Creed IV midnight release party in your area, visit or contact your local Hastings superstore or visit online at www.goHastings.com.

Employees Overwhelmingly Prefer to be Paid Electronically, Spend Electronically

Mobile coupons are on the rise, as well as digital wallets and other forms of cashless payment. In the modern workforce, employees overwhelmingly are paid electronically rather than by traditional paychecks or cash, according to results from the recent "Getting Paid In America" survey. The survey, conducted by the American Payroll Association, showed that ninety-seven percent of employees are paid by either direct deposit, payroll card or prepaid reloadable cards.

"There are many benefits to electronic payment methods," said Michael Purcell, chief marketing officer and Executive Vice President at Global Cash Card. "These technologies make use of enhanced security features, and are cost effective, convenient, flexible and environmentally friendly."

Electronic payments make it easier to use the convenient digital wallets in modern-day apps. Leave the office and head right to the bar-- without cash-- and securely wire your buddy your portion of the tab (with tip!) with the Buy Me a Drink app or the Google Wallet.

The trend toward electronic payroll options is further shown in the survey with 83 percent of participants indicating their employers allow them to view paystubs online through an employee self-service portal.  In addition, 63 percent of respondents indicated they receive their annual wage and earning statement, Form W-2, electronically from their employer.

"Adoption of electronic payroll services is gaining in popularity and is especially helpful for employees who otherwise wouldn't have easy access to current technologies," said Chris Ruppel, General Manager Prepaid Cards, the Americas at WEX rapid! PayCard. "Employees who utilize payroll cards and opt for direct deposit, for example, can save time and money. Payroll cards and direct deposit are also much safer than cash and check payments."

Due to a sharp increase in consumer awareness of their privacy and information security, mobile apps have taken many extra steps to ensure that the money in a digital wallet is safer than physical cash in the consumer's back pocket. The PayPal App and PayPal Here App are secure on all fronts with Payment Protection and Seller Protection, as well as the guarantee that "all... financial information is securely stored and encrypted on [Paypal] servers, so [consumers] don't need to share [their] financial information with [vendors]." 

The Getting Paid in America survey asked, "How do you receive your pay?" Only three percent of respondents indicated they are paid by paper paycheck or cash. The remaining 97 percent are paid electronically, by either direct deposit, paycards, or prepaid reloadable cards. 

The "Getting Paid In America" survey was held in conjunction with APA's annual public awareness campaign, National Payroll Week (NPW), held annually the week of Labor Day. Nearly 32,800 employees responded to the survey, providing insight into how workers are paid in America. For complete results, visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com.

APA information sourced from PRNewswire