Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 58 I t's never too early to plan your holiday retail lineup. In fact, if you haven't already started thinking about it, you better hop to it to get ahead of the game and ensure you are set up for optimal seasonal sales. In this month's column, we'll talk about some of the hot trends to watch in consumer electronics so that you can do just that! This year, it's all about the audio. And not just your traditional speakers, but all sorts of audio from analog to digital, mobile to home systems. Consumer interest in technology comes in waves. Years ago, it was flat-panel TVs and video, now audio is the rage as consumer interest is at a new high for this always-tempting category and as wireless and digital quality continues to improve. While consumer audio is a very, very mature category (those of us who experienced the dawn of Hi-Fi know this well), it continues to show growth in most areas. For one, Multiroom Audio is gaining momentum. Sonos is still the market leader, but other options abound, including Play-Fi, Bose, and HEOS by Denon. The reason for this is because these systems are coming down in price as manufacturers eliminate "bridge" devices and incorporate them into other parts of the system, like the speaker themselves. Additionally, improved mobile apps now allow more access to streaming services and more customization, while the quality of wireless streaming continues to get better and better. According to TWICE, audio device makers are responding to consumer demand for open platforms that provide maximum flexibility for integrating a variety of brands and wireless technologies. Finally, more households are upgrading their networks to support home entertainment. The time is therefore right for retailers to offer multiroom audio systems. And while you are at it, possibly experience some add-on sales from beefed up wireless routers and other network peripherals. Perhaps you have customers who are looking for a more permanent, whole-home solution? Encourage them to move to a hardwired system with a multichannel receiver and architectural speakers. Headphones are perhaps the most popular consumer electronics gift come holiday season because they are tastemakers, combining style and music. They are also appropriate for everyone from teens to grandparents and make the perfect stocking stuffer. The good news is, that these days, the range of models is incredibly wide, from inexpensive earbuds to costly high-end audiophile models that offer more margin. Quality continues to improve, as consumers demand more from even their mobile earbuds. Set up a listening station in your store and allow the customer to interact with the headphones to boost sales. Want to cater to Millennials? Then you definitely want to have some turntables on your shelves. According to Nielsen, vinyl remains strong, with LPs hitting a new record in 2015 of nearly 12 million units. And from the looks of the record aisles at local Target and Barnes & Noble stores, it shows no signs of slowing. This is a category where you can enjoy a lot of add on sales, as most turntables need speaker wires, a receiver—maybe even a phono preamp—and a couple of great speakers. In this somewhat slow retail year, we hope you can convert everyone who walks in your store into not only a sale, but into a lifelong customer. There are a lot of exciting things happening in audio, and your customers will want to hear it all! Happy Holiday Planning! Dave Workman Consumer Electronic Trends Dave Workman is CEO of the ProSource Buying Group. RO HOLIDAY IS 'HEAR' This season, it's all about the audio

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