Chair of CIH/Euronics Steve Scogings questioned the need for appliance suppliers to sell direct to consumers, following “transformation” of its online business and consumer champion recognition.

At its annual Suppliers’ Christmas lunch at Claridge’s, Scogings highlighted “exponential” growth of its website and “significant” store sales to become an “true” omnichannel retailer.

He commented: “Last year at this event I said we would be launching our Evolution marketplace. Wow, what a transformation this event has had for our online business.

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“Previously we had a reliable website, but with only 650-700 products to choose from, now we have well over 2,500 products for the consumer to purchase, this has transformed it into a great website.

“We have seen an increase in revenue on the website of 33% since launch and in the last 4 weeks we have seen a 54% increase with the trend set to continue.

“Whilst our online offering is growing at an exponential rate our store business is also seeing significant growth in recent months as consumers can see we offer much more for the consumer than the restricted range we had previously shown.

“The new website is generating footfall as well as online sales and shows Euronics is now a true omnichannel retailer with a professional team to back it up.”

Scogings said the business was seeing a “seismic” change in the members’ ability to compete online, growing market share and having been awarded Which? Recommended Provider award.

He stated: “We are growing and gaining market share. Customers are choosing us more. The proof is also there to see when we have just been awarded the Which? Recommended Provider award, ahead of our competitors. This alone is recognition of how good our members are.

“We have always believed we are the best at what we do but this has now been confirmed and endorsed by Which?

“It is worth noting that Manufacturers own D2C offerings did not even show in this category, is this revenue stream necessary when you have a partner in CIH that can do it all?”

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Scogings pointed out Euronics has launched its own nationwide Waste Electrical disposal scheme, following a pilot scheme.

“We take our sustainability obligations seriously as a membership and can now offer a comprehensive takeback scheme backed by a responsible compliance partner.

“The WEEE scheme alongside our continued investment in solar panels and clean renewable energy in both plants underlines our green credentials as a sustainable proposition for the next generation”, he exclaimed.

Scogings also stated marketing had gone from “strength to strength” with continued partnership with TV presenter Nick Knowles and introduction of Indie the Penguin.

Looking ahead at the market, Steve Scogings stated: “We need to look at making savings for us all in our supply chain as well as growing our unique online offering. We also need to make sure our marketing is on point and relative.

“We still have many challenges ahead but are up for the fight and looking forward to another successful year ahead.”

Completing the event, Euronics presented awards to its suppliers and recognised the retirement of MD of Smeg UK Mike Giddings, CEO of Haier UK David Meyerowitz, general sales manager at Sony UK Dave Andrews and director of Euronics Simon Hepher.

White Goods supplier of the year was Liebherr, while Sony was named Brown goods supplier of the year.

Supporter of the Independents Award ware presented to Electrolux for its New Partner Programme and BSH was acclaimed as Members Supplier of the Year.