Leading the pack: Eros enjoys competitive advantage

Commenting on savvy shoppers, Gidwani noted, "Savvy shoppers come in two types. Some are 'FREE' minded - they seek a free product with what they buy.

Eros Group is a leading name in the distribution, retail and service of world-renowned consumer electronics brands in the UAE and select markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company has the distinction of being one of the leading players in consumer electronics, telecom and allied multi-products.
Talking about the latest trends in the UAE consumer electronics market, Niranjan Gidwani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Eros Group told Khaleej Times, "Smart watches have been very successful this season with the Samsung Gear S2 leading the way. Despite a downturn in the overall TV market, TCL has gained traction to register multi-fold growth in the first four months of 2016. The Samsung Galaxy S7, which was recently launched, has also been recorded as one of the most successful launches for the company in the UAE. Air purifiers are also finding triple digit growth, as consumers seek this must-have device in their houses for fresher air."
Commenting on savvy shoppers, Gidwani noted, "Savvy shoppers come in two types. Some are 'FREE' minded - they seek a free product with what they buy. The other customer is 'PRICE' minded in that they want the best price and live by the premise that there is no free lunch. We try to match the product with the right customer to ensure we provide maximum consumer acceptance and delight."
Agreeing that the TV and tablet markets are facing hard times, he elaborated, "We are confident the situation will change in the near future. Smartphones still maintain a steady (albeit low) growth. In appliances major appliances are seeing minor growth but newer categories like air purifiers are growing at a rapid pace."
As one of the most-popular global locations, the UAE is expected to continue its position as a major consumer electronics hub. In recent years to meet the growing demand, the market has seen an influx of Chinese brands. They cover the wide spectrum of low cost brands as well as Chinese premium brands.
"As a leading consumer electronics and appliances distributor, UAE is our base and our most important market. At Eros Group we have two of China's leading brands - TCL and Midea - representing the TV segment as well as the white goods category. Both these brands go beyond just manufacturing and invest huge amounts in state of the art factories as well as R&D," he added.
While many think that the market has reached saturation point, Eros believes there is still scope for new brands to succeed, provided they have the right distribution, product mix and offer value benefits to the consumer. "We are strengthening our future plans with new brands in the distribution portfolio as well as expansion of our retail and logistics network and investment in our talent pool," Gidwani concluded.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com