Combined Independent Holdings (CIH), part of Euronics, Europe’s largest electrical buying organisation, has reported that post-lockdown sales for its members are significantly ahead of the same period last year.
“Our members have emerged from lockdown in really good shape,” comments CIH’s chief executive, Stuart Cook. “Moving into June, sales were up 25% on the same month in 2019, July was up 69%, August was up 50%, and September was also up by 66%. Local retail is performing well with customers valuing the depth of local support, service and expertise that our members can provide. Our experience tells us that it’s not just about online only. Far from it. The local store has a huge role to play in helping customers find the right electrical goods, then get them delivered and installed safely and professionally into their home.”
During lockdown, CIH says that 90% of its members remained open, continuing to trade behind closed doors with doorstep deliveries until installations were later permitted again.
“We carried on serving our community during lockdown through online and telephone sales, with just two members of staff holding the fort,” confirmed Richard Putland, operations director at Sheffield-based CIH member, Williams Electrical. “We were so fortunate to have Euronics backing us up, with stock availability and regular deliveries, plus lots of help and advice when it came time to reopen. Since 15th June, we have been incredibly busy. We’ve definitely noticed a shift towards supporting local stores.”
CIH supported its members to get up and running after the lockdown, with regular deliveries an important part of the service. Members have also been supplied with PPE equipment together with the practical information, advice and additional services that they need to get safely operational.
Pictured is the Williams Electrical team outside the store.
