CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Retail sector overview and key trends
August 2013
1
A
Service
LOUISE HOWARTH
Senior Retail Analyst
Contents
1. Sector Overview
2. Key Trends
3. Outlook and Implications
4. Further Reading
2
1. Sector Overview
1. Sector Overview
Best Buy retained its position at the top of the consumer electronics (CE) specialist retailer
ranking during the global economic crisis, managing to increase revenue by 2.6%. Circuit City,
Office Depot and Darty all dropped out of the Top 10 between 2007-2012, with Circuit City
exiting the race entirely when it filed for bankruptcy in 2008. Those players with a presence in
emerging markets, less affected by the economic recession, performed best over the period.
Electronics & Office: Top 10 Retailers Banner Sales,
2007-2012 (USD bn)
60
Banner Sales (USD bn)
50
2007
2012
40
30
20
N/A
10
0
Best Buy
4
Source: Planet Retail
Metro Group
Expert
Dixons Retail
Staples
Euronics
Yamada Denki
Office Depot
Darty
Circuit City
1. Sector Overview
The top CE retailers are focusing on improving efficiencies in order to boost profits after
several years of operational margin declines.
Best Buy is reducing its US total floor space by 20% but
increasing touch points by 20%.
Long term, Best Buy is aiming for an operating margin of 5-6%
and a return on investment of 13-15% by improving efficiency.
This includes cutting administrative and non-product expenses.
Part of this strategy will involve store closures.
The retailer intends to add 40-50 Media Markt and Saturn
stores per annum. Focus is being placed on accelerated growth
in large markets such as Russia and Turkey.
Best Buy will work with its vendors to drive value. It also wants
to collaborate with manufacturers to bring its customers the
most innovative and exclusive products.
A recent move has been the conversion of Saturn stores to the
Media Markt banner in some countries, helping optimise the
retailer’s large marketing spend volumes.
Apple is building out its store network internationally, in order
to give its international fans more touch points to the brand.
Expert is looking to attract new organisations and
independents to its network in existing markets after
experiencing a tough few years when a number of its
independents closed up shop.
In terms of growth strategy, particular focus is being placed on
China as a country with high growth potential. New stores will
be rolled out at a much faster rate than seen previously.
As competition increases, Apple is extending its product
offering. There have been rumours in recent months regarding
an Apple television, iWatch and even a games console.
5
Metro Group is expanding its online offering, in order to
achieve a global online share of sales of 10% by 2014, and then
double that figure again in the longer term.
The retailer is committed to a restructuring programme in
Portugal and Spain after being heavily impacted by the
Eurozone crisis.
Development of its online store in Germany.