HOME DISTREE APAC survey shows Malaysia leads regional Consumer Tech Channel Business Confidence Index
DISTREE Asia Pacific (APAC) has announced preliminary results from its 2017 APAC Consumer Tech Channel Survey. The survey showed that consumer tech distributors and retailers in Malaysia had the highest confidence levels in the region in terms of business prospects. Sri Lanka recorded the second highest confidence level, followed by Bangladesh in third, with India and Vietnam in fourth and fifth respectively.
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Courts reports first quarter results
Technology, electronics and furniture retailer Courts Asia has announced net profits of US$4.49m on sales of US$137.2m for the first quarter ending 30th June 2017. Courts’ profitability in Singapore remains strong and the company has opened two new stores in East Malaysia. Courts is working towards a minimum of five new stores each in Malaysia and Indonesia moving forwards. Revenues for the first quarter declined 4.5% year-on-year with profits falling 31%.
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HCL Infosystems confirms Apple rights in India
Indian IT group HCL Infosystems has confirmed an agreement to distribute Apple products, including iPhones and other Apple products, in the Indian market. HCL Infosystems announced in July 2017 that it was in discussions with Apple regarding a distribution deal in India. Apple has existing distribution tie-ups with Ingram Micro, Redington, Rashi Peripherals and Beetel Teletech in India.
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INTERVIEW: Martina Kerbl, Ambi Climate
Ambi Climate will showcase the first smart accessory for air conditioners powered by artificial intelligence (AI) at DISTREE APAC 2017 in Singapore this November. On the back of a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign, Ambi Climate is now ready to identify the top distributors in the region to open new routes-to-market. Channel APAC caught up with Martina Kerbl, VP sales at Ambi Climate, to learn more about the company’s plans in Asia Pacific region.
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Indian distributor conducts GST awareness campaign
Indian distributor Rashi Peripherals recently concluded its unique goods and services tax (GST) PC campaign for partners. The ‘R U GST Ready’ campaign aimed at creating GST awareness among partners and assisting them in smooth transition to the new tax regime. Under the campaign, over 300 Champions of Rashi Peripherals spread across the country reached out to over 1000 outlets and assisted partners in upgrading their existing IT hardware to comply with GST requirements. Rashi Peripherals claims that it was the only distributor in India to start GST billing from July 1st.
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INTERVIEW: Dikran Tchablakian, Tecbuy
If wisdom comes from experience, then it is little wonder that Dikran Tchablakian can offer deep insight into the trends impacting consumer tech retail in the Middle East. Tchablakian was awarded the Retail Executive of the Decade honour in 2016 by DISTREE Middle East, in recognition of his achievements and position within the retail channel. With vast experience across the region, spanning physical retail and e-tail with CompuMe, Tecbuy and now also letstango.com, Tchablakian’s views on the structural dynamics of the Middle East retail channel are more important than ever as we enter a period of accelerated change.
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Rashi Peripherals eyes components growth in India
Indian distribution giant Rashi Peripherals recently concluded a training programme on components, designed to encourage the growth of ‘personalised PC’ offerings across India. Leading IT brands such as Toshiba, Asus, Intel, Western Digital and ADATA showcased their new offerings and also conducted in-depth training session on their latest product portfolio. Rashi also organised a training session on goods and services tax (GST) to educate attendees on the new tax regime in India.
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iBRIT strikes Saudi Arabian partnership
Smartphone brand iBRIT has signed a strategic partnership and distribution deal in Saudi Arabia. Haitham Kalakash, CEO of iBRIT, has confirmed that iBRIT is working with distributor Etihad Specialized Trading (EST) in the Kingdom. EST is a subsidiary of the Assr Aljawal Group, which has been operating since 2005.
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Tech Data names new LAC general manager
Distribution giant Tech Data has appointed Deena LaMarque Piquion to VP and general manager, Latin America and Caribbean (LAC). In this role, Piquion will oversee the strategic direction and execution of all sales, marketing, and operations functions for the company’s LAC organisation, including its Miami-based Latin America export division. She will report to Jeff Bawol, senior VP, enterprise solutions at Tech Data.
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Ingram Micro named Red Hat training reseller in UAE
Ingram Micro Training MEA, a provider of instructor-led technical training, is partnering with Red Hat as a Red Hat training reseller for the UAE. With this partnership, Ingram Micro is now authorised to resell Red Hat Training services, including open enrolment courses, on-site courses and Red Hat’s complete online delivery portfolio.
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