Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd (CIH), an electrical buying group, part of Euronics, welcomed over 240 guests to its 2019 conference on 16th and 17th September 2019 at the state-of-the-art Algarve Congress Centre in Vilamoura, Portugal.
CIH members were invited to attend the conference to meet with suppliers, the head office team and the board of directors. The overarching theme of the conference was ‘We are Family’, highlighting that even though the members are independent electrical retailers, they are part of one of Europe’s largest electrical buying group and can rely on the head office team and the board directors for support, during the good times and the bad times.
Guests stayed at the Tivoli Marina Resort in Vilamoura, where they were able to relax and spend time with other members, head office staff and suppliers, discussing best practices and reflecting on their own experiences in the industry.
The conference kicked off with a welcome and introduction to the conference agenda from CIH Chairman, Steve Scogings. The CIH head office teams presented a number of topics, including the current marketplace, plans for Euronics’ online presence and buying strategy as well as the new branding available for stores and vehicles.
Focusing on the future, discussions included the upcoming changes on legislation and appliance energy labelling, connectivity, and the soon-to-launch Euronics Care warranty scheme. Members were also informed of upcoming seasonal activities and promotions, another benefit of being part of the Euronics buying group. An open-forum followed the business presentations, providing CIH members with a platform to discuss all areas of their business with the CIH team and fellow CIH members and directors.
Drawing upon his own experience, CIH Chairman, Steve Scogings spoke to CIH members on the topic of electronic shelf labelling technology and future back office projects to enhance the members support.
In addition to the business seminars, the following suppliers presented to the CIH members; Aga Rangemaster, Beko, BSH, Electrolux Home Products, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, Hoover Candy Group, LG Electronics UK, Samsung Electronics UK, Sony and Whirlpool. The suppliers were also able to network with the members and learn of their success stories, while providing support and advice to the independent electrical retailers.
To mark the closure of the business conference, a tropical island themed gala dinner was held at the Tivoli Marina Resort complete with a steel band, singers and limbo dancing, from the professionals and the members. Following the evening’s entertainment, CIH held an auction to raise vital funds for the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation.
Stuart Cook, CEO, CIH says: “I am pleased to report that a hugely successful conference was had by all. Guests were enthusiastic, becoming involved in discussions and raising important points during the open-forum. We’ve received some great feedback from our guests, stating it was the right balance of business and relaxation.
“At CIH, we’re glad to be back hosting our members’ conference and even though retailing is going through a tough period, we are delighted at the level of support and co-operation between one another at the Euronics 2019 conference.”
For more information on CIH and/or membership opportunities please call 01264 320500 and select option 3, followed by * or email membership@cihgroup.com
Ends
Image captions:
- Stuart Cook, CEO Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd, welcoming guests to the Euronics conference
- The 2019 Euronics conference closed with a tropical island themed gala dinner held at the Tivoli Marina Resort
About CIH:
Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd (CIH) is an electrical buying group, part of Euronics, Europe’s largest electrical buying group, which operates in over 30 countries with an annual turnover of €19 billion. With around 500 members and approximately 1000 stores, CIH provides a range of services and benefits to support each independent electrical retailer, as well as exclusive ranges that the members’ customers are unable find anywhere else on the high street, or internet.
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9th October 2019