Johannesburg, 19 Apr 2012
]Epson has announced that Incredible Connection has become its principal mass retail partner in SA, in a move that will make Epson's business and consumer inkjet printers available through Incredible Connection stores.
According to the companies, Epson products will be available from Incredible Connection stores throughout the country from 26 April.
Kelvin Reynolds, GM of Epson SA, says the company recently expanded its range of consumer and business printers, adding that Epson would like to make its range more accessible to local consumers.
Stefan Marnewick, acting CEO of Incredible Connection, says Epson's product range is aligned with his company's customer profile.
According to Epson, the first products to be available through Incredible Connection include its compact colour printers, small and home office all-in-one printers, and multifunctional business inkjet printers. A full range of consumables and media for these devices will also be available.
Moreover, a selection of Epson's home cinema and business projectors, as well as its entry-level business laser printers, will be introduced through this channel at a later stage.
Epson says it will continue its relationships with the independent retail channel, where its partners include Trink, Computer Chaos and Park Avenue Stationers, as well as partners of Office Active and Office National. Matrix Warehouse will remain Epson's national franchiser. “We will definitely continue to partner with the regional retail channel,” the company says.
Steven Ambrose, MD of Strategy Worx, believes the partnership with Incredible Connection will increase awareness of Epson products. He points out that a good proportion of consumers and small to medium-sized enterprises do their shopping at Incredible Connection.
“The printing market is fiercely competitive, with price and features the key differentiators,” says Ambrose. He adds that HP has been dominant in the local market and Epson needs to promote its brand as a viable alternative.
Epson says it will also share the benefits of its global sponsorship of British football team Manchester United with Incredible Connection customers. This will be done through a series of competitions, with prizes including a trip for two to attend a Manchester United football match at the Old Trafford football ground.
“Any customer purchasing an Epson product, whether it's a printer, projector, or ink or toner cartridge, is eligible to enter the competitions that we'll be running over the course of the year,” says Reynolds.
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