Sevenoaks Sound and Vision joins forces with Audio-T
Two of the biggest names in UK hi-fi are planning to merge, following a new alliance between specialist retailers Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and Audio-T.
The agreement creates the UK's largest network of independent specialist hi-fi/AV retailers, with more than 50 stores across the country.
The two will work together on purchasing and marketing, principally under the Sevenoaks Sound and Vision banner, and – depending on the success of that arrangement – the two companies plan a full merger.
The move follows the previous merger, in 2008, of Audio-T, Practical Hi-fi and Audio Excellence (see news story here).
The announcement of the plan says that 'For the future, we intend to capitalise on both the Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and Audio T names as well as our combined 50+ store coverage. This base of names and stores will give us a springboard for expansion.
'We will optimise the considerable advantages that the link is going to give us to improve choice and service to our customers which will, in turn, make our individual stores more successful and the jobs of their staff more secure.
'Both companies lead on knowledgeable staff, customer service, the retail experience and choice. We will be, by far and away, the largest audio visual independent for any customer who wants more than a box.'
Audio-T also runs the popular Bristol Sound and Vision and Manchester Sound and Vision shows, which Sevenoaks will now also support.
Comments
This is terrible news for the public. It removes competition and only serves to keep prices artificially high. At least when they are separate chains they have to compete with one-another, but jointly there is no incentive to keep prices low.
I am a supporter of the local hi-fi shop, in principle, but not at any cost. They have their place, as does internet shopping.
I wonder what will happen to Audio T stores in towns where there is already a Sevenoaks branch, eg Reading, Cheltenham etc.
Whilst the world wide web has its pluses regarding on line shopping. I welcome the news of this merger we have already seen the sad decline of independent record shops and the ever increasing culture of downloading,on a personal basis you cant beat a good quality hi-fi specialist retailer and personal service and being able to book a demonstration and also an opportunity if possible Home loan to hear in your own living space prior to purchase.Plus also having the peace of mind that a professional installation of equipment on a majority of occasions will be carried out.
The internet is great if you know what you need, but its the great people in these stores which make it worth spending a little more for the benefit of their advice, both these chains have excellent customer service on the whole.
@cananda16
If we all supported our local shops instead of internet a few more would still be open. This includes not going in a saying "I can buy this for �XX on the internet....Pricematch?"
@sturgeonpc
How will I listen/demo equipment in your vision of an internet future?
sturgeonpc - to clarify, it's the manufacturers that set the 'in-store sales only' policy, not the retailers.
dont like must buy in store only products, the internet is the future not the past , seven oaks are a franchise , so obviously no different than running a pub bad landlord bad pub .
The bedford Sevenoaks recently closed down, i would quite like to see one open up around the Buckinghamshire area.
Good news I say, I've had good experiences in both chains and feel that any retailer that has a plan to grow and get stronger in the current climate will only secure more choice and qualified, trained staff to help us poor old punters make more informed decisions when we are in the market. The internet can be useful but I prefer to listen and look at the products I'm considering. Good luck!
Could also mean less choice for customers as both generally stock different brands (a few core lines for each product category) - they would find it hard to accommodate all of both company's respective ranges.
We had a sevenoaks in cardiff but they closed..
But we have an audio t, but they are not as cheap as on-line retailers.
I hope they do something in cardiff, as we live in a capital city, I find it quite bad we only have 1 hi-fi retailer. Apart from the usual RS, which are ok, but they dont have things like b&w and monitor audio
Or of course could mean better prices thanks to greater economies of scale and purchasing power...
Hmm, joint purchasing could suggest joint pricing, one less competitor in the market isn't going to do anything good for prices. At least from the consumer's point of view.