PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Distie Tech Data has outlined how important indie retailers are to the channel as the firm completes its CE and retail team line-ups.
Tech Data is continuing to invest in supporting retailers, adding new heads to complete its Consumer Electronics-focused product management and Retail customer-facing account management teams.
Ross Turner will move across from the PC Systems division to become Head of Consumer Business Development and Teresa Johnston will take up the role of Smart Home Business Development Manager (BDM).
They will join Michael Cain, who is BDM for Wearables and A.J. Wiles, BDM for Print and Supplies in the CE team under Mark Glasspool, Director of Consumer Product Marketing at Tech Data.
Meanwhile, both Jason Clegg and Carl Thomas have moved across from Consumer Electronics to become part of the Retail team, the former as Senior Account Director, the latter becoming the third of Tech Data’s Retail Account Directors. They join Steve Reynolds and Dan Gigg who took up their posts some time ago. Adam Gay, Director of Retail oversees the team as a whole.
These two teams, which have a combined headcount of ten, are fully dedicated to working with customers to support their business development.
While Tech Data has been providing services and support to retailers for many years, it really started to build up its capability in these markets in 2015. It has now reached the stage where it is ready to meet just about all the needs of retailers in every respect, said Glasspool.
“We have really been ramping up investment in our ability to support both national and, very importantly, independent retailers,” he said.
“We have all the systems and processes in place to meet their needs but the thing that really makes all the difference of course, is the people.
“I’m delighted to say that we have managed to assemble a really strong front-facing team of people on both the CE and Retail teams. I think the whole group is now eager to get stuck in and help retailers find the best solutions and maximise their opportunities in every way we can.”
With rapid growth anticipated in key markets, such as wearables and smart home, the new teams aim to bring added focus for retailers looking to grow their partnerships and sales in these areas. There are dedicated heads for both these areas now and also for print and supplies, which remains a staple of everyday retailer sales.
“Retail sales are growing and expanding in all areas and these strong investments in the CE and Retail teams underline our commitment to the market. We are looking to bring new vendors on board, Lenovo consumer products for example were recently added, and we have more new coming soon in all areas, so it’s an exciting time for everyone,” commented Glasspool.
“With the CE team working to ensure the very best product information, availability, offers and pricing are available to customers, and the Retail account managers available to support new business opportunities, Tech Data is ready to help retailers develop and grow their sales in 2016 and beyond.”
