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Target Components has partnered with manufacturer Energenie to distribute their MiHome smart home products. The range includes electrical light and power switches, door, window and movement sensors as well as energy monitors, all of which are also available in ‘starter bundles’ with a heavily-discounted MiHome control hub included.
The partnership provides Energenie with a broad coverage of independent retailers, etailers and network installers via Target’s existing customer base. Conversely, the partnership also provides independent resellers with a widely-respected range of smart home products that can be sold individually or as part of an installation.
Target’s head of purchasing, Martyn Kirby, explained: “we’re really excited by the opportunities Energenie’s MiHome offers our customers – ‘Smart Home’ is 2017’s buzzword but there’s a bit of concern that it involves a huge capital outlay. Fortunately, because MiHome is modular, you can start off with a couple of smart plugs and the control hub for under £50, then build up from there. Of course, that also offers resellers repeat business and installation opportunities.”
To promote the MiHome range, Target has also launched an interactive microsite showing how various products interact in real life situations, while also demonstrating the capabilities of a smart home using preloaded scenarios.
Kirby continued: “If you search ‘what is a smart home?’ you’ll get statements like‘a home equipped with lighting, heating, and electronic devices that can be controlled by smartphone or computer’, which is true, but only in part.”
“We believe it can be much more. It can manage itself using predetermined rules set by the user for how the user wants it to work. It can all be controlled via the app too, but that’s convenience and only a small part of what these products can do when working together. Providing a visual representation of the benefits of MiHome and the smart home in general will engage Target’s customers, educate them and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in this new market.”
Energenie’s commercial director, Oliver Tadd said of the partnership: “Energenie is delighted to welcome Target Components on board as a new distributor of MiHome. As a UK leader in their field, we believe that the huge breadth of independent clients they have, combined with their expertise in helping resellers thrive, offers a huge opportunity for this sector to succeed in the smart home channel. We look forward to working with the Target team whom we wish every success, and anticipate a strong year of sales ahead”.
Energenie will be making its debut exhibiting at the Target Open Day on September 15th in Bradford. The MiHome range, including discounted starter bundles, is available now from Target.
