Upbeat sales in gadgets enliven retailers

CEBU, Philippines - The fast turnover of gadgets fueled by the strong reception of the market to catch up with the newest technology continues to give "healthy life" to retailers.

"Although competition is stiffer, we never thought that sales of gadgets would register this strong," said Jun Yap, president of Junrex Cellphones & Accesories Inc.

Three years ago, Yap said sales of gadgets experienced a near saturation point. New models of cellular phones and even netbooks did not catch the interest of the market compared today.

"Consumers now buy. Price is no longer the primary issue," he said emphasizing that features, usability, as well as trends largely dictate the interest among buyers.

Smartphones and tablets are leading the bulk of gadget sales, he said, admitting that the industry is seeing the "death" of netbooks, point-and-shoot cameras and even non-smartphones.

Junrex, which is one of the largest technology and gadget retailers in Cebu and the Visayas, saw a 20 percent increase of its sales performance for the first quarter of this year versus the same period a year ago.

Junrex is one of the exclusive distributors of Samsung products in selected territories in the Visayas.

Yap further mentioned that even before supplies of newer models could arrive at their warehouse or stores, people are making reservations way ahead.

He said that the head-on competition of Android and iOs-based gadgets gives a much livelier market.

The introduction of Cherry Mobile's "Flair" model, which functions like an iPhone, ignited the interest of the mainstream consumers or mobile users with suggested retail price of P3,999.

Yap said his chain of stores cannot accommodate or serve the demand for this particular product.

"People outsmart each other to get the priority reservations," he said and this also goes true to other affordable and trendy smartphone units.

Purchasing power indeed has improved, he said, and this development, along with other retail products and services is a profound indication that the good economic performance in the country has manifested into higher purchasing power of the people.

"Everyboby is buying. People change their gadgets more often now trailblazing with the technology," he said.

Junrex is also one of the biggest distributors of other technology and gadget brands such as Nokia, LG and Star Mobile, among others. It also operates some of the brands' concept stores in Cebu. /JMD (FREEMAN)