ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2019/11/brexit-blamed-on-closure-of-lincoln-bang-olufsen-store/
Sad story!
How does that affect the STBbrackets part of Gavins business?
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
It's nothing to do with Brexit. B&O and their retailers have had their heads buried in the sand (or up their ars.s) for years.
Their offerings have become more and more extreme in terms of aesthetics and price, the public are no longer taken in by them.
Someone should put them out of their misery!
Regards Graham
I agree, even if I would have said it differently…
The brexit is all around and may have some influence consumer's mood But as said in the article, it's also new ways of shopping (check in store, buy discounted online, just read some threads about the A1 price on Amazon…), Interstellar prices in times where quality matters less and less or is even ignored and also the dramatic increase of threads or articles about B&O software just not working.
I also have to say as I did in the past, the behavior of some sellers who dont even understand the brand their selling and just see the profit of a 3000€ BT speaker, without knowing it better than anyone reading the specs. Which is unacceptable to historical clients who may likely be those willing to still invest in the brand.
I was sunday in the big stores in paris and there was that popup store with an impressive lineup of product. there was a little desk with a brochure: a pink gift guide featuring all the current offer. I asked if I could take one. Answer: No its only for those who buy (not "clients", "those who buy"!). Sorry but if I buy something I dont need the brochure but if i can quietly read the brochure maybe i come back and buy something? Same answer: "those who buy"!
After the typical datamining exercice, He pointed me to a store at the other end of Paris, store that i knew very well from top to bottom since its the one who closed some month ago and was selling all this stuff on classified ads…
Unfortunately my point of view may be isolated and useless: the two sellers on the corner were (loudly) discussing how many A9 they sold in that day (a lot)…
@matodor43
You have a point there (with your story of that Paris shop).
But how can one deal with that problem?
I am sure that is a hot topic in the HQ in Struer.
But sad, sad, sad that shops like Gavins in Lincoln have to suffer under it.
Most young people see no problem.They tap on a screen, write to the seller two hours later impatiently asking when the thing will arrive, and when it arrives it will not be working as stated.Not really surprised they will return the thing for repair/replace, and when it comes back three weeks later it will be outdated, only supporting last months standards, which of course is of no use anylonger.- Not that it matters, really, 'cause the buyer has already ordered something else.
Us, the older ones, who can still remember how good the things we bought and the service provided was, are left speechless and dissatisfied.We want more from the product - we expect it to work for a start - and we expect more service, preferably a dialogue with a real human.For us, it's always nice to see the product, play with it, touch, feel, listen, pay and bring the magic home.And we're ready to pay for something that will work and last for decades.But we're dying out. No longer enough of us around to justify product qualities or service levels like that.
Martin
Millemissen: You have a point there (with your story of that Paris shop). But how can one deal with that problem?
To me it's on B&O management and their resellers education. It did happen the same with a watch brand i know well: they decide to rise their prices to become a "luxury" brand and start to sell new watches. but when an historical client enters the shop with a classic historical model, they weren't even able to recognize it. And the client felt like if it had a piece of junk to the wrist to the point where he had to have it serviced by the next door (passionate) watchmaker (which happened to be a not so bad thing after all).
So B&O should maybe invest in education, make the resellers real partners, and controlling (check) the rules are respected. The brochure incident is a good illustration, you can't sell premium things and just say "go on my website to check the specs". Well, Tesla did :-)
But of course it's sad for that shop.
Dillen: Most young people see no problem.They tap on a screen, write to the seller two hours later impatiently asking when the thing will arrive, and when it arrives it will not be working as stated.Not really surprised they will return the thing for repair/replace, and when it comes back three weeks later it will be outdated, only supporting last months standards, which of course is of no use anylonger.- Not that it matters, really, 'cause the buyer has already ordered something else.
True. And in the case of that specific corner very rich foreign clients.
Dillen: But we're dying out. No longer enough of us around to justify product qualities or service levels like that. Martin
But we're dying out. No longer enough of us around to justify product qualities or service levels like that.
Even more true, we're an endangered species.
STBbrackets is still the reason I wake up in the Morning and will be the reason for many years to come!
For clarity here........... STB has a legal agreement with Bang & Olufsen, I can't go into a lot of detail here, but this is the important part. They kindly give us access to models and mechanical samples at least 6 months prior to new product launch and we submit all of our designs for approval. Everything STB makes is approved in Struer.
The product design team might ask us to modify solutions that they don't like or that are away from brand values - we are delighted to take this input. Generally we create what is needed from our knowledge of the market, but we enjoy very healthy relationships with the dealers who give us feedback. Sometimes Struer will come to us and ask us to work on a project for general use or for special projects. We are lucky that the guys in Struer are extremely accommodating and always willing to help us.
The decorative aluminium on our brackets is made in Struer by Bang & Olufsen a/s, which is how we are able to deliver aesthtic quality consitant with the brand we serve.
Does that cover it ;-)
joeyboygolf: It's nothing to do with Brexit. B&O and their retailers have had their heads buried in the sand (or up their ars.s) for years. Their offerings have become more and more extreme in terms of aesthetics and price, the public are no longer taken in by them. Someone should put them out of their misery!
Agree. With Lincolnshire having the second most Euro-skeptic stance in the country. 66% Leave
joeyboygolf: It's nothing to do with Brexit.
It's nothing to do with Brexit.
I think Brexiteers like to tell us it's 'nothing to do with Brexit'. Well here's my theory from running online stores:
1) The GBP is terrible. This means buying products priced in EUR or DKK will be far worse than in 2016. ie. profit margin far lower. Back in early 2016 you could almost get 10DKK to 1GBP. It's been as low as 8DKK recently. EUR is even worse. Believe me, when running a business, this affects the bottom line. You must be incredibly naive to think it doesn't. And over time, this can't be sustained.
2) People are wary of the future. As a result, they aren't spending the big bucks so easily as they once were. It's hesitancy. This will affect a business selling luxury items within the UK.
So, yes, saying Brexit (or the causes of this) is an issue, is true. It's not just a headline for headline sake.
moxxey:I think Brexiteers like to tell us it's 'nothing to do with Brexit'. Well here's my theory from running online stores: 1) The GBP is terrible. This means buying products priced in EUR or DKK will be far worse than in 2016. ie. profit margin far lower. Back in early 2016 you could almost get 10DKK to 1GBP. It's been as low as 8DKK recently. EUR is even worse. Believe me, when running a business, this affects the bottom line. You must be incredibly naive to think it doesn't. And over time, this can't be sustained. 2) People are wary of the future. As a result, they aren't spending the big bucks so easily as they once were. It's hesitancy. This will affect a business selling luxury items within the UK. So, yes, saying Brexit (or the causes of this) is an issue, is true. It's not just a headline for headline sake.
It doesn't help with endless stories like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqfEsY17lj0
355f: It doesn't help with endless stories like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqfEsY17lj0
Just to let you know - Miki’s problem is solved!
Maybe he should edit his comments on the video.
I am pleased that after one year his problem were solved.
I am sure you will agree At this premium level it should have been resolved within a week.
Duels: moxxey: I think Brexiteers like to tell us it's 'nothing to do with Brexit'. Well here's my theory from running online stores: 1) The GBP is terrible. This means buying products priced in EUR or DKK will be far worse than in 2016. ie. profit margin far lower. Back in early 2016 you could almost get 10DKK to 1GBP. It's been as low as 8DKK recently. EUR is even worse. Believe me, when running a business, this affects the bottom line. You must be incredibly naive to think it doesn't. And over time, this can't be sustained. 2) People are wary of the future. As a result, they aren't spending the big bucks so easily as they once were. It's hesitancy. This will affect a business selling luxury items within the UK. So, yes, saying Brexit (or the causes of this) is an issue, is true. It's not just a headline for headline sake. I have to say I agree with this. And at the end of the day an experienced retailer like Mr Sykes should know whether it has affected his business or not.
moxxey: I think Brexiteers like to tell us it's 'nothing to do with Brexit'. Well here's my theory from running online stores: 1) The GBP is terrible. This means buying products priced in EUR or DKK will be far worse than in 2016. ie. profit margin far lower. Back in early 2016 you could almost get 10DKK to 1GBP. It's been as low as 8DKK recently. EUR is even worse. Believe me, when running a business, this affects the bottom line. You must be incredibly naive to think it doesn't. And over time, this can't be sustained. 2) People are wary of the future. As a result, they aren't spending the big bucks so easily as they once were. It's hesitancy. This will affect a business selling luxury items within the UK. So, yes, saying Brexit (or the causes of this) is an issue, is true. It's not just a headline for headline sake.
I have to say I agree with this.
And at the end of the day an experienced retailer like Mr Sykes should know whether it has affected his business or not.
I wonder why all the other stores around the world are closing then?
Ban boring signatures!
Don't you know? Brexit causes everything from global store closures, poor quality and warranty service, halitosis, and hair loss! There's nothing it doesn't do!
Personally, I blame the Illuminati. Or rather, the Illuminaughti.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Puncher:I wonder why all the other stores around the world are closing then? Ban boring signatures!
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
Jeff: I wonder why all the other stores around the world are closing then? Don't you know? Brexit causes everything from global store closures, poor quality and warranty service, halitosis, and hair loss! There's nothing it doesn't do! Personally, I blame the Illuminati. Or rather, the Illuminaughti.
Good one, Jeff
brexit aside, what has there been to sell really in the last 18-24 months? an edge?
Personally I feel it has been more the drought of products and very few flawlessly working ones over the last 2 years.
New: Beovision Harmony, Beolab 50's, Beolab 28's, Beolab 18's, Beolab 17's, Beosound Stage & LG, Beosound 2, Beoplay M3, Beoplay A1, Beoplay Portal, Beoplay H4 gen 2, Beoplay E8 3.0
Mikipedia on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Mikipedia
Mikipedi4 on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mikipedi4
Mikipedia on Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikipedi4/
Old: Beosound 9000 mk3, Beolab 3's, Beovision Eclipse, Beolab 1's, Beolab 2, Beovision 10-46, Overture 2300, beolab 8000's, Beolab 4000's, Beovision avant 32" etc. etc.
Mikipidia:brexit aside, what has there been to sell really in the last 18-24 months? an edge?
KMA
B&O product history since 1991: Ridiculously long to list in a signature.
Agreed, though I think that is arguably a bit generous.
There have been few new products, and when one of them, the Edge, makes little or no impact, then the brand loses any current excitement.
And for all their talk about new products, outside of a sound bar, there is little to come any time soon.
Lastly, there is a world of difference between not working flawlessly and beta releases with missing functionality, not addressed for many months.
Mikipidia: brexit aside, what has there been to sell really in the last 18-24 months? an edge? Personally I feel it has been more the drought of products and very few flawlessly working ones over the last 2 years.
Hopefully,Stage will find way to (new?) customers
Beogram 6500 MMC2,Beosound Ouverture,2xBeolab 8000,2xBelolab 4000,Beolab 2,Beolab 7.2,Beo4 navi, 2xBeocom2,Serene,Beosystem 3 mk3,H6 2nd gen,Earphones E8,A8,A9 keyring,Beoplay A1,Bottle opener,Beoplay A2 active(thanks Botty)Wine Set(thanks Botty),4Ktv Samsung 55'',Beolab 7.1 with 42''Panasonic plasma,,Oppo udp-203, LinTronic.
KMA: BeoPlay in seasonal colours
BeoPlay in seasonal colours
Careful, you'll give the more sensitive B&O lovers a case of the vapors!
It's been my experience selling B&O from the the end of 1999 until very recently that B&O has followed many of the wrong trends and where it's followed the right ones, it's been somewhat blindsided but the challenges of those parts of the business.
Specifically that the high-ticket sales have trended more toward large custom installations rather than a few luxury items like expensive TVs & 2-channel speaker setups and they've basically either ignored, or in recent history, antagonized that channel.
Then they've created some really fabulous bluetooth speakers and headphones but seemed to be shocked that they flood into the market and wind up getting marked down through online channels and brick & mortar B&O dealers are left as service points for broken headphones and dead speaker batteries as well as a place to try them on for size before ordering them off Amazon before even leaving the store.
So while the products they have are pretty good, the holes in their lineup and their approach to core business and retail business are just goofy.
B&O should look into a tiered retail strategy - have a web store where someone can buy any product they choose and also schedule service etc. Have a store in a store type outlet where they focus on Bose/Sonos competitor line products and then have Beoplay and B&O Premium Stores. The premium stores can focus on the high end line. Also, they might want to work more closely with independent high end dealers etc.
I like their current products but there is almost no retail presence in the US. Also, from friends I heard that the experience in the ones that exist isn’t all that great since the dealers are not very knowledgeable or helpful. I haven’t been to one in a decade. There used to be one near me and they were very good. Almost all my B&O speakers other than the A9 was bought from them. At the time the customer service was really good.
B&O in my life 😊: