Axiz reaches for the retail stars

Six months since its inception, the retail division of leading IT infrastructure distributor, Axiz, has proved its worth by doubling its revenue contribution to the group.

Stefan Rabe, chief executive officer of Axiz Retail, says the team has also doubled its number of customers and overall contribution.

He attributes this phenomenal performance to an increased vendor focus on consumers and having the right products and people to address the specific needs of the retail sector.

"A measure of the success achieved has been due to the combination of our legacy in the retail and ICT sectors, strong vendor relationships and our inherent understanding of retail sector needs. For example, we know that our customers need delivery support and reasonable terms," says Rabe. "They also need a variety of consumer-focused products to entice consumers."

Rabe says Axiz has formed a technology council to identify ongoing consumer-oriented products. He says this will largely include consumer and electronic products, which will undoubtedly meet the ever-changing needs of today's consumer.

In reviewing quarter three 2006, Rabe says notebooks continue to lead the pack, especially HPs Pavilion and the Acer range of TravelMates. This is followed by LCD monitors, which he says have grown in popularity due to the space saving and aesthetic values offered by flat screen technology. Not surprising, memory is another hot seller: "It is simply become pervasive with almost all consumer electronic products having a memory card slot," says Rabe.

The Axiz Retail team includes 31 people, 26 dedicated sales with an additional four retail marketing specialists. With an established retail distribution platform, Axiz Retail will reach into every corner of South Africa and parts of the SADC region. Its team will focus on sales and marketing, servicing traditional and virtual retailers in the IT, audiovisual, cellular and photographic sectors. "We will also look to develop a wider range of Axiz-branded products," comments Rabe.

He says Axiz Retail is well placed to succeed. "We have a proven track record with 20 years' combined experience in successfully distributing low margin, high volume hardware and software products. In addition, our national and regional presence in Axiz distribution centres makes us easily accessible to all retailers."

Rabe says Axiz Retail is the right size with the right focus. "Axiz Retail brings the size associated with a traditional IT distributor to the retail market in South Africa, which is not only new, but something that will bring with it numerous advantages. This cost-effective approach is key to our positioning."