PCs and Laptops - From work horses to lifestyle portals
The UK retail market for PCs and laptops remains extremely competitive as rapid product development and intense competition at all levels of the market continue to drive prices down. In many cases retailers are running just to stand still and relying heavily on peripherals and accessories for any margin.
Under siege from all sides – manufacturers expanding B2C sales channels, non-specialists increasing their PC and laptop offer, growth of a new breed of online specialists – we examine the opportunities that remain for the beleaguered PC and laptop specialist.
The UK retail market for PCs and laptops remains extremely competitive as rapid product development and intense competition at all levels of the market continue to drive prices down. In many cases retailers are running just to stand still and relying heavily on peripherals and accessories for any margin.
Under siege from all sides – manufacturers expanding B2C sales channels, non-specialists increasing their PC and laptop offer, growth of a new breed of online specialists – we examine the opportunities that remain for the beleaguered PC and laptop specialist.
Key issues
How are changing UK consumer demographics likely to impact the market for PCs and laptops?
Is the growing trend towards product convergence an opportunity or a threat?
What factors affect the choice of where to buy a computer?
How are the leading players coping with the threat of the online specialists?
What does the future hold for the market and the specialists?
Can services provide PC retailers with a way to differentiate themselves and grow sales even in a competitive market?
Mintel’s research shows that contracts are still the main way people are getting a new mobile handset. But will the rising popularity of SIM only deals mean this will always be the case?
Older respondents are most likely to opt for basic, pay as you go handsets (68% of over 55’s). What strategies could retailers take to make more expensive smartphone contracts appeal to this group?
Respondents are focussed more on mobile design (47%) over more technical aspects, such as mobile operating system (8%). Will this create challenges in selling smartphones to the mass-market?
Without the pocketability of the iPhone (and limited functionality compared to standard laptops) Apple’s iPad could struggle to generate the same mass-market appeal.
Virtue and value
Virtue and value
Promoting value is no bad thing. Openly associating it with a poorer shopping or service experience might be foolhardy.
How bricks and mortar PC retailers can compete in an increasingly commoditised market
How bricks and mortar PC retailers can compete in an increasingly commoditised market
The purchase should be the starting point of the relationship, not the end.
How are changing UK consumer demographics likely to impact the market for PCs and laptops?
