September 16, 2010: Leading Edge Digital has opened up membership of the group beyond Kodak Express stores to other independent photo specialists.
Part of the 1500-retailer-strong Leading Edge Group, Leading Edge Digital was launched in April 2008 as a buying group for Kodak Express dealers. It is now recruiting retailers other than Kodak Express members.
‘We will check with Kodak first to make sure there isn’t a Kodak Express store next door – we don’t want to hurt any existing Kodak retailers,’ said Leading Edge Digital managing director, Michael Carr (pictured right).
He said new Leading Edge Digital ‘recruits’ didn’t have to be affiliated with Kodak ‘provided there is no conflict’.
With 61 members, Leading Edge Digital is already the second largest buying group in numerical terms in photo retailing, sitting between Camera House and PhotoPlus. Leading Edge Digital also operates its own Kodak Express outlet in the Sydney northern suburb of Balgowlah.
Like PhotoPlus, Leading Edge doesn’t impose stringent store branding requirements.
For a small monthly investment, members obtain significant benefits by becoming part of a ‘family’ of like-minded retailers with the strength and ability to combat the majors in an increasingly competitive Australian market, supported by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team.
Major benefits are the facility to buy a broad range of stock at bulk rates, the ability to deal with just one creditor in terms of payment for merchandise, and attendance at the annual conference.
Leading Edge also provides ongoing promotion, inclusive of regular consumer catalogues, in-store promotions and point-of-sale.
Other benefits include discounts on EFPTOS rates, business insurance, fixtures and fittings, and vehicle fleet discounts.
The Leading Edge Group recently established Leading Edge Electronics in New Zealand, and Michael Carr did not rule out offering New Zealand-based photo retailers membership of the Leading Edge Digital group in future.
Michael Carr can be contacted on02 9497 4057 or carrm@leadingedgegroup.com.au .
APS Leading Edge ‘Supplier of the Year’
Australian Photographic Supplies took out the Leading Edge Digital ‘Supplier of the Year’ award at the group’s annual conference in Hobart this month.
The award is particularly significant as it is voted on by store members, and based on the following criteria:
– Systems which makes doing business easy;
– Fast resolution of any issues which emerge;
– Competitive terms and pricing.
‘APS has always based its business model on customer service, competitive pricing and terms, and being easy to deal with,’ said APS director, Joe Tresckitta.
‘It’s a privilege to be recognised by your customers as a company that provides real value to their business’.
Leading Edge’s ‘Member of the Year’ was Hobart’s own Tim Jones (Perfect Prints – pictured left).
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