The Camera House AGM was held last weekend at the Novotel Manly Pacific, with the group coming through the challenging year of 2016/17 with a sales increase to $111 million.
The sales figure was up 2.4 percent on the previous year, while profits were up a more pleasing 14 percent.
Camera House (Raleru) general manager Charles Davey said the year was tough, with supply constraints largely due to the Kumamoto earthquakes in April last year adding to what were challenging conditions overall.
He said it was ‘a rollercoaster year’ with buoyant periods interrupted by slow months. The first months of 2017/18 has started well, he added, with October continuing the trend.
Charles noted that drones were selling well, as were action cameras, while there was ‘a little bit of energy’ in the interchangeable lens camera market. ‘Brands were pretty well even, with one on top one month and another the next, depending on promotional activity,’ he said.
The Member’s Choice Supplier of the Year, nominated by Camera House retailers, was CR Kennedy & Co, while head office named Nikon as Camera House Supplier of the Year.
The popular choice for Member of the Year was Sid Owen, Toowoomba Camera House. Sid took the bold step of moving his store from the centre of town to a spacious former car showroom on the highway to Brisbane.
Charles Davey said this reflected the theme of the AGM, which was ‘Opportunity’ and praised Sid for ‘the wonderful energy he has put into the new store’.
The Joshua Shearer Camera House Photographer of the Year was Karen Minett, Taree Camera House.
Board appointments were not contested. David Stallard retired by rotation and offered himself for re-election which was passed by the shareholders with no other contenders putting themselves forward. Alan Campbell’s appointment as a director was confirmed and ratified by the shareholders. The board is: David Stallard – chairman; Jon Paterson – director and company secretary; Ian Peterson – director; Adam Walters – director; Alan Campbell – director.
Very well deserved Syd, and new store looks great. Looking forward to seeing it in person.