DSF and Cricket World Cup expected to increase sales of flat panel televisions

Dubai, February 02, 2011: Sales of flat panel TV's have seen a huge uptake with the on-going offers at Dubai Shopping Festival and the Cricket World Cup just round the corner, according to Al-Futtaim Panatech, exclusive distributor of Panasonic products in the UAE.

The Al-Futtaim group company said falling prices have also resulted in customers either upgrading or buying the latest eco-friendly technology flat panel televisions. According to industry estimates, the average selling price for flat panel televisions declined by 15% for LCDs and 23% for plasmas in 2009 and the trend continued last year.

Shaun Sullivan, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Panatech said Panasonic's range of VIERA TVs boast universal designs and Japanese technology that are unique and set the benchmark for energy-saving and eco-friendly products.

Al-Futtaim Panatech is among the first CE retailer in the UAE to initiate Green Day activities at its exclusive Panasonic stores in line with Panasonic's global brand vision, which is to become the number one Green Innovation Company in the electronics industry by year 2018 - when it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Panasonic aims to attain this vision through two innovations: the Green Life Innovation which realizes a green lifestyle to enrich people's lives and Green Business Innovation that minimizes environmental impact of business operations and promotes green business-styles to the wider community.   

Mr. Sullivan said a combination of latest technology, new designs and competitive offers has seen Al-Futtaim Panatech record 77% growth in the last quarter of 2010 for its range of eco-friendly 3D Full HD TV.

He said: "A combination of the latest eco-friendly technology, global sporting events, exciting offers and price declines has had a strong influence on the robust demand for flat panels TVs, especially 3D TVs. We are confident this trend will continue through the reminder of the year."

Al-Futtaim Panatech also announced its exciting DSF offer where customers on every AED 250 purchase will enter a raffle draw to win one of four million Panasonic Plus Points. The points can be redeemed against Panasonic products including a 42" VIERA NeoPDP 3D TV, Microwave, DECT Cordless Phone and Washing Machine. This offer is valid only at all exclusive Panasonic - Al-Futtaim Panatech stores in the UAE.

In addition, with every AED 250 spend on purchase of Panasonic products customers will enter a raffle to win one of eight 3D Full HD packages which include an eco-friendly 42" 3D Full High Definition Panasonic VIERA TV and a 3D Blu-Ray player. This offer is valid across all Al-Futtaim Panatech showrooms and all Panasonic authorized r retailers in the UAE.

Al-Futtaim Panatech stores are located in Deira (near Fish Roundabout), Dubai Festival City, The Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi (Istiqlal Street), Sharjah (Al Mina Street) and Al Ain (Khalifa Street).

-Ends-

Al-Futtaim Panatech
Established in 1970, Al-Futtaim Panatech, a member of the Al-Futtaim group's electronics division, is the sole distributor for the Panasonic brand in the UAE. In addition to a wide distribution network covering over 400 retailers, Al-Futtaim Panatech has set up seven exclusive Panasonic showrooms across the UAE: four in Dubai and one each in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah. The AFP - Panasonic showrooms offer customers the complete range of Panasonic's innovative and cutting-edge products, all under one roof. The company also has a dedicated team that specialises in enterprise sales to corporate and institutional customers. For more information, please visit: www.panasonicuae.com.

For more information please contact:
Lejo Johnny
Senior PR Executive
GMASCO Marketing Communications
An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel: +971 4 228 2101
Email: lee.j@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2011