Hisense Europe and MediaMarktSaturn: a strategic partnership is born that will change the rules of European retail tech. A new strategic alliance between Hisense Europe and MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group promises to redefine the consumer electronics retail landscape in Europe. The collaboration, announced today, will start in Germany and then extend to all 11 countries where MediaMarktSaturn is present. 🎯 Key objectives of the partnership: Sustainable and targeted expansion in European markets Operational optimization with rapid resolution of critical issues Comprehensive media strategies for a stronger consumer impact đź‘Ą Leading the implementation will be key figures such as Alexander Rauchut (Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of MediaMarktSaturn Germany), Alpay GĂĽner (VP Partner & Supplier Management), Louis Hou (Board Member Hisense Europe) and SĂĽhel Semerci (EVP Hisense Gorenje Germany). đź’¬ “This partnership represents a milestone in our international growth strategy. It demonstrates what is possible when two strong partners work together as equals, with a clear vision and shared ambition,” said Hanson Han, President of Hisense Europe. đź“Ś Important note: The agreement is not directly related to JD.com ‘s takeover bid for MediaMarktSaturn, although it moves in the same strategic direction of consolidation and global synergy. It marks a turning point in European retail tech. It strengthens Hisense’s presence in B2C and B2B channels. It strengthens MediaMarktSaturn’s ability to offer integrated and scalable solutions. đź“Ł Follow our newspaper for exclusive updates on B2B tech, AI applied to retail, and global market strategies While the agreement is not directly tied to JD.com’s takeover bid for MediaMarktSaturn, it aligns with broader trends of global consolidation and synergistic growth. This move:
– Strengthens Hisense’s footprint in both B2C and B2B channelsÂ
– Enhances MediaMarktSaturn’s capabilities to deliver integrated, scalable retail solutions
Tag Archives: appliance retail
Currys Surges Ahead with 37% Profit Boost
Currys has delivered a standout performance, raising its annual profit by 37% to £162 million for the year ending 3 May 2025—beating market expectations on the back of robust UK sales and a surge in demand for tech services and credit options.
đź’ą Key Financial Highlights:
– Group revenue climbed 3% year-on-year, reaching ÂŁ8.7 billion.
– UK and Ireland like-for-like sales jumped 4%, reflecting solid consumer engagement.
– Recurring service revenue rose 12%, while credit sales soared 14% to hit ÂŁ1.1 billion.
– Mobile subsidiary **iD Mobile** welcomed 450,000 new customers, lifting its subscriber base by 26% to 2.2 million.
– **Statutory pre-tax profit** saw a dramatic rise to ÂŁ124 million, up from just ÂŁ28 million a year earlier.
🚀 CEO Alex Baldock praised the company’s trajectory, stating: _“Currys’ performance continues to strengthen and the business has real momentum
AO profit surge
AO World has hailed a record performance after its profits surged nearly 30% driven by cost-saving initiatives and strong growth of its membership scheme.
Adjusted pre-tax profits for the electricals specialist rose 27% to ÂŁ44m for the year to 31 March, coming in at the top end of its ÂŁ39m to ÂŁ44m guidance.
This was driven by a 9% increase in group sales to ÂŁ1.13bn and several cost-saving efficiencies, including the introduction of a new third-party warehousing solution in its distribution centre.
AO benefited from returning customers, which accounted for over 60% of orders during the year. It expects this trend to improve over time.
Currys staff cut
Currys plans to cut around 80 head office jobs to reduce costs, aiming for a 10% cut in its central cost base this year. This comes as the retailer faces a ÂŁ30 million increase in its tax bill due to changes in National Insurance and Minimum Wage
Africa domestic appliance market
The domestic appliances market in Africa is set for steady expansion, fueled by growing consumer demand. Forecasts indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% in unit sales and 2.9% in market value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of this period, the industry is projected to reach 366 million units in sales, with a total market valuation of $25.5 billion. This upward trend reflects the region’s increasing appetite for modern appliances and economic development driving household investments.
Fnac Darty closes the year with +1% and almost reaches 8 billion
Fnac Darty has made public its 2024 balance sheet, which consolidates Unieuro for the month of December alone . Net of Unieuro, sales increased by 1%, reaching almost 8 billion euros (7.93). Substantially stable in France (-0.3%), declining in Belgium and Luxembourg (-1.3) and increasing by 12% in Iberia thanks to the acquisition of the Portuguese stores of Mediamarkt. Online sales, which represent 22% of the turnover, grew by 2.2%.
More comforting are the data on margins: operating profit rose by 6% to 182 million, cash flow and EBITDA are improving as well as the financial position, so much so that the Board of Directors has proposed to shareholders a superdividend of 1 euro, more than double the one paid in 2023.
MediaMarkt delivers on the same day
MediaMarktSaturn is expanding its same-day delivery service for large household appliances. The German market leader has long offered delivery within 90 minutes for packages weighing up to 23 kg (thanks to a partnership with Uber). In some cities in the regions of Cologne, Koblenz and Dortmund, delivery of household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines or televisions of 42 inches and above is now also available. Pilot projects offer same-day and next-day delivery with three selectable service levels for installation and assembly of the product at the customer’s home.
Fnac-Darty wants to take over its Italian counterpart Unieuro to strengthen its position in Europe
Fnac-Darty has announced the launch of a project to acquire Unieuro SpA, the leading distributor of electronics and household appliances in Italy. “This project represents a unique opportunity for the Group to strengthen its position as a leader in specialized distribution in Western and Southern Europe, and a key player in the consolidation of the European market,” comments Enrique Martinez, CEO of Fnac-Darty. This merger with Unieuro SpA would create a group with a turnover of over €10 billion, 30,000 employees and over 1,500 stores, a leader in all its geographies. “This transaction is perfectly in line with our project
Currys upgrade stores
Currys has unveiled a store upgrade programme for its largest sites across the UK as part of its commitment to “make the customer shopping experience easier”.
The electricals retailer will transform 50 of its larger stores, which will see the inclusion of new categories, seasonal showcases, and a focus on “reinvigorating megastore entrance space”.
Currys positive outlook
Currys PLC conveyed a positive outlook for the upcoming year, buoyed by indications of a rebound. The consumer technology product and service retailer, headquartered in London, forecasts its adjusted pretax profit—excluding its operations in Greece—to be in the range of GBP 115 million to GBP 120 million for the fiscal year concluding on April 27. This projection is on par with the GBP 119 million adjusted pretax profit from the previous year and surpasses the initially estimated minimum of GBP 105 million.
The company reported a 2% increase in group like-for-like sales over the 16 weeks following the Christmas peak season. Despite this uptick, the annual like-for-like sales for the group saw a 2% decrease. Specifically, the UK and Ireland experienced a 2% drop in like-for-like sales, while the Nordic region recorded a 3% decline.
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