Samsung Sony level TV pricing policies, could help independent retailers

By Jeff O'Heir

Independent CE retailers and buying group directors hailed new unilateral pricing policies (UPP) by Samsung and Sony as a positive step in leveling the playing field against online retailers and big-box stores. The move, some said, could increase profits on certain TVs to 30 percent.

"This will help to bring some sanity and stability to pricing," said Jim Ristow, executive vice president of Home Entertainment Source, during the opening reception for the HES and Brandsource 2012 Summit this week in Orlando, Fla.

Samsung and Sony, which recently announced the changes to its dealer base, will impose UPP on the higher-end models of specified TV lines and some of Sony's high-end projectors. The policies essentially set fixed prices of certain products, mainly TVs, across all consumer sales channels, including e-tailers and big-box retailers. Independent dealers said similar policies by Bose and Epson have stabilized prices and help them to compete more effectively.

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