In a time when massive companies are spending a fortune shouting about their latest wares and, to all intents and purposes, just back-slapping each other over the latest console or operating system, it can be easy to forget that there is an incredibly important part of the industry that goes almost unnoticed, and definitely unrewarded.
Local, independent computer shops have been the backbone of the IT and gaming revolutions since their inception in the 80s. Long before the men-in-purple were present at a retail park near you, these guys were repairing ZX Spectrums and teaching themselves DOS (that’s before the internet, guys!). They have been on the highstreet for over 30 years, yet rarely get the recognition they deserve for their work. Anyone with even a passing interest in computing will have visited one of these stores and marvelled at the diversity of products and the sheer enthusiasm these guys have – if only everyone was excited about their profession as they are!
Target Components is a UK IT distributor that not only supplies these independent shops but is also acutely aware of the importance they hold on the highstreet. They know that, without support, many of them would struggle to survive, not having the advertising or marketing budgets to match those of PC World etc..
With distributors like Target buying in much bigger quantities than one shop could on its own, and from all around the world, gamers, enthusiasts and the man-on-the-street has much better access to seeing and trying the latest products at better prices than you can in the soulless highstreet chains. And, unlike the chains, you can buy from someone with exceptional product knowledge, a great deal of enthusiasm and a wealth of experience.
That is why Target has dedicated much of its time to promoting and getting the Big Brands into these local stores and have been so successful at doing so- 2013 marks the distributor’s 15th Anniversary.
Target has even employed a business adviser and launched a website, Shop Talk, that provides advice and resources to over 3500 local computer shops, all completely free-of-charge!
The distributor has raised the bar further still, announcing that it will be hosting the first ever Shop Talk® IT Reseller Awards in September. The awards cover a wide range of categories, including Best Website and Best Shop Window, and are open to any independent IT reseller. Target’s managing director, Paul Cubbage, explains:
“Indies provide the diversity, local support, expertise and passion that large businesses can’t hope to match, yet receive little recognition. Shop Talk® is all about supporting independent resellers to help them achieve their ambitions. It’s a natural extension that we should recognise achievements and celebrate best practice, and it’s important that the awards are exclusively for independent resellers with winners selected exclusively by independent resellers.”
The general public can’t vote for their favourite computer shop, but we at eTeknix implore you all to recommend your local or favourite shop to take part in the awards and take back some of the recognition they deserve.
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