BenQ celebrates 'most successful Shopper ever'

Although it is too early to calculate all sales at Shopper for BenQ, executives are estimating that total sales will be "at least" 50 percent higher than in 2004. Sales of LCD televisions have been particularly high.

In a new strategy for the company, BenQ opted to focus fully on the Shopper side of GITEX this year, using its wide network of distributors, re-sellers and retailers to promote its products at the event.

Aside from marketing initiatives such as special customer promotions for GITEX, BenQ have also made a concerted effort to increase the profitability of loyal channel partners, resellers and retailers, resulting in strong returns this year.

"We deliberately tried to focus our attention on the customer and our second tier retail partners this year, knowing that our channel partners would promote our brand effectively to the industry at GITEX," said Manish Bakshi, general manager, BenQ Middle East.

"This decision has paid off a significant return for us, with sales of BenQ products higher this year than ever before, and particularly high sales of LCD televisions, LCD monitors and digital projectors at shopper," he added.

Indeed, BenQ's LCD projectors sold so fast that they were completely out of stock within five days of the release of the newest models.

High sales numbers have also been boosted by critical praise. BenQ products triumphed in two of the year's technology awards - ITP's Windows Middle East Awards and PC Magazine Middle and Near East Industry Awards.

In the Windows Middle East Awards, BenQ's FP231W model won the award for "Best Monitor." BenQ also scooped an award in the 'Displays' category of PC Magazine Middle and Near East.

"We're pleased and proud to receive these awards. Only BenQ can provide world-class LCD TVs and monitors of this standard, and these offers will ensure the company continues to dominate the market. We are catering for our consumers who are living the digital lifestyle and want innovative technologies that are easy to understand and a joy to use," said Bakshi.