Technology retailer Maplin hopes to boost its services proposition through a partnership with iSmash, a device repair specialist backed by Carphone Warehouse co-founder David Ross.
An initial 6 month pilot has 3 Maplin stores-- St Paul's, Monument and Stevenage-- host iSmash concessions, before eventual rollout across the retailer's 200-store portfolio should it prove a success.
“We are constantly looking to expand our services proposition, as we look to create a customer journey that supports those who shop with us all the way from pre-purchase and consideration to after sales support," Maplin CEO Oliver Meakin says. “Following the nationwide launch of our Free Smart Home Survey, a new and unique service in the UK, this exciting new partnership with iSmash will provide first-rate tech repairs for our customers in store.”
As a result, Sprint will acquire the Dixon Carphone share of the distribution joint venture. The team up had Dixons Carphone manage a number of Sprint-branded stores in US while providing consultancy services. Instead, the UK retailer plans to concentrate on the rollout of its Honeybee sales software, which is used under white label by the likes of Apple, across the entire Sprint operation.
The company also points out TVs and domestic appliances and best sellers, as well as record sales seen during the Black Friday and Boxing Day discount periods.
Overall sales for the chain covering Currys, PC World and Carphone Warehouse in the UK, as well as Elkjob and El Giganten in the Nordics and Kotsovolos in Greece, total £9.74 billion, while pre-tax profits reach £447 million, up from £381m a year earlier.
Negotiations have been reportedly going on for "several months," even if Apple is still to confirm whether it will open a first Store in the country. Then again, Apple secrecy covers retail operations as well as devices, meaning it will only officially announce such plans once the outlet is under construction.
