For a while now we have been watching the carnage in the retail secor and wondering to ourselves, how long will it be before some manufacturers just sell direct to end users and cut out the high street retailers altogether? It Seems that Numatic may be doing just that, albeit only in South Africa. For now.
From 2 May 2012, prospective buyers can visit the Numatic online site to buy its homecare range, which includes its famous professional vacuum cleaners.
“Now anyone in South Africa can get Henry, Hetty, George, James, Harry and Charles,” says Dewald Botha, general manager for Numatic South Africa. These are the names of the vacuum cleaner brands that have been available in Johannesburg since 1995 but only to professional users, such as businesses, hospitals and hotels.
Customers are also able to purchase its unique floor mopping range, which helps save water and cleans areas effectively without spreading dirt. “There is a gap in the market to offer our products directly to consumers and we are proud to have developed the San company’s first virtual shop, especially since South African buyer behaviour trends indicate a growing confidence to purchase goods online.
“Knowing we have the opportunity to engage with South Africans online and via social media also makes us excited. Customers on Facebook and Twitter can also look forward to competitions and promotions to get their very own Henry, Hetty or other professional cleaner. All they need to do is look up, follow and like the page,” concludes Botha.