Originally posted by Raffwal I assume there are Canons and Nikons available in B&M stores in the US? And I also assume they aren't usually sold on MSRP. So what's the difference between the brands (except close to non-existing Pentax marketing)?
Actually Nikon prices are strictly controlled, and there is little to no difference between online and B&M pricing.
Pentax was not controlled at all. That is the fault of Pentax US IMO.
Now they are reacting with a sledgehammer to fix it.
Canon prices also are strictly controlled and the best prices are rebate periods
Sony also has a policy like this (and in fact recently applied a similar policy to TV which they had let up on much to the detriment of the brand)
I agree that online sales are an important component of business now, but B&M still remains an important Channel and if this brings the channel back as an outlet there is a benefit
Pentax also likely caused some of the Grey Market with the high minimum requirement that Hoya instituted. Unfortunately this was doen, and it too needs to be dealt with.
It's a painful reality for now but for long term health of the brand it also needed to be done.
Reading through Neds responses is actually interesting, and it's good to see him respond directly if you ask me. I know it's damage control but he is making good points
the one that interested me most is this one
Quote: but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you find out that our weatherproof line is now being carried in over 1700 stores whose primary color is red. It's a first step but important on many levels. Thanks, Ned
sounds like Target to me
and this one
Quote: And while I mentioned we are considering bringing back rebates to help with this transition, you need to know we also are looking at other ways to improve customer satisfaction such as lens warranties. I can't possibly share everything we are working on but the notion driven by the forums that we're not looking at this Growth in America strategy from every angle is just not an accurate picture.
so perhaps the warranty length is being addressed as well
and this
Quote: For every person that says they only shop on-line and don't care about stores, there's another person that wants us to increase our stores so they can handle a camera or lens before they buy. Both have valid wants and needs, and we can't ignore either of them.
Which is very valid and is something a few people have pointed out