LG’s exclusive distributor exceeds targeted $100mn sale set for Qatar in 2016

After fulfilling LG’s target of $100mn sale in 2016, Video Home and Electronic Centre stays focused on supporting fast-paced Qatar’s economy by providing technologically superior products at competitive prices, efficient after-sales service, and timely delivery of various projects across the country.
“We have crossed the $100mn target that LG set last year. Compared to the year before, it showed a double-digit growth. LG is quite satisfied with our performance in Qatar,” said CV Rappai, director and CEO, Video Home and Electronic Centre and Jumbo Electronics, in an interview with Gulf Times.
Video Home and Electronic Centre is the exclusive distributor of the South Korean multinational electronics company LG Electronics in Qatar.
Video Home and Electronic Centre’s partnership with LG began in 1986 when the South Korean multinational was known as Goldstar.
Ever since, the relationship has only grown stronger and together they have launched a range of home appliances, audio and video products, state-of-the-art televisions, top range mobile phones, IT & communication systems and digital signage products in the country.  
LG & Video Home’s commitment to business was further strengthened with the introduction of Commercial Air Conditioning business. This is supported by Video Home’s own duct manufacturing unit.
Rappai noted that Qatar’s rapid economic expansion has provided both opportunities and challenges for his company.
“The economic expansion has meant an upsurge in hospitality, real estate and other key sectors in Qatar. This has placed a significant demand on LG’s quality products and services.
“At the same time, delivering quality and timely service is not an easy task. We had to invest significantly on our service network in addition to our nationwide distribution outlets. For us, a sale that has been concluded marks the beginning of a relationship. Our commitment is to maintain every customer – even if one is a smaller value customer.”
Particular areas of growth, Rappai pointed out, are those relating to digital signage products and hotel TVs. Most offices and commercial establishments with a customer interface widely use digital signage products these days for displaying public information.
With many posh hotels coming up in Qatar, the demand for state-of-the-art televisions has increased in the hospitality industry. Except furnishing items, LG provides total solutions required for the hospitality industry.  
“LG products have wide acceptance and a huge demand in these segments,” Rappai said.
Adding to it, “the diversification of Video Home into a full-fledged MEP activity has resulted in it being a ‘total solutions’ provider.”
Also Video Home and Electronic Centre provides B2B products such as CCTVs, parking system and access control from reputable and trusted brands.
He said a key driver of growth for Video Home and Electronic Centre was “the acceptance of our brand and organisation in this country.”
“In our last 37 years in Qatar, we have been able to retain a loyal customer base. Our partnership with LG for the last 31 years has significantly contributed to our success,” Rappai said.
Asked why the company remained focused on maintaining its “shop network” in Qatar, given that the business has mostly switched to hypermarkets across the country, Rappai said, “We always want to be near our customers. That’s why we are in Al Khor, Dukhan, Rayyan, Wakrah or other far-flung areas. Our customers need not have to come all the way to Doha to get a product or service they want from us.”
He said LG and Video Home and Electronic Centre have set up service centres across the country to provide “personalised care to our customers.”
A 24x7 call centre that can be accessed at 8000054 has been set up to serve the customers, Rappai said.
Recently, LG’s second brand store in the entire Gulf region was opened at the Mall of Qatar.
“All innovative and premium products from LG are displayed here. The brand store also provides our discerning and high-value customers an exceptional experience.
“In Qatar, our youngsters being tech savvy need not be briefed about a new technology or latest product. They are already aware of it…we only have to meet their needs,” Rappai said.
He also said Video Home and Electronic Centre plans to set up its corporate office at the Energy City, which is also part of Lusail, where many of similar business houses and corporates are currently moving to.
“Lusail City is going to have one of Qatar’s largest malls and we are also expected to have our presence there.
“We ought to be in Lusail – a very happening place in future,” Rappai said.