Hama, the accessories specialist, is looking to extend its business to include the travel retail and duty free channel.
Founded in 1923 in Dresden by Hanke Martin, the German company was initially a photography wholesaler. After being destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in Monheim, in Bavaria, in 1945. 1,500 people currently work at the German headquarters and the company employs around 2,500 people worldwide.
With over 18,000 products, Hama today specialises in photography, consumer electronics, computers and telecommunications – and now aims to venture into travel retail and duty free.
Enrico Schläpfer, who has been the Business Development Manager for Travel Retail and Duty Free at Hama since the beginning of the year, believes the internationally active company is “absolutely ready” to take this step.
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Specialising in photography, consumer electronics, computers and telecommunications, Hama’s portfolio today includes over 18,000 products | |
“Our product range includes everything that business travellers and holidaymakers need when they’re on the go,” Schläpfer said. “Just a few examples: From the product-specific smartphone charger that got lost on the last business trip, to practical, protective tablet cases, all the way to Wi-Fi data readers that can send photos from a digital camera to a tablet – we’ve got it all. Our wide range of technical equipment is also supplemented by a growing luggage product line.”
Hama brands such as Coocazoo, Step-by-Step and aha offer casual bags in multiple designs and are complemented by well-known guest brands such as Caterpillar, Chiemsee and Ellehammer. “This combination offers a promising sales potential for our partners,” Schläpfer added.
Schläpfer believes that the two major aspects for success in this future sales area are the up-to-date product lines as well as in the sophisticated logistics system that Hama claims it uses worldwide.
The majority of Hama’s international shipping goes through the main logistics centre in Germany, which will be substantially expanded by the end of 2013. Once the expansion process is complete, the extensive storage capacities, optimised work processes and automated flow of goods will “set new standards for logistics and delivery services”, the company said.
Hama’s global network is boosted by 17 international locations, only some of which have storage facilities, and countless trade agencies.
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The majority of Hama’s international shipping goes through the main logistics centre in Germany, which will be substantially expanded by the end of 2013 |
