THE FUTURE OF PHOTO LOOKS SURE WITH SWAINS

The leading distributor to the photo trade brings us up to speed on which of its brands are selling well and their current availability, thereby providing strong support for your own business

Hard to believe that long serving distributor Swains International has already been in its Kings Lynn location for five years now, MD Danny Williams confirming that it has been taking full advantage of its extra warehouse space to increase the size of its brand portfolio. This is not some grey, faceless ‘stack ‘em high’ box shifter however; Swains believes in actively building relationships with customers.

“We very much believe in having representation on the ground, calling, advising and helping retailers face-toface,” Danny expands. “Our current team of five regional sales managers have been instrumental in helping Swains increase distribution, supported by our sophisticated B2B website platform.”

Readers will be aware that Swains has established partnerships with most of the leading camera brands, including Fujifilm, Sony, Polaroid, Panasonic and the former Olympus, OM Digital Solutions. While there have been supply issues both during and post-pandemic, availability for 2023 is said to be much improved. The distributor also thinks it has spotted a gap in the market as most camera manufacturers are concentrating on high-end models instead and so is planning to introduce two new brands covering the entry level camera segment. Even in the digital age, Swains is seeing real success with analogue cameras and the resurgence of film too. Kodak, for example, is yet another of its distributed brands promising improved availability for 2023, with single use cameras again proving popular.

Duracell lithium camera batteries and chargers are likewise powering sales for the trade, says Swains, with most photo specialists now ranging the number one battery brand. A range of high quality power banks is promised to be joining them this year. We’ve long promoted Epson in these pages and here too the distributor is seeing success for its retailer partners, specifically with Epson’s economical Eco Tank range. Fujifilm also believes there is still a strong demand for print, with Swains partnered to supply over 140 Fujifilm Partner independent stores across the UK with the media required to deliver personalised photo gifts and more. “Print is still the only way to guarantee longevity of an image,” reasons Danny. “Many stores offer gifting lines such as printed mugs, slates and even cushion covers, all of which are ideal gifts for those special occasions.”

In short, from photo capture to photo printing, Swains can supply the specialist retailer with a solution that will guarantee a decent return on investment. But don’t just take the distributor’s word for it.

A shop window of wonders: With over 7500 photo related lines to choose from via Swains, Shackleton’s Shop Manager Jonathan Griffiths (pictured) has witnessed a huge increase in sales, with its photo gift section doubled and framed prints going down a storm

Jonathan Griffiths, Shop Manager at Shackleton Photographic, also has praise. “Thanks to the varied selection of frames that Swains supplies we’re able to offer framed prints from 6x4-inches to 36x24-inches. We have seen a huge increase in sales and more so in return sales. Our photo gift section has more than doubled thanks to Swains, who have enabled us to provide products that no one else in our town sells.”

Swains’ MD Danny concludes: “With over 7,500 photo lines we feel we offer the retailer a one stop solution. Our experienced team of Regional Sales

“With over 7,500 photo lines we feel we offer the retailer a one stop solution. With the promise of improved supplies in 2023 the Swains team is looking to further growth within the photo market.”

Swains Managing Director, Danny Williams

Swains customer Sean Hamblin from Clock Tower Cameras in Church Street, Brighton tells BPI News: “We used to sell three different battery brands and constantly had quizzical looks on customers’ faces as they were unsure about putting an unknown brand into their pride-and-joy camera. Our Swains regional sales manager Richard Bull suggested we switch to Duracell lithium camera batteries (pictured) and chargers and we’ve not looked back. We now stock most of the range. The margin is excellent, plus everyone has heard of Duracell.”

Managers are key to our success. We still believe there is no better way to share the many opportunities than via a personal visit. Alongside this our B2B website continues to develop, taking on board many of our customers’ suggestions. With the promise of improved supplies in 2023 the Swains team is looking to further growth within the photo market.”

Get in touch with Swains now to discuss all the above product segments on 01485 536200 or browse its 7500 photo related lines at www.swains.co.uk