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THE BUSINESS OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS July/Aug 2026 • Volume 41 • Issue 6 Newspaper Handling $25

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

Retailers: Is It Time to Hit The “Panic Button”?

Sharp Reinvents Premium Home Appliances For Today’s Market

Bose Reboots Speakers, Soundbars

INBOX

Congratulations To The 2026 TWICE VIP Award Winners!

Grant Morgan, Senior Editor grant.morgan@futurenet.com

The voting is over, and the winners of the 2026 TWICE VIP Awards have been announced on TWICE.com! We will highlight all the winners in our special September 2026 print issue. Congrats again to all of our 2026 VIP Award winners!

@GrantMorgan77

AI's Most Practical Upgrade

f you had asked me a few years ago where artificial intelligence would have the biggest impact in consumer electronics, major appliances probably wouldn't have made the list. Smartphones, PCs, televisions, and even cars seemed like more obvious candidates. Refrigerators and washing machines? Not so much. Yet here we are. As manufacturers continue to weave AI into nearly every product category, the appliance aisle has quietly become one of the more compelling places to watch. Not because companies are adding flashy new features, but because they're beginning to solve everyday problems that homeowners actually experience. But that wasn't always the case. The first generation of connected appliances often felt like technology looking for a purpose, almost like it was slapped on by the marketing team because they had to. Being able to check whether the dishwasher had finished or preheat an oven from a smartphone was certainly convenient, but it didn't fundamentally change the experience. Today's AI-powered appliances are taking a different path. Rather than simply giving consumers another app to open, they're beginning to handle routine decisions on their own. Refrigerators can recognize food items and suggest recipes before ingredients expire. Ovens can identify what they're cooking

2026 Powerful Women in Consumer Electronics Honorees Announced! Join TWICE in recognizing and celebrating the women who are redefining leadership, mentorship, and innovation across the consumer technology industry.

Upcoming Events

All events are subject to change. Please visit the hosting company’s website for up-to-date information.

AVB/Brandsource Convention Las Vegas, NV August 9-12, 2026

Nationwide Marketing Group PrimeTime Nashville, TN August 23-26, 2026

CEDIA 2026 Denver, CO September 1-4, 2026

E4 Experience Dallas, TX September 15, 2026

and recommend the appropriate settings. Washing machines analyze load size, fabric type, and soil level before selecting the wash cycle that makes the most sense. None of these capabilities is particularly dramatic, and that's exactly why they matter. Good technology doesn't always announce itself. Often, its greatest achievement is becoming almost invisible. Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs once said, "Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things." In many ways, today's appliance makers seem to be embracing that philosophy by removing unnecessary choices instead of piling on more features. And that's a welcome change! Consumer electronics have spent much of the past decade asking users to do more. Download another app. Create another account. Learn another interface. Connect another device. AI has the potential to reverse that trend if it's used thoughtfully. Instead of requiring homeowners to manage their appliances, the appliances can begin managing themselves. For an industry that more often focuses on and celebrates what's next, that's a refreshing reminder that the most meaningful innovation isn't always the loudest. Sometimes it's the feature you stop noticing because it's quietly doing exactly what it was supposed to do. Be well, and we’ll see you at CEDIA!

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T W IC E .CO M | JU LY / AU G US T 2 02 6

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PERSPEC TI VE

The Provenance Gap And Refurbished Device Supply Chains As the refurbished tech category matures, a gap is opening up between how devices are being bought and sold By John Doughty, SVP of Partnerships, Alchemy

ircular tech has moved from the margins of telecom strategy to the center of it, and the market is growing to match: globally, the secondary technology market is projected to hit $262 billion by 2032. Refurbished devices are becoming a significant part of customer propositions – with trade-in programs providing the inventory pipeline to sustain them – and the commercial case for circular tech is harder to ignore. But as the refurbished tech category matures, a gap is opening up between how devices are being bought and sold, and what responsible sourcing really requires. Most conversations in the refurbished supply chain come down to two things: cosmetic grade and price. What they rarely cover is what's inside the device i.e. whether components have been replaced, where those parts came from, and whether any of it can be verified. For most of the market, the honest answer is that it can't. Across much of the supply chain, that passes without scrutiny – until something goes wrong. A device that presents as Grade A but contains counterfeit or untracked components is a liability. And when it fails in a customer's hands, it's the retailer and telco's brand that takes the hit.

The provenance problem Cosmetic grading is the industry's shorthand for quality. Generally, Grade A means little to no visible wear, while Grade C means noticeable damage. But grading typically tells you what a device looks like on the outside. It says very little about what's happening on the inside. What's becoming clear across the market is that provenance, not price or cosmetic condition, is the real

differentiator in refurbished tech. Verifiable repair histories, traceable parts, and supply chains that can be audited are what separate a refurbished program that builds long-term trust from one that quietly erodes it.

transparency grows, the ability to show what's inside a device and where it came from is becoming a question of compliance as well as customer expectation.

Reputational risk at scale

Circular tech represents a real commercial opportunity for telcos. It offers stronger trade-in propositions and a product type that resonates with today’s value-conscious customers. Done well, a refurbished program is a loyalty and sales growth lever. The data backs this up; recent research from Alchemy found that 84% of US consumers say a competitive trade-in offer makes them more likely to return to the same retailer. Done without sufficient due diligence, it becomes a reputational risk with long-lasting consequences. Provenance won't replace price as a factor. But as refurbished tech becomes a more serious commercial category, it's the question that will define which programs customers and regulators can trust – and which ones they can't.

The stakes are particularly high. A refurbished smartphone sold through a carrier's own channel bears that carrier's endorsement. When a device fails, the brand that sold it is the one the customer will hold accountable. This is where the race to the lowest price starts to introduce risk. When procurement treats margin as the only metric, questions about sourcing might go unasked. Devices move through opaque supply chains, change hands multiple times, and arrive with little documentation. And at the scale telcos operate, the exposure quickly compounds. There's a regulatory dimension here too. As sustainability reporting requirements tighten and scrutiny of supply chain

The question that defines the category

J ULY/AUG US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

PERSPEC TI VE

with rapport and confidence, on video as well as standard voice calls.”

The Top Headset Benefits Be heard clearly on both sides of the call. Noise-cancelling headsets enhance focus, improve communication, and support mental well-being Multi-task – wireless headsets provide the freedom to roam, such as to answer the door Work and play – headsets are versatile for music as well as calls, podcasts, webinars and presentations Choose hybrid ANC, where some background noise is transmitted, and lightweight designs for all-day comfort Robert says on ear designs with a dedicated boom provide optimized audio performance to ensure users come across clearly and always sound professional. The EPOS IMPACT 1000 is a powerhouse open office and work from home Bluetooth headset, whilst the IMPACT 400, a plugand-play device, is an ideal solution, especially for desk-centric professionals. When on the go or behind a desk, EPOS has a seamless solution.

• • •

Why A Headset Has Become An Essential Business Tool When Working From Home Investing in noise-cancelling headsets can significantly improve the work-from-home experience

‘M

illions of professionals can't live without them.’ That's the view of audio hardware manufacturer EPOS, who say noise cancelling headsets have become an essential business tool for home and hybrid workers, as well as those in offices. “For many, working from home is part of their weekly routine. Some are back in the office more, others work between the two, some always are at home,” explains Robert Moore, EPOS Sales Director, Americas. “What’s clear is how a noise-cancelling headset has proved imperative for millions of people to avoid distractions and boost their productivity, personal well-being, and day-long focus. They can’t live without them, and high-quality headsets are essential wherever work takes place.” EPOS has dedicated high-performance solutions for every scenario, including communication on the go, where the ADAPT E1 earbuds can be more comfortable for those wearing glasses,

rather than an on or over-ear headset, to fit every work and leisure use case, including listening to music. Robert highlighted: “WFH is generally an enjoyable and beneficial experience, but it can be very different from working in an office with lots of different distractions. It could be a dog barking, doorbell deliveries, a neighbour cutting their grass, or even a baby crying. “Many headsets not only block out background noise to aid concentration but also provide enhanced audio quality on both sides of the call, especially when compared to laptop speakers and mics. “People need to get their message across first time every time. Headsets offer more depth and dialogue to calls. Conversations are more engaging where participants are drawn in. People feel more like they are in a meeting together. “Audio is generally more important than video picture quality. Don’t underestimate that. It’s important to be totally engaged

Empower your brain with improved concentration EPOS headsets benefit from pioneering BrainAdapt technology that utilizes advanced algorithms and acoustics to reduce cognitive load and listening effort, improving speech recognition, focus, and communication. “In a noisy world, the brain burns massive amounts of energy just trying to filter out 'junk' sound to find the meaning. BrainAdapt is a suite of pioneering technologies designed to do the heavy lifting.” Robert added, “Vanity is crucial too. It’s important to look, sound, and feel good. Lightweight design and comfort are very important." “With reduced auditory strain, ANC headsets can support longer work hours without fatigue. Overall, investing in noise-cancelling headsets can significantly improve the work-fromhome experience, making it easier to stay productive and focused.”

J ULY/AUG US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT Pg.8

Pg . 10

Pg . 1 2

Intro

Methodology

Charts

T W IC E .CO M | JU LY / AU G US T 2 02 6

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

Appliance Growth Came At A Cost By Bob Tancula, Senex

he U.S. appliance industry delivered modest growth in 2025—but that growth came at a cost. At a time when housing activity remained constrained and consumer demand for big-ticket purchases was under pressure, appliance sales held up better than expected. On the surface, that suggests resilience. Underneath, it reflects a market that relied heavily on pricing, promotion, and product mix to sustain performance. Historically, appliance demand has been closely tied to housing turnover. When home sales decline, appliance demand typically follows. That relationship weakened over the past two years. Existing home sales remained near historically low levels, and affordability pressures continued to limit mobility. Under normal conditions, this environment would have resulted in a more pronounced decline in appliance unit demand. Instead, industry shipment data shows only modest unit declines over the 2022–2025 period, underscoring how demand has held up better than housing

trends alone would suggest. The primary reason is replacement demand. A large installed base of aging appliances, combined with the essential nature of many appliance purchases, has continued to drive baseline demand. Consumers may delay discretionary purchases, but they cannot indefinitely postpone replacing a failed refrigerator or washing machine. This dynamic provided a floor for the market—but it did not create growth. Revenue growth in 2025 was not the result of stronger unit demand. It was driven by pricing and product mix. Retailers and manufacturers leaned on higher average selling prices, a shift toward premium product offerings, and continued cost pass-through from prior inflationary periods. As a result, industry revenue trends have outpaced unit trends in recent years, reflecting a market where top-line growth has been supported more by price than by underlying demand. At the same time, the industry relied heavily on promotions to sustain volume.

Discounting, bundled offers, and extended financing were used to stimulate demand that was not naturally occurring in the market. These tools helped maintain unit sales levels, but they came at the expense of profitability. The result is a market where growth was achieved through a combination of pricing discipline on one side and promotional intensity on the other. This dynamic has created meaningful pressure on margins across the industry. Retailers have had to balance the need to drive volume with the need to maintain pricing. Manufacturers have faced similar challenges, navigating input costs while supporting retail partners in a competitive environment. In effect, the industry has traded margin for stability. The path forward for the appliance market remains tied to housing—but the timing of that recovery is uncertain. Until then, the current environment is likely to persist: steady but limited demand, continued promotional activity, and ongoing pressure on margins.

Research Shows Generations Consider Different Factors When Purchasing Household Appliances Pricing remains the most important factor for all generations

arket research firm YouGov has released a new report on what factors U.S. consumers consider when making large household appliance purchases. Findings suggest Americans may agree that price matters when buying a major appliance, but generations differ significantly in what gives them confidence to make a purchase. YouGov

finds that older generations value continued serve and support for their purchases, while younger shoppers pay more attention to aesthetics. Key findings from the report: Price is the top priority across every generation, with more than eight in ten Americans saying it is important when purchasing a major appliance. Brand importance rises sharply with

•

• •

•

age: 57% of Baby Boomers and 58% of the Silent Generation say brand matters, compared with 42% of Gen Z. Younger consumers are more likely to rely on reviews, with 49% of Gen Z and Millennials saying consumer reviews are important versus 40% of the Silent Generation. Older Americans place much greater value on retailer service and support.

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

Euhomy Launches Rock Plus And Rock Pro Smart Ice Makers New tabletop ice makers deliver crystal-clear square and sphere ice for home entertaining

u homy has announced the launch of two new smart ice makers: the Euhomy Rock Plus Square Ice Maker and the Euhomy Rock Pro Sphere Ice Maker. These new countertop appliances combine crystal-clear ice technology, smart controls, and portable designs for an at-home bar experience. The Euhomy Rock Plus Square Ice Maker produces large 2-inch crystal-clear square ice cubes designed to chill drinks efficiently while minimizing dilution. Ideal for whiskey, cocktails, iced coffee, and premium beverages, the compact countertop machine features dual icemaking modes that allow users to prioritize either speed or enhanced clarity depending on the occasion. Additional features include:

T W IC E .CO M | JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26

• Smart app scheduling and remote

operation Real-time color display with live system updates One-touch self-cleaning functionality Compact, portable design for home or outdoor entertaining The Euhomy Rock Pro Sphere Ice Maker elevates luxury home entertaining with perfectly round 2.5-inch crystal-clear ice spheres crafted for premium spirits and craft cocktails. Designed to reduce surface area and slow melting, the spheres rapidly chill beverages while preserving nuanced flavors.

• • •

Key features include: Crystal-clear 2.5-inch sphere ice Continuous cooling technology to keep

• •

"Combines crystal-clear ice technology, smart controls, and portable designs for an at-home bar experience." ice ready to serve Smart app scheduling and remote management Intuitive real-time color display 15-minute deep self-cleaning cycle Compact portable footprint The Euhomy Rock Plus Square Ice Maker and the Euhomy Rock Pro Sphere Ice Maker are available now for $399.99 and $499.99, respectively.

• • • •

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

Major appliance retailers must meet the following criteria to be considered for inclusion in the TWICE Top 50 Major Appliance Retailers Report:

• sell new products directly to consumers

• have brick-and-mortar retail • • •

Methodology The TWICE Top 50 Major Appliance Retailers Report ranks the leading domestic whitegoods dealers by consumer sales of major appliances for the prior calendar year

ales figures are based on information that was supplied by retailers responding to a survey by TWICE and its research partner Senex, a global industry research firm. Absent retailers’ input, estimates were developed using economic models related to household demand for major appliances on a local market level, including housing market data, average retail price points by product and other sources, plus industry sizing based on wholesale shipment

figures from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). All estimates were further refined and submissions vetted using public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), TWICE industry analyses, financial analysts’ reports, published data and other sources. Sales figures for the current year were then compared to prior year sales tallies and adjusted if necessary to more closely track industrywide revenue growth.

• •

stores or a significant online presence sell major appliances as one of their principal lines of business do not sell solely to the builder channel or to multi-family dwellings sell at least one of the following major appliance categories as defined by AHAM: washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwave ovens, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Sales are considered to be the revenue received for merchandise only, and which is sold solely through the retail channel. Senex, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is an industry research and analysis firm providing greater clarity into markets and opportunities for entities involved in product development, mergers and acquisitions, retailing and product design. Founded in 2016, principals at Senex have been creating the TWICE retail rankings since 2006. Their proprietary methodology and refined baseline render sales comparisons with reports issued prior to 2006 imprecise.

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MajApp Sales

2024 Total MajApp Sales

HIC

THE HOME DEPOT

$10,938

HIC

LOWE'S

EA/N

2025 Stores

2024 Stores

$11,004 -0.6%

2,035

2,025

$10,897

$10,580

3.0%

1,759

1,748

BEST BUY

$3,463

$3,823

-9.4%

886

891

EAF/N

P.C. RICHARD & SON

$1,040

$1,019

2.0%

WALMART

$1,005

$1,029

-2.3%

4,611

4,605

COSTCO

$808

$788

2.4%

629

614

EAF/N

NEBRASKA FURNITURE MART

$625

$598

4.5%

EA/M

ABT ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES

$458

$447

2.4%

HIC

MENARDS

$335

$331

1.2%

341

HIC

PACIFIC SALES KITCHEN & BATH CENTERS

$302

$295

2.4%

NR = Not ranked last year (1) All sales information, except for that supplied by publicly held companies that break out line-of-business sales for consumer electronics, is based on TWICE estimates. (2) Represents only stores carrying consumer electronics. (3) Most store type codes were developed jointly by TWICE and the Consumer Technology Association. CA = Catalog showrooms

CD/I = Consumer direct/Internet shopping CD/MO = Consumer direct/Mail order CD/TV = Consumer direct/TV shopping CS = Computer stores D/G = Drug/Grocery stores DS = Department stores EA/M = Electronics/Appliance stores/One-market EA/N = Electronics/Appliance stores/Multiregional EA/R = Electronics/Appliance stores/Regional EAF/N = Electronics/Appliance/Furniture stores EO/L = Electronics-only stores HF = Home-furnishings stores

Y/Y Growth

HIC = Home-improvement centers HO = Home-office stores MM = Mass merchants MS/CAM = Miscellaneous/Camera stores MS/ME/AO = Miscellaneous/Mobile electronics store/Auto only MS/MU = Miscellaneous/Music-Movie stores MS/PX = Miscellaneous/Military exchanges MS/TOY = Miscellaneous/Toy stores WC = Warehouse clubs © TWICE 2025

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MajApp Sales

2024 Total MajApp Sales

Y/Y Growth

2025 Stores

2024 Stores

EAF/N

BRANDSMART USA

$299

$305

-2.2%

CD/I

AMAZON.COM

$258

$262

-1.5%

EAF/N

ABC WAREHOUSE

$245

$240

2.1%

R.C. WILLEY HOME FURNISHINGS

$222

$220

1.2%

AO/L

ALBERT LEE APPLIANCE CO.

$211

$205

3.2%

EAF/N

BIG SANDY SUPERSTORE

$207

$188

10.1%

EA/R

GRAND APPLIANCE AND TV

$203

$190

6.8%

HIC

FERGUSON

$196

$187

4.6%

243

235

AO/L

HOMEWISE APPLIANCE

$170

$161

5.7%

AO/L

YALE APPLIANCE & LIGHTING

$162

$155

4.3%

T W IC E .CO M | JU LY / AU G US T 2 02 6

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MajApp Sales

2024 Total MajApp Sales

Y/Y Growth

2025 Stores

2024 Stores

TARGET

$155

$161

-3.8%

1,995

1,978

AO/L

WARNERS' STELLIAN APPLIANCE

$140

$142

-1.0%

EA/R

KARL'S TV & APPLIANCE

$135

$132

2.3%

AO/L

FAMOUS TATE

$128

$133

-3.2%

MS/PX

ARMY-AIR FORCE EXCHANGE

$128

$112

14.3%

120

AO/L

APPLIANCE FACTORY & MATTRESS KINGDOM

$113

$124

-8.8%

SAM'S CLUB

$108

$110

-2.3%

601

600

EA/R

QUEEN CITY AUDIO VIDEO & APPLIANCES

$99

$85

16.5%

AO/L

HAHN APPLIANCE

$96

0.5%

AO/L

WDC KITCHEN & BATH CENTER

$96

$94

2.1%

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MajApp Sales

2024 Total MajApp Sales

Y/Y Growth

2025 Stores

2024 Stores

EA/R

SPENCER'S TV & APPLIANCE

$92

$91

1.1%

AO/L

BRAY & SCARFF

$92

$91

1.8%

CD/I

AJ MADISON

$92

$89

3.4%

EA/R

ORVILLE'S HOME APPLIANCES

$84

$82

2.3%

EA/M

COUNTY TV & APPLIANCE

$74

$72

2.8%

AO/L

APPLIANCE DIRECT

$67

$68

-1.0%

EA/R

ELECTRONIC EXPRESS

$58

$57

2.3%

EA/R

JETSON TV & APPLIANCE CENTERS

$54

0.5%

AO/L

DON'S APPLIANCES

$53

$51

3.3%

AO/L

ATHERTON APPLIANCE AND KITCHENS

$45

$44

2.0%

T W IC E .CO M | JU LY / AU G US T 2 02 6

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MajApp Sales

2024 Total MajApp Sales

Y/Y Growth

2025 Stores

2024 Stores

MS/PX

NAVY EXCHANGE

$44

$30

46.5%

AO/L

TEXAS APPLIANCE AND BUILDERS' SUPPLY

$42

$39

6.0%

AO/L

EAST COAST APPLIANCE

$40

$39

2.4%

EA/R

COWBOY MALONEY'S

$39

1.0%

AO/L

UNIVERSITY ELECTRIC

$37

$38

-2.6%

CURACAO

$35

1.0%

EA/R

BEKINS

$27

$25

8.2%

AO/L

FRED'S APPLIANCE

$20

2.0%

AO/L

BAILLIO'S APPLIANCES

$18

$17

3.2%

COLDERS

$17

2.0%

Totals

$ 34,272

$ 34,211

0.2%

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

2026

Top 50 MA Store Retailers by Class 2025 Rank

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

% Total MA 2025

% Total MA 2024

Retailer

2025 Total MA Sales

2024 Total MA Sales

Total Appliance-only stores

$ 1,530

$ 1,515

4.5%

4.4%

Store Type

AO/L

Albert Lee Appliance Co.

$ 211

$ 205

0.6%

AO/L

Homewise Appliance

$ 170

$ 161

0.5%

AO/L

Yale Appliance & Lighting

$ 162

$ 155

0.5%

AO/L

Warners' Stellian Appliance

$ 140

$ 142

0.4%

AO/L

Famous Tate

$ 128

$ 133

0.4%

AO/L

Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom

$ 113

$ 124

0.3%

0.4%

AO/L

Hahn Appliance

$ 96

0.3%

AO/L

WDC Kitchen & Bath Center

$ 96

$ 94

0.3%

AO/L

Bray & Scarff

$ 92

$ 91

0.3%

AO/L

Appliance Direct

$ 67

$ 68

0.2%

AO/L

Don's Appliances

$ 53

$ 51

0.2%

0.1%

AO/L

Atherton Appliance and Kitchens

$ 45

$ 44

0.1%

AO/L

Texas Appliance and Builders' Supply

$ 42

$ 39

0.1%

AO/L

East Coast Appliance

$ 40

$ 39

0.1%

AO/L

University Electric

$ 37

$ 38

0.1%

AO/L

Fred's Appliance

$ 20

0.1%

AO/L

Baillio's Appliances

$ 18

$ 17

0.1%

0.0%

$ 350

1.0%

Total Consumer Direct 12

CD/I

Amazon.Com

$ 258

$ 262

0.8%

CD/I

AJ Madison

$ 92

$ 89

0.3%

Total Department Stores

$ 35

0.1%

$ 35

0.1%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/One Market

$ 532

$ 519

1.6%

1.5%

EA/M

Abt Electronics and Appliances

$ 458

$ 447

1.3%

EA/M

County TV & Appliance

$ 74

$ 72

0.2%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Multi-region

$ 3,463

$ 3,823

10.1%

11.2%

$ 3,463

$ 3,823

10.1%

11.2%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Regional

$ 791

$ 754

2.3%

2.2%

EA/R

Grand Appliance and TV

$ 203

$ 190

0.6%

EA/R

Karl's TV & Appliance

$ 135

$ 132

0.4%

EA/R

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances

$ 99

$ 85

0.3%

0.2%

EA/R

Spencer's TV & Appliance

$ 92

$ 91

0.3%

EA/N

Curacao

Best Buy

T W IC E .CO M | JU LY / AU G US T 2 02 6

2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

2025 Rank

Store Type

Retailer

2025 Total MA Sales

2024 Total MA Sales

% Total MA 2025

% Total MA 2024

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/ Regional CONTINUED. 34

EA/R

Orville's Home Appliances

$ 84

$ 82

0.2%

EA/R

Electronic Express

$ 58

$ 57

0.2%

EA/R

Jetson TV & Appliance Centers

$ 54

0.2%

EA/R

Cowboy Maloney's

$ 39

0.1%

EA/R

Bekins

$ 27

$ 25

0.1%

Total Electronics/Appliance/ Furniture stores/Multi-Regional

$ 2,415

$ 2,350

7.0%

6.9%

EAF/N

P.C. Richard & Son

$ 1,040

$ 1,019

3.0%

EAF/N

Nebraska Furniture Mart

$ 625

$ 598

1.8%

1.7%

EAF/N

BrandsMart USA

$ 299

$ 305

0.9%

EAF/N

ABC Warehouse

$ 245

$ 240

0.7%

EAF/N

Big Sandy Superstore

$ 207

$ 188

0.6%

0.5%

Total Home Furnishing

$ 239

$ 236

0.7%

R.C. Willey Home Furnishings

$ 222

$ 220

0.6%

Colders

$ 17

0.0%

$22,331

$22,488

64.9%

63.5%

Total Home Improvement Centers 1

HIC

The Home Depot

$ 10,938

$ 11,004

31.9%

32.2%

HIC

Lowe's

$ 10,897

$ 10,580

31.8%

30.9%

HIC

Menards

$ 335

$ 331

1.0%

HIC

Pacific Sales Kitchen & Bath Centers

$ 302

$ 295

0.9%

HIC

Ferguson

$ 196

$ 187

0.6%

0.5%

$ 1,160

$ 1,190

3.4%

3.5%

Total Mass Merchants 5

Walmart

$ 1,005

$ 1,029

2.9%

3.0%

Target

$ 155

$ 161

0.5%

$ 172

$ 142

0.5%

0.4%

Total Miscellaneous 25

MS/PX

Army-Air Force Exchange

$ 128

$ 112

0.4%

0.3%

MS/PX

Navy Exchange

$ 44

$ 30

0.1%

$ 915

$ 899

2.7%

2.6%

Total Warehouse Clubs 6

Costco

$ 808

$ 788

2.4%

2.3%

Sam's Club

$ 108

$ 110

0.3%

$ 34,272

$ 34,211

100.0%

Totals

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

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2026

TOP 50 MAJOR APPLIANCES RETAILERS REPORT

Sales by Store Type Store Type

2025 Total MA Sales (mil)

Total Home Improvement Centers

22,669

22,398

66.1%

65.5%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Multi-region

3,463

3,823

10.1%

11.2%

Total Electronics/Appliance/Furniture stores/Multi-Regional

2,415

2,350

7.0%

6.9%

Total Appliance-only stores

1,530

1,515

4.5%

4.4%

Total Mass Merchants

1,160

1,190

3.4%

3.5%

Total Warehouse Clubs

915

899

2.7%

2.6%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Regional

791

754

2.3%

2.2%

Total Consumer Direct

350

1.0%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/One Market

532

519

1.6%

1.5%

Total Home Furnishing

239

236

0.7%

Total Miscellaneous

172

142

0.5%

0.4%

Total Department Stores

0.1%

34,272

34,211

100.0%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Multi-region

3,463

3,823

10.1%

11.2%

Total Electronics/Appliance/Furniture stores/Multi-Regional

2,415

2,350

7.0%

6.9%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/Regional

791

754

2.3%

2.2%

Total Electronics/Appliance stores/One Market

532

519

1.6%

1.5%

7,201

7,446

21.0%

21.8%

Total Consumer Direct

350

1.0%

Total Department Stores

172

142

0.5%

0.4%

Total Miscellaneous

0.1%

Total All Others

557

528

1.6%

1.5%

Totals

Total Electronics/Appliance Stores

Sales by Outlet 2024 Total MA Sales

% Total MA 2025

% Total MA 2024

Total Home Improvement Centers

22,669

22,398

66.1%

65.5%

Total Electronics/ Appliance stores

7,201

7,446

21.0%

21.8%

Total Appliance-only stores

1,530

1,515

4.5%

4.4%

Total Mass Merchants

1,160

1,190

3.4%

3.5%

Total Warehouse Clubs

915

899

2.7%

2.6%

Total - All Others

557

528

1.6%

1.5%

Total Home Furnishing

239

236

0.7%

34,272

34,211

100.0%

Registry Totals

% Total MA 2025

% Total MA 2024

Sales by Rank

2025 Total MA Sales

Store Type

2024 Total MA Sales (mil)

2025 Total MA Sales

2024 Total MA Sales

% Total MA 2025

% Total MA 2024

1 to 5

27,343

27,455

79.8%

80.3%

6 to 10

2,528

2,460

7.4%

7.2%

11 to 25

2,859

2,792

8.3%

8.2%

26 to 50

1,541

1,505

4.5%

4.4%

34,272

34,211

100.0%

Store Type

Registry Totals

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

GETTY IMAGES

RETA IL

Retailers: Is It Time To Hit The ‘Panic Button’? Not metaphorically: As retail violence rises, wearable emergency alert ‘panic buttons’ are moving from niche security tools to a potential frontline safety standard for store employees By Stewart Wolpin

etail theft continues to rise, but so does something more concerning to retailers: violence. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2025 Impact of Retail Theft & Violence Report, nearly half of retailers surveyed reported increases in violence during a crime, including shoplifting, while 73% said shoplifters are exhibiting heightened aggression. For consumer electronics retailers, where high-value inventory and

"Panic buttons aren't just a high-end security feature...they're becoming a necessary safety baseline." 24

confrontational theft often intersect, the question is no longer whether incidents are increasing. It’s whether employees have the tools to respond when a potentially dangerous situation arises. One increasingly visible answer: the “panic button.”

From Optional to Expected What was once a niche safety device, often a hardwired button under a cash register or counter, is evolving into a broader category of wearable, wireless, and appconnected alert systems. And, according to vendors, demand is no longer theoretical. “Employees need better protection,” asserts Kenny Kelley, founder and CEO of Silent Beacon, a wearable panicbutton provider focused on small businesses. “Owners are sick of it.

Legislators are trying to pass this stuff to make people safer.” Kelley noted that Silent Beacon initially had to educate customers on why they needed such devices. Today, he reports, roughly 85% of the company’s business comes from small retail and service businesses, driven in part by postpandemic shifts in customer behavior and rising incidents of theft and confrontation. Other panic button vendors echo that shift. “Panic buttons aren’t just a high-end security feature – they’re becoming a necessary safety baseline,” observes Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Madison, WI-based Singlewire Software, an SaaS company that offers wearable alert badges and incident management systems. “In the consumer electronics sector, where high-value inventory

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

increases the risk of confrontation, panic buttons provide a critical, discreet link to emergency responders.”

Legislation and Risk Driving Adoption If retailer demand is rising, legislation is accelerating it – but unevenly. New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act, signed in 2024, requires retailers with 500 or more employees nationwide to deploy panic buttons in stores by January 1, 2027, along with workplace violence prevention plans and employee training. Washington state has taken a broader approach. Its isolated worker safety law, signed in April 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, requires employers in several industries, including retail, to provide panic buttons to employees who work alone or without immediate supervision. Both laws reflect a broader shift in how workplace safety is being addressed, one that originated in hospitality and has been reinforced by conditions in healthcare. “I believe the current legislation in states like Washington and New York is a spillover effect from the hospitality industry,” affirms Joacim Westlund Prändel, CEO of Shortcut Labs and Flic Button, which has expanded beyond its programmable consumer buttons to B2B panic button systems. Hotel unions, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago, successfully pushed for mandatory panic buttons for housekeepers working alone in guest rooms to combat harassment and assault. Legislators are now applying that model to retail, where employees often face similar risks. At the same time, healthcare has been a parallel driver of panic-button adoption. Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace violence of any profession, prompting widespread deployment of wearable alert systems in hospitals and care facilities as part of broader violence-prevention programs. In retail, the risk profile is different but increasingly volatile. Employees who work alone or without immediate support face an increasingly volatile mix of theft-related violence and customer confrontations. The NRF report

T W IC E .CO M | JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26

found that incidents involving threats or acts of violence during theft rose 17% year over year, with weapon-related incidents increasing 16%. “We’re seeing a rapid shift in state-level legislation around retail worker safety, with panic buttons becoming a central requirement,” states Chris Andry, founder of WSPER. The legislative shift, Andry added, mirrors earlier workplace regulations, suggesting panic-button mandates could spread more broadly over time.

mounted under counters or at registers, limiting their usefulness to specific locations. Newer systems are increasingly wearable – lanyards, badges, or pocketsized devices – allowing employees to trigger alerts anywhere in a store. This fixed-to-mobile shift also affects how devices connect. Some systems rely on a paired smartphone. Silent Beacon’s wearable device connects via Bluetooth to a phone, which then places a 911 call and sends GPSenabled alerts to designated contacts.

What Panic Buttons Add

2. Integration vs. Standalone Systems Basic panic buttons send alerts. More advanced integrated systems provide context. “A traditional panic button is a ‘dumb’ sensor – it tells you something is wrong, but not what is wrong,” explicates Chris Wolski, VP of product marketing at Solink. “By pairing panic buttons with video footage, staff can assess the situation and dispatch help where it’s needed most.”

Retailers have long relied on surveillance cameras, alarms, and security personnel. But those tools don’t always help employees in the moment. Retailers are increasingly restricting employee interaction with suspected shoplifters due to rising aggression and the risk of injury or legal liability, the NRF report found, with many companies limiting who is authorized to intervene. That leaves frontline employees exposed, especially in smaller stores without dedicated security staff. “Employees are often told not to engage,” explains Silen Beacon’s Kelley. “So now the question becomes: how do you get help without escalating the situation?” Modern panic devices fill that gap, extending security to individual employees.

What Retailers Should Look For For small to mid-size consumer electronics retailers, panic-button systems now range from simple Bluetooth devices to fully integrated, LTE-connected platforms, all surprisingly affordable. Consumer electronics retailers have one panic button system advantage over other retailers: staffers are likely more tech savvy, flattening the learning curve. 1. From Fixed to Mobile: How Panic Buttons Are Evolving The biggest change in panic-button technology is its move from fixed, locationbased systems, to mobile, employeecentered devices. Traditional panic buttons were often

3. Cost and Scalability For smaller retailers, cost remains a key factor, but these systems are increasingly price accessible. For instance, entry-level devices such as Flic’s wireless buttons start at roughly $20 per unit with no required long-term contracts. Silent Beacon’s wearable device retails for about $59.99, with optional subscription tiers for expanded functionality. Panic button solutions are available along a wide pricing spectrum that allows even smaller retailers to deploy basic panic button protection while scaling to more advanced systems as needed. 4. Speed and Simplicity In an emergency, simplicity matters. “In emergencies, fine motor skills deteriorate,” one industry analysis notes, underscoring the need for single-button activation and minimal setup. Modern panic button systems emphasize: one-press activation no passwords instant alerts

• • •

A PPLI A NCE S

Sharp Reinvents Premium Home Appliances For Today’s Market “In Step With Your Future” with practical innovation that meets real consumer needs today By Tony Monteleone

TONY MONTELEONE

WICE recently had the honor of meeting with Grace Dolan, President of Sharp Home Electronics Company of America, and Richard Simone, Vice President of Product & Brand Marketing, to discuss the company’s strategic direction, product innovations, and vision for the future. With the retirement of longtime executive Jim Sanduski at the end of March, the company is not just reflecting on its century-long history—it’s positioning itself for the next phase of growth in U.S. consumer electronics and home appliances. With a renewed focus on innovation, service, and market-responsive product design, Sharp is aiming to strengthen its relationships with retailers, distributors, and manufacturers while delivering solutions that meet evolving consumer expectations.

Today, Sharp operates in two primary segments in the U.S.: home appliances and home entertainment. The company proudly maintains the distinction of being the only Japanese brand in the U.S. with a full kitchen appliance portfolio, and many of these innovations are developed locally. A flagship example is the microwave drawer oven, conceived by Memphis-based product developer Harry Hessen. Hessen challenged designers to make the microwave “disappear,” transforming it from a utilitarian device into an aspirational kitchen centerpiece. The microwave drawer demonstrates how locally driven innovation can generate strong consumer adoption and provide retailers with differentiated, highmargin products. Sharp’s product strategy emphasizes premium features, small-space solutions, and universal design—trends that are

reshaping the appliance market. Homes in the U.S. are averaging nearly 300 square feet smaller than a decade ago, and consumers increasingly seek compact, efficient appliances that do not compromise on quality, functionality, or design. Aging populations also demand accessibility and intuitive design, making universal design features a key selling point for multi-generational households. During our meeting, Grace Dolan and Richard Simone highlighted that Sharp designs appliances to meet these needs while maintaining style, performance, and ease of service—creating opportunities for retailers and distributors to market functional, differentiated products. Sharp’s 2026 product lineup illustrates this strategy. For example, microwave drawers now come in black and white finishes alongside stainless steel, feature hands-free “easy wave” operation, and meet ADA compliance standards. Countertop microwaves combine convection with air fry capabilities and a flatbed cavity, accommodating larger pans and easy cleaning with inverter technology for even cooking. Sharp’s market positioning complements its product portfolio. With a new tagline, “In Step With Your Future,” alongside the longstanding “Simply Better Living” mantra, the company highlights practical innovation that meets real consumer needs today. For retailers and distributors, this communicates a clear value proposition: functional, high-quality, and reliable appliances that simplify daily living while supporting attractive margins and repeat business through service and loyalty.

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

HOME AUDIO

Bose Reboots Speakers, Soundbars New Lifestyle Collection marks premium audio company’s return to wireless whole home, home audio, and home theater with ‘evolved’ Direct/Reflecting tech By Stewart Wolpin

fter largely inactive for years from key home audio categories, Bose is making a deliberate return with its new Lifestyle Collection, its first new compact powered speaker since 2019 and its first major soundbar redesign in more than a decade. The move marks what company executives describe as both a reset and a recommitment to core home audio products. “We take our time anytime we approach kind of a reset in the business,” admitted Craig Jackson, Bose product manager, “to make sure we’re delivering the right experience for the customer. And that takes time.” The new Bose lineup includes the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker (black or white smoke, $299, or Driftwood Sand, $349), the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar (black or white smoke, $1,099), and the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer ($899), all designed to work individually or as part of a broader multiroom or home theater system. According to the company, Bose is likely to sell the soundbar and subwoofer both separately or together and bundle the soundbar, subwoofer, and Ultra Speakers in full 7.1.4 home theater packages. In addition to its aural and aesthetic attributes, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker also is the first third-party conversational Alexa Plus smart speaker to be available.

Bose Modernizes Its Past The new Lifestyle products are not just a return to home audio, but a technological callback. Bose is explicitly drawing a line back to its original Direct/Reflecting speaker designs, most famously embodied in its 901 speakers, products known as much for their expansive soundstage as for

T W IC E .CO M | J U LY / AUG UST 2 02 6

TWI758.Home_AudioNEW.indd 27

their notoriously finicky placement requirements. Jackson described the new Lifestyle speakers as “an inspiration and evolution” of that approach, mostly through the addition of height reflection. “What we’re doing is using reflections from the ceiling to get the benefit of the room, to give you more ambience,” he explained. “It’s not doing exactly what a 901 would do, but it’s the inspiration of what Dr. Bose built.” For those who remember it, Bose appears to have addressed one of the 901’s biggest drawbacks. “The placement of it is not nearly as specific as the original,” Jackson insisted. “It doesn’t need to be used in this exact way against a boundary.”

Soundbar Gets First Major overhaul In 10 years On the home theater side, the Lifestyle

Ultra Soundbar represents Bose’s first major redesign in over a decade. The Ultra Soundbar includes a new acoustic architecture built around nine transducers, including up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos and proprietary PhaseGuide radiators to widen the soundstage.

A Strategic Reset For Bose Taken together, the Lifestyle Collection reflects a broader shift for Bose: a return to core categories with updated technology, modern connectivity, and a clearer focus on user experience. “With the Lifestyle Collection, we wanted every detail to serve a singular purpose: making exceptional sound easy to enjoy,” stressed Raza Haider, president of premium consumer audio at Bose. “The flexibility, refined aesthetic are delivering on the one central promise that has defined Bose for decades: that sound matters.

13/07/2026 17:41:46

HOME AUDIO

Sony Launches ‘Collexion’ Luxury Headphones New flagship model marks the 10th anniversary of Sony’s 1000X series with upgraded materials, enhanced audio processing By Stewart Wolpin

ony is further upscaling its flagship headphone strategy with the introduction of its 1000X “The Collexion,” a new premium wireless noisecanceling headphone positioned above the company’s already high-end WH-1000XM6 released last year. The new headphone, which Sony said was developed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its 1000X headphone and earbud series, is designed to complement rather than replace the WH-1000XM6, which remains in the lineup as Sony’s top active noise-canceling-focused model. The Collexion retails for $649.99 in Platinum, Silver, and Black finishes. “We wanted to realize not only great noise canceling [and] great sound quality, but also premium look and feel with this model,” explained Shimo Hiroaki, Sony North America’s product marketing lead for personal entertainment. “With the normal 1000X series, we are targeting people who pursue the best functional value – long battery life, great for travel, and the best noise canceling. But for Collexion, we want to prioritize more emotional value and target people who prioritize premium look and feel or luxury design.”

Luxury Fit & Feel While the Collexion shares Sony’s QN3 noise-canceling processor, 12-microphone array, adaptive ANC optimization, AI beamforming microphones, and overall active noise-canceling architecture with the WH-1000XM6, Sony said the new model emphasizes upgraded materials, comfort, and sound quality improvements over outright ANC supremacy. “M6 is still the best noise canceling, even after Collexion,” Hiroaki boasted. “But Collexion noise-canceling performance is

TWI758.Home_AudioNEW.indd 28

very close to M6, still [at the] highest level in this industry.” The most visible Collexion changes center on industrial design. Collexion replaces most visible exterior plastic with metal and vegan leather materials, including the earcups, headband structure, buttons, USB-C port trim, and audio-jack surround. Sony also redesigned the headphone structure for improved comfort, widening and thickening the headband while simultaneously reducing earcup thickness by roughly 5 mm compared to the WH-1000XM6. Sony enlarged the internal ear volume through structural redesign and human-ear analysis to maintain long-term wear comfort despite the slimmer profile, added removable and replaceable earpads that can be detached without tools, and included clearer left/ right earcup markings. However, unlike the WH-1000XM6, the Collexion headphone is not foldable, instead including swivel earcups, so

the headphones lie flat inside the carrying case.

Audio Enhancements Collexion also introduces several audio enhancements over the XM6, including a new unidirectional carbon-fiber driver, upgraded circuitry with thicker copper foil layers, and Sony’s new V3 integrated processor for digital audio processing. Sony’s V3 chip enables the company’s new DSEE Ultimate processing, which uses AI for both frequency-range and bit-depth upscaling of compressed music files. The Collexion also becomes Sony’s first headphone to expand its spatial upmixing modes beyond cinema audio into dedicated music and gaming modes. “Collexion is our first headphone to implement this Ultimate grade because this function requires very high calculation power,” Hiroaki elucidated. “Thanks to this processor, we finally introduced this Ultimate [technology] to the headphone category.”

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

13/07/2026 17:41:47

HOME AUDIO

MIXX Launches Analog Plus Turntable System With Built-In CD Player Dirac Live Active Room Treatment Featured In miniDSP’s Tide16 Multi-Channel Processor 16-channel processor features Dirac’s full suite of room optimization technologies

everal of Dirac’s audio technologies are featured in miniDSP’s new Tide16 16-channel multi-channel processor, the company has announced. Dirac says that Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART), Dirac Live Room Correction, and Dirac Live Bass Control are included in the processor. The company says that the Tide16 is designed for audiophiles, integrators, and system designers seeking precision and flexibility in high-performance playback environments. Introduced in 2023, Dirac Live ART is the latest innovation in Dirac’s room optimization suite. By transforming every speaker in the system into a cooperative acoustic control network, Dirac Live ART manages low-frequency resonances to deliver cleaner, tighter, and more balanced bass across the entire listening area. The Tide16 combines advanced connectivity with the full Dirac Live suite to serve as a powerful hub for both stereo and multichannel systems. With up to 16 configurable output channels, Tide16 supports setups such as 9.1.6 and beyond, enabling seamless integration for home

T W IC E .CO M | J U LY / AUG UST 2 02 6

TWI758.Home_AudioNEW.indd 29

theaters, immersive audio systems, and professional listening spaces. Key connectivity includes HDMI, Toslink, USB Audio, and balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo analog inputs, along with 16 balanced XLR outputs. Wireless audio is available via Bluetooth. A calibrated microphone is sold separately. Powered by Dirac’s patented MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, Dirac Live ART delivers performance benefits traditionally associated with extensive physical treatment, helping reduce decay times and smooth low-frequency response across seats. . Also included are Dirac Live Room Correction, which optimizes magnitude and phase response to overcome the limitations of traditional EQ, and Dirac Live Bass Control, which applies machine learning to co-optimize subwoofers and speakers for consistent low-end performance. The miniDSP Tide16 ships with a Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment license already included.

MIXX has introduced the Analog Plus, a new all-in-one music system that combines a fully automatic turntable and an integrated CD player in a single unit. Available in black or white, the Analog Plus is designed for consumers who continue to enjoy physical media formats, pairing vinyl playback with CD functionality while adding wireless connectivity options. According to MIXX, the product is the first turntable system to feature a CD player built directly into the turntable chassis. The Analog Plus is available now through Amazon and Sam’s Club for $329 and is expected to arrive soon at Best Buy, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Target. “The Analog Plus is the first system of its kind to integrate a CD player directly into the turntable,” said Prash Vadgama, CEO of MIXX Audio. “We wanted to create something truly distinctive, a product that celebrates the heritage of analogue music while embracing modern convenience.” Drawing inspiration from 1980s hi-fi components, the system features rotary controls, a compact footprint, and a wood plinth paired with a metal control panel and is equipped with an AudioTechnica AT3600L moving-magnet cartridge and a diamond stylus. The integrated CD player includes a display showing track information and playback time, along with onboard controls for play, pause, repeat, skip, and stop functions.

13/07/2026 17:41:47

INDUS TRY

ProSource 2026 Spring Conference New Vendor Roundtable By Tony Monteleone

t the 2026 ProSource Spring Conference, we sat down with some of the organization’s newest vendor members for a conversation about growth, partnership, and the evolving opportunities within the custom integration channel. As one of the industry’s leading specialty and consumer electronics merchandising groups, ProSource brings together more than 550 independent retailers and custom integrators, creating a collaborative environment designed to strengthen relationships, accelerate business development, and drive innovation across the market. Joining this roundtable are Rick Albuck, Chief Growth Officer, SureBright; Rodrigo Arrambide, General Manager Americas, Devialet; Jason Bochner, Director of Industry Relations, Lincoln Tech; Dave Chace, Founder, Cogent360; Jeff Costello, General Manager, Loewe Technology North America; Rob Doherty, Director of Business Development, Lucetta; Nick Dolansky, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Skykit; George Hughes, Business Development Manager. Foresight Sports; Skyler Meek, CMO, Just Video Walls; Tabi Quick, National Manager of CI, DRAPER; Chris Smith, Principal, TheCoTeam; and Jason Thompson, Owner, Jet Living Products. As recent additions to the ProSource vendor community, each brings a unique perspective on what drew them to the organization, the value of engaging with its membership, and how these new partnerships are helping shape their strategy and growth in the year ahead. This discussion explores their early experiences with ProSource, the opportunities they see in the custom integration space, and how collaboration continues to play a critical role in building stronger connections across the industry.

TWICE: What were your company’s primary goals in attending this year’s ProSource Vendor Show, and how successful were you in achieving them? Rick Albuck (RiA): Our main goal was simple- listen. We wanted to sit across from integrators to understand their big challenges when it comes to postinstallation support and delighting their customers. We’ve been working with ProSource since last year and it has been absolutely great. The Vendor Show definitely was the cherry on the cake, enabling high quality face-to-face conversations. We also got to sit with several of our existing customers and gather valuable feedback from them. By the end of the conference, we had a much sharper picture of where dealers are losing time and margin on warrantyrelated issues, and several conversations are already turning into active rollouts. Rodrigo Arrambide (RoA): Meeting new vendors, spending time with our existing ones and solidifying our positioning amongst the members who want to offer

their customers a true luxury experience without compromising on looks or sound quality. We successfully achieved our objectives at this show. Jason Bochner (JB): Lincoln Tech’s primary goal at the event was to build brand awareness and connect directly with ProSource members. Many business owners in the low-voltage space haven’t traditionally partnered with trade schools, so this was an opportunity to introduce a new approach to talent development—one where graduates are already trained, invested in their careers, and able to contribute from day one. Based on the level of interest and conversations we had, we were very successful in achieving that goal. Dave Chace (DC): Our primary goal was to introduce SmartShowroom360 to the ProSource community and give dealers a clear sense of how it can transform the way they present and sell their solutions. The response truly exceeded expectations. There was strong, consistent interest throughout the event, and we’ve

JULY/AU G US T 2 0 26 | T W IC E .CO M

INDUS TRY

already seen several dealers move forward with their own showroom—so it quickly turned into meaningful momentum. Jeff Costello (JC): Our primary goal was to introduce ProSource members to Loewe Technology, our German heritage, our commitment to craftsmanship and the differentiated luxury experience our products offer high-end integrators and retailers. We wanted dealers to understand that Loewe isn’t just another display brand – it’s a conversation starter that elevates their client relationships. The event exceeded our expectations and proved to be a great platform to showcase what Loewe brings to the luxury CI channel. Rob Doherty (RD): Our primary goal was to maximize face-to-face time with the ProSource member integrators. We wanted to learn about their businesses, and how linear lighting fits into their current offering, and how our companies can align to deliver exceptional lighting experiences. For those who are new to linear, we introduced multiple solutions— ranging from Ultra Performance to High Performance to Performance—and explained how they fit into specific applications. We appreciated all those members who visited our booth during scheduled meeting times. It was a successful show for us. Nick Dolansky (ND): We wanted to offer a great solution to ProSource members to give their end customers an easy to use digital signage solution that would also open up recurring revenue options on their commercial installs. We had some great conversations and consider the show a success! George Hughes (GH): Continue to build our presence within the ProSource membership and show them how they can recognize revenue by selling our golf simulation technology. We were booked throughout the conference and spoke to over 30 members’ total. It was really valuable exposure for us. Skyler Meek (SM): Our main goal going into ProSource was to spend real time with dealers to strengthen relationships and understand where they’re trying to take their businesses next. We wanted to support that by showing how we’ve structured Just Video Walls and Lunar

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Walls completely around making them successful. Overall, it was a big success. The conversations felt focused, relevant, and very dealer driven. Tabi Quick (TQ): Since Draper recently joined ProSource, we were genuinely excited to showcase our products at our first ProSource Show. Our goal was to meet dealer members face to face and help them understand how the Draper line can support their day to day business. We feel we achieved this—dealers were receptive to learn more about who we are today and what we bring to the table. Chris Smith (CS): Our goals were to: 1) meet with new dealer members, 2) engage with them in a meaningful way, 3) provide enough value in our offerings, and 4) have members click into our calendars to book a follow-up meeting. We had 39 engaged meetings and already have 6 booked follow-ups all within the same week! I would say our expectations have been met. Jason Thompson (JT): As a new vendor we needed to meet members to begin discussing how we could service them and help them grow into new categories. It felt successful as we have been working with members since the conference. TWICE: How would you describe the level of engagement with ProSource members at the event, and did any new opportunities or partnerships emerge from those conversations? RiA: Honestly, better than we expected for a first-time vendor. Merchants weren’t just stopping by- they were pulling up chairs and walking us through real scenarios. A lot of conversations started around the basics- how our AI-powered warranty platform works, how quickly it integrates, what the revenue share looks like. Several vendors also seemed delighted about Whole System Warranties as they provide meaningful value for custom installations. The idea that one protection plan could cover an entire installationdisplays, automation, networking, all of it- clearly hit a nerve. RoA: Level of engagement was high and people were very curious. It is always nice to see our peers bring innovation and fresh ideas to the industry.

Vanco Owner And CEO Brad Corbin Has Passed Away Vanco International owner Brad Corbin has passed away at the age of 78. Brad studied engineering at Georgia Tech and joined Vanco as President in 1999, and acquired the company in 2007, where he spearheaded its transition from a regional distributor to a trusted global provider of professional audiovisual equipment. In 2018, Brad passed day-to-day leadership of Vanco to his son, Mark Corbin. He remained actively involved in the company as CEO until his passing. “My father’s commitment to the audiovisual industry was lifelong. He built the culture of service, innovation, and ambition that drives Vanco today,” said Mark Corbin, President of Vanco International. “He was a model leader at Vanco and an even better father and grandfather. I will always be grateful for the legacy he built.” Vanco’s origins lie in delivering audio, video, and electronic accessories directly by van to midwestern dealers and distributors. Brad embraced this commitment to personal service, as well as a genuine passion for audiovisual technology and experiences. Brad loved fishing and golfing near his home on Amelia Island, FL, as well as spending time with his family. He reveled in being a grandfather and will be remembered for his sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, and expansive heart. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Corbin; his son Matthew Corbin and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Corbin; and son Mark Corbin, daughter-in-law Lindsey Corbin, and grandchildren Chloe, Ava, and Hayden Corbin. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

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JB: Engagement was extremely strong. Many members were unfamiliar with Lincoln Tech and the scope of what we offer, so the event provided a valuable platform to share our story. The response was very positive, with strong interest in developing a reliable entry-level talent pipeline. Several conversations opened the door to new partnerships and ongoing discussions. DC: The level of engagement was outstanding. We had a steady flow of dealers at the booth, and more importantly, the conversations were thoughtful and highly relevant to their day-to-day challenges. Many immediately recognized how this could help them better communicate their value—especially with clients who don’t fully understand what an integrator actually delivers. Those discussions have already led to new relationships and promising opportunities. JC: The level of engagement and the quality of the conversations were exceptional. We had a full schedule of meetings and saw significant traffic from members who sought us out through word-of-mouth. Our suite remained busy throughout the event, and the conversations generated several promising new dealer opportunities and partnerships. RD: Member integrators showed high engagement regarding our people, company, and products. We also enjoyed engaging with other vendors to discuss sales approaches and strategies that deliver value to the integrators. ND: The ProSource members took meetings seriously and showed up for their scheduled time. We have multiple members that have already engaged with our team to get a demo scheduled for theri sales teams as well as new opportunities on existing projects. GH: We’ve been doing this for just over a year now and it was really powerful to see members we have worked with over the last 12 months share their experiences with other members who are just looking to make the jump and begin selling our technology to their clients. As much as we make the effort to support the ProSource membership, our biggest advocates will

always be the members themselves and those who are seeing great success with our program. SM: Engagement was strong across the board. What stood out most was how dialed-in the dealers were. Many came in with real projects, real challenges, and a clear vision for the kind of experiences they want to deliver to their clients. That led to some great back-and-forth and a number of new opportunities that are already taking shape. TQ: Dealer engagement was excellent. Members were highly interested in our offerings—especially in the shade category—and many conversations pointed to significant opportunities for Draper to help dealers expand and succeed in this space. We clearly see strong potential for new partnerships and continued growth with ProSource members. CS: The level of engagement was extremely high. Booked appointments showed up on schedule (with rare exceptions). Attendees were truly focused and did not seem to be there out of obligation. Attendees were not “watching the clock”. We had two people managing our booth and they were both engaged when the expo floor was open. JT: As of today, we have created several new relationships with established member companies and are continuing to speak with the more companies we met.. TWICE: Were there any key themes, dealer insights, or market trends that stood out during the show that may influence your strategy moving forward? RiA: Two themes kept coming up. First, competition in the custom integration space is intensifying, and the differentiation isn’t really about the best linecard- it’s about offering a differentiated experience. What we heard again and again was that the dealers who are winning are the ones creating an ongoing relationship with the client, not just completing a one-time project. Second, there’s a growing awareness that when something fails in a connected system, the homeowner doesn’t call the manufacturer- they call their integrator. They already trust and respect the

July/August 2026 • Volume 41 • Issue 6 www.twice.com CONTENT Senior Editor Grant Morgan, grant.morgan@futurenet.com Art Editors Matt Lochrie and Rosie Webber Production Manager Nicole Schilling ADVERTISING SALES Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to www.twice.com and click on About Us, email futureplc@ computerfulfillment.com, call 888-266-5828, or write P.O. Box 254, Lowell, MA 01853. LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS Twice is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities. Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw, licensing@futurenet.com MANAGEMENT SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Darman-Allen VP, Market Lead Carmel King MD, Content, AV Anthony Savona VP, Global Head of Sales, B2B Dena Malouf Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban FUTURE US, INC. 130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036

All contents © 2026 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/ all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions. Please Recycle. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.

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installer’s expertise. This further reinforced our reading- whole-system coverage is no longer a nice-to-have- it’s increasingly what the market’s looking for. RoA: Economic instability is causing many people to hold back on leisure purchases which is shaping how the industry moves. In our premium/luxury segment, we still see significant growth and opportunity to double down. JB: We heard consistent feedback around increased demand for lighting and shading solutions, as well as growing interest in emerging technologies like Savant Power System battery solutions and smart breaker panels. These insights are valuable and will be taken into consideration as we evaluate opportunities to evolve and expand our curriculum. DC: especially high-net-worth homeowners—to fully explore what’s possible. Most meetings are brief, and getting clients into a showroom for a deeper dive isn’t always practical. What really resonated was the ability to share a simple link to a branded SmartShowroom360 experience, allowing clients to explore on their own time. Dealers immediately saw this as a way to extend the conversation beyond the meeting and provide a much clearer understanding—without requiring additional in-person time. We also noticed strong trend around golf simulators. The popularity of these systems seems to be steadily rising. One dealer mentioned they’re installing 5-7 per month, which is amazing. We’ll be making a point to add golf simulators as a new product category within SmartShowroom360 as soon as possible. JC: Absolutely. A clear theme among ProSource dealers is the desire to provide clients with a best-in-class, differentiated experience. The luxury segment continues to thrive, and those clients value brands that deliver exceptional design, craftsmanship, and overall experience. Showing partners how Loewe helps elevate their offering in the luxury category was a major highlight for us. RD: Linear is no longer specified only for accent lighting applications. There is also an increase in task and ambient lighting applications.

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ND: Focusing on the fact that our team will offload all the training, onboarding, and support was a huge upside for dealers. Partner that with the fact they will get recurring revenue on the software license, the members really liked the solution. We will make sure we have a better story to explain the “what›s in it for you” roadmap. SM: A big theme we saw was dealers pushing to elevate the experience for their clients while also protecting their time and margins. There’s a clear desire for a high-end and impactful large format display, but it has to be practical to implement and supported by great partners. Dealers are looking someone who can help them deliver at a high level without adding friction and full commitment to the category. TQ: A key theme was how important lighting and shading have become for dealers and their clients. Conversations reinforced that dealers are looking for solutions that help them be more profitable and confidently close more jobs. Our industry leading lead times and strong support structure align well with those needs, and those insights will continue to shape our strategy going forward. CS: We know hiring is a key issue for every company within ProSource (of any size, in any market). It is time consuming, not their favorite activity, and many would say they are not great at it (lack the process and training). We will continue to help with education, best practices, and providing a high-value, low-cost solution to the hiring problem. JT: This is still a work in progress as we create and build on new relationships and learn the best direction necessary to be successful in the CI channel and ProSource Group. Overall, the conversations at the 2026 ProSource Vendor Show reflected a community focused not simply on products, but on partnerships, profitability, and creating more meaningful customer experiences. As these relationships continue to develop, this momentum underscores the value of bringing innovative voices and fresh perspectives into the ProSource community.

Protection Plans Expands Carrier Reach Through ACG Partnership By Grant Morgan

Allstate Protection Plans (APP) is expanding deeper into the wireless and consumer electronics channel through a new partnership with the Associated Carrier Group (ACG), a consortium representing dozens of regional and independent mobile carriers across the United States. The agreement gives ACG members access to Allstate’s protection plan infrastructure, including device protection, claims support, repair and replacement services, and customer service programs aimed at mobile carriers and resellers. The partnership reflects a broader trend in the wireless industry, where smaller carriers are looking for ways to compete beyond pricing and coverage maps. The timing of the ACG partnership comes as carriers and retailers continue searching for new service-based revenue streams amid slowing smartphone sales growth. Protection plans, trade-in programs, and technical support services have become increasingly important attachment categories for wireless providers trying to improve margins without raising service costs. “Back in 2010, the most expensive phone on the market was maybe $400. Now phones cost upwards of $1,200,” Roger Brown, VP, Mobile Growth Strategy, North America, APP, told TWICE in an interview. “When 25% of the U.S. population is living paycheck to paycheck, and another 25% is one paycheck away, and something goes wrong with that phone, it's a different kind of financial event.”

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Coastal Source Introduces Design Studio

oastal Source has introduced Design Studio, a new platform that enables dealers to create customized outdoor audio and lighting plans with greater clarity, speed, and confidence. As outdoor living spaces continue to evolve into fully integrated extensions of the home, dealers are increasingly expected to communicate complex lighting and audio concepts earlier and more visually throughout the sales process. Design Studio streamlines that experience by offering a single, intuitive platform that helps dealers present ideas more effectively and accelerate project approvals. Built around decades of real-world outdoor project experience, Design Studio reflects the same practical design philosophy that has shaped Coastal Source outdoor audio and lighting solutions from the beginning. The redesigned workflow enables dealers to work more interactively onsite with homeowners, helping transform ideas into clear, compelling proposals while accelerating project decision-making. Design Studio combines intelligent planning tools, conceptual design services, real-time consultations, and immersive 3D visualizations into an interactive platform that helps dealers communicate concepts more clearly and efficiently. Active Coastal Source dealers will receive one complimentary premium Design Studio project package at launch, complete with 3D visualizations, engineering support, and detailed technical documentation.

Audio Advice Expands Into Las Vegas Market Industry veteran Chris Oram named general manager

udio Advice is expanding into “Chris is an exceptional leader the Western U.S. with a new with deep industry expertise and Las Vegas location focused on a proven track record of building smart home, luxury audio, and home high-performing teams and theater installations. delivering outstanding customer The company said industry veteran Chris Oram experiences. His passion for Chris Oram has been named general innovation, operational excellence, manager and will oversee the launch and and commitment to the client journey growth of the new operation. The Las make him the ideal person to lead our Vegas team will initially serve customers expansion into Las Vegas,” said Jonathan from a facility located at 750 Pilot Rd., Las Stephens, chief revenue officer at Audio Vegas, Nev., while the company develops a Advice. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris larger showroom experience. to Audio Advice as we continue building Audio Advice said its showroom format world-class experiences for customers is designed to give consumers hands-on nationwide.” demonstrations across categories, Oram previously served as an executive including smart home systems, lighting at Eagle Sentry and said he has followed control, motorized shades, premium audio Audio Advice’s growth and customer products, and dedicated home theaters. engagement strategy for years.

Stephen Baker, Lenbrook Americas Leader, Retires Celebrates a 49-year career in the HiFi industry

enbrook Americas, the North American distribution subsidiary for The Lenbrook Group, has announced the retirement of Stephen Baker. Baker served for a remarkable 49 years in the hi-fi industry, supplying NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound, and DALI Loudspeakers to U.S., Canadian, and Latin American markets, with nearly nine years spent as Senior Director of Sales for Lenbrook Americas. Baker got his start in the hi-fi industry in the mid1970’s, managing several New York area locations of Tech Hi Fi before he took

on a factory role with pioneering audio brand, Advent Corporation. He cared deeply about the consumer electronics business, leading him to become an active and enthusiastic member of industry associations like PARA and the Consumer Technology Association, where he served on various boards and committees, including terms on CTA’s Board of Industry Leaders and as Audio Division Chair. ” Baker’s passion for the industry will keep one of his feet still in the game as he transitions now to taking on limited scope special initiatives for Lenbrook.

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