Co-op group: Apple resellers growing big

Dedicated Apple resellers experienced a substantial growth during 2007, suggests an annual survey conducted by the Apple Specialist Marketing Co-Op. The group polled 35 "key" dealers and service providers, in both the US and Canada. "Our survey results," notes ASMC president Richard Haddock, "show that Apple Specialists grew their Apple sales business more than 20 percent in 2007." The survey further breaks figures down by saying that while over 60 percent of resellers grew sales over 20 percent, another 30 percent of vendors surpassed the 30 percent growth level. Only 5 percent of those polled did not experience any increase.

Haddock also suggests that resellers are "very bullish" about Apple sales in 2008. All parties expect sales to increase during the year, with 65 percent of these predicting another jump in business of at least 20 percent.

Figures are even more optimistic on the service side, with all specialists reporting growth during 2007, and 60 percent having achieved growth over 20 percent. Everyone expects continued expansion this year, and 70 percent of those surveyed are forecasting growth above 20 percent.

The health of the third-party industry is being attributed mainly to two external factors. "Part of the growth is coming from the increased awareness and acceptance of the Apple brand in general," says ASMC's executive director, Kevin Langdon, "and part of it is coming from the very strong lineup of Apple products currently available."

Filed under: Investor, industry, Apple
Other story tags: retail, resellers