Canon gets aggressive on its digicam products

Canon India is betting big on the photo and consumer electronic channel for its digicam products, expecting 80% of its digicam sales from these segments. The vendor is all set to build its sales force of three people in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to five, appointing one each in Chennai and Kolkata, thereby enhancing its presence in these cities as well.

As for the IT channel, the company plans to take it to 300 plus by 2007 from the present 90 partners. “We are looking not only to build our channel base but also at building the competency of our existing partners by providing them counter sales training programs,” explains G Shyam Sunder, Manager, Digicam Products, Canon.

The vendor who introduced its digicam range in India towards the end of 2002 claims to have 5% of the total marketshare in this space and aims to scale it to 10% by the end of the year.

Canon is leveraging its digicam product range as a major growth driver to reach the ambitious 700-crore turnover company mark, which it announced recently. “At present, the digicam division contributes to about 4% of the total revenue of Canon India's operations but with our latest range of products and two-pronged strategy of engagement with partners and outreaching to consumers, we plan to contribute about 25% of the total revenue of the company,” says
Shyam.

As part of its roadmap, the vendor who launched 11 new products during March end this year plans to launch an equal number during the coming months. Creating brand visibility and expanding its retail network with roadshows, consumer outreach programs and bundling schemes are high on the agenda of the company.

KUSUM MAKHIJA

NEW DELHI