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Photo shows the new Criterion black plasma stand.
MEDIA RELEASE
Local Plasma Stand Takes Off in US market
Auckland, 20 March 2006: New Zealand’s furniture leader, Criterion Group, has made a significant break through in the
tough US market with a big export order to America’s largest electronic retailer.
Best Buy, which has a turnover of $40 billion with 800 stores throughout the US and Canada, has introduced Criterion’s
latest black plasma TV stand into its product range with an initial production order of 4000 units. This is the third
range of Criterion plasma stands ranged by Best Buy with the previous unit the top seller in their range.
The stands, currently in production at the Criterion East Tamaki site, are due for shipment out to the US this month.
The plasma stand has proved so popular that Criterion’s US distributor has taken on two new models of the stand for the
US and Europe.
Marketing Manager, Tom Macky says the latest model black plasma stand appeals to the American market. “People here are
continuing to buy the silver plasma TV’s, but these were never as popular in America. The US market tends to lead the
world in the mass adoption of new technologies and have been first to start moving back from silver to black in new
technology televisions.”
The largest manufacturer of flat-panel furniture in Australasia, Criterion has been quick to identify the potential
growth both at home and abroad for the plasma stands as demand for the product has taken off worldwide to match the
trend for bigger plasma TV screens. The stands are especially designed to accommodate the large flat screens and
additional home entertainment equipment.
Criterion is recognised by both the name brand electronic companies and by leading electronics retailers as leaders in
the design and innovation in this market. The unique range of manufacturing capabilities within their East Tamaki
facility enable Criterion to come up with leading designs ahead of their global competition.
Criterion has been providing a range of furniture for New Zealand, Australia, the USA and other foreign markets for
almost 40 years. It has grown exports despite a strong kiwi dollar and hugely increased competition from Asian based
competitors.
ENDS