Ruark Audio has announced that it is expanding its UK sales force to cover Ireland.
In the past Ruark Audio has been distributed via sales agents throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Going forward the firm will be handling sales directly, with Ruark Audio sales reps visiting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland every six to eight weeks.
In the next 12 months Ruark is reportedly looking to aggressively grow this market by supplying traditional hi-fi retailers, as well as design shops and department stores such as Browne Thomas.
Ruark Audio sales director Richard McKinney said: “Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has an extremely strong independent base, who have great knowledge and provide excellent customer service, key when selling premium brands like Ruark Audio. As a fellow Irishman, I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and am confident we’ll see substantial growth in both ROI and NI. NI has good DAB coverage with all the BBC stations and a healthy range of commercial stations currently available. With the launch of DAB+ transmissions later this year, the demand for quality sets is likely to increase.
“The Republic of Ireland is still a relatively young DAB market but one that has the backing of national broadcaster RTE and will no doubt follow suit. Since launch in 2006 our products have quickly become recognised as the very best available, picking up numerous awards and accolades along the way. It’s about time the homes in Ireland, north and south were graced by the sweet sound of Ruark.”
The company has already secured distribution deals with Lyric Hi-Fi, Savins Music Centre and Limetech in this market.