Hoover Candy has reported a sharp increase in sales of its Hoover Aristocrat range – an exclusive brand available only to members of independent buying group CIH.

Launched in 2009, Hoover Aristocrat includes home laundry, refrigeration and dishwashing products that are all backed by a three-year warranty.

“Over the last two and a half years, Hoover Aristrocrat has been successful and we have seen an increase in sales, models are not only exclusive, but they are full Agency products with Euronics, which means that we can promote them on a national basis,” said Hoover Candy marketing director Steve Macdonald.

He pointed out that as an exclusive brand, prices cannot be compared with other retailers in-store or online.

“Unlike the mainstream brands, CIH members selling Hoover Aristocrat, can make full and sensible margins,” said Mr Macdonald.

“For Hoover Aristocrat, we worked with CIH in Andover to secure members a really strong margin, which they can make all day everyday, because there’s no one walking in with a printout from the internet saying ‘match that’.”

For dealers considering stocking Hoover Aristocrat products, Mr Macdonald had this message: “A clear Euronics retail price message will add value to your business; it’s protected, it’s trusted as a Hoover brand and it cannot be compared online.”

“Hoover Aristocrat is a sheltered, exclusive brand that is competitively priced and packaged with a three-year warranty. In the current climate, it’s a great proposition for members that are perfectly positioned to capture some of that market.”

Not only has Hoover Candy bolstered its support to independents by increasing the number of UK regional sales managers from three to seven this year, but it also recently launched the Hoover Power Centre.

This offers CIH members dedicated in-store and on-product point-of-sale, plus an exclusive Hoover Power Points incentive scheme, which is designed to allow retailers to earn reward points for every Hoover Aristocrat product they sell.

The points can be cashed in at any time during the programme for a choice of thousands of reward items, activities and travel options which can be ordered online through the Hoover Power Points website.

Said Mr Macdonald: “Retailers have told us how much they like being part of the Hoover Power Points programme and we believe it’s having a very positive impact on sales.

“We are committed to supporting our independent customers and believe the Aristocrat package is extremely attractive and a great proposition to members and we are keen to build on our initial successes with Aristocrat and continue to drive the brand forward through CIH.”