The team at nationwide distributor Skywalker AV Supply would make renowned dealmaker Monte Hall of “Let's Make a Deal” fame jealous. The St. Louis-based company spent the past 12 months inking deal after deal with leading custom integration brands, along with building an improved website.
In the past 12 months alone, Skywalker AV added:
- Pioneer
- Polk Audio
- Metra
- Veto Pro Pac
- Vanco
- Luma Home
- URC
- JVC
All of the lines are available via the completely revamped Skywalker AV website, which was an already recognized multi-year winner of a CE Pro Quest for Quality Award.
The new site delivers a contemporary look and feel with enhanced shopping and navigation features for Skywalker’s more than 6,000 SKUs. The site includes an expanded, easy-to-tap category and product display interface that is suited for mobile devices. According to Skywalker AV Supply’s leadership team, the objective of the revamp is to create a more streamlined user experience.
“After winning three consecutive Quest for Quality awards for our website, I couldn't be more proud of our team. They've put in countless hours to develop what we believe is the best website in the industry,” says Randy Criebaum, president of Skywalker AV Supply.
“It's extremely important to us that our dealers have an easy and enjoyable experience while shopping online,” adds Criebaum. “The new site is packed with key features to help dealers do business such as our integrated proposal software, hundreds of how-to videos and more. Plus, most items ship free when you order online.”
New Product Lines to Drive Growth
As noted, Skywalker AV Supply added several key lines in the past year.
Pioneer: Founded in 1938, Pioneer makes audio and video products for use at home, in the car, and in business environments. Skywalker AV Supply is focused on Pioneer’s AV distribution products for residential applications, including the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brands.
Vanco International: With more than 50 years in the industry, Vanco focuses on designing and sourcing electronic accessory products that address emerging new markets. In addition to Vanco’s HDMI solutions, Skywalker AV Supply will also stock Vanco’s sub-brand Pulse Audio.
“What Vanco has been able to accomplish is impressive,” says Criebaum. “They've developed a line of high-quality A/V solutions that work flawlessly – and they're extremely reasonably priced. Like Skywalker, Vanco is family owned and it shows. Their team is friendly, knowledgeable, and an overall joy to do business with.”
Polk Audio: For more than four decades, Polk Audio has been making hi-fi equipment in its research and development labs in Baltimore. The addition of Polk to Skywalker AV Supply’s audio offerings gives dealers a broader variety in high-tech audio gear for both residential and commercial settings.
Luma Home: Luma is a new line of mesh-networking routers designed to simplify residential and commercial Wi-Fi systems. Skywalker has brought on Luma so that installers can use their expertise to create personalized Wi-Fi networks.
“Traditional systems use one central router to provide Wi-Fi throughout the home or office which can incur dead spots,” says Craig Perreault, VP of business development at Skywalker AV Supply. “The idea of mesh-networking is that you spread the bandwidth evenly by using several router hubs that are placed around the area. The product is easy to use and very intuitive”.
URC: For 25 years URC has been a leading supplier of remotes for consumers, subscription broadcast providers, retailers, custom installation professionals and OEM partners. By adding URC, Skywalker adds to its A/V entertainment and control offerings, including URC’s HomeSet and Vivido home automation and lighting control systems.
JVC: JVC has been churning out projectors and accessories from the analog age to today’s digital age with its 4K projectors. The addition of JVC projectors complements Skywalker’s video and media projection offerings. These projectors are exclusively available for purchase to dealers registered to do business in the following states: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, or New Mexico.
“Our partnership with JVC will provide our dealers with a reputable line of projectors,” says Bob Holliday, national sales manager at Skywalker AV Supply. “This includes the world’s first THX certified 4K projectors.”
Veto Pro Pac: Veto Pro Pac specializes in crafting “tool bags that work” for the professional tradesman. These tool bags are designed with the company’s patented center panel and hinged ergonomic handle. They feature vertically tiered pockets and d-rings to provide increased organization and storage. With marine-grade rivets and snaps, a rugged construction, and a durable waterproof base, these packs are built to stand up to the rigors of professional use and are covered by a 5-year warranty.
Metra Home Theater: Adding Metra extends the distributor’s offering of home theater supplies. The distribution deal gives integrators access to everything from HDMI cables and mounting solutions to a variety of power products and more. Metra Home Theater Group has been a leading manufacturer of installation accessories for home theater and integration for over 70 years.
“The fascinating thing about Metra Home Theater is the thought, care, and creativity that gets put into their branding and product offerings,” adds Criebaum, “and we’re extremely happy to be working with them.”
