Acer to increase retail market share in Jordan

Acer Computer (ME) Ltd will aggressively target the consumer and retail markets in Jordan, following a year of strong growth driven by continued success in the corporate, education and government sectors of the kingdom, the company said.

It hopes to replicate its success in the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets, especially in terms of notebook sales, in Jordan.

As one of the world's top five branded PC vendors, it will again be taking part in the Middle East Technology Show (METS) being held in Amman from Sep-tember 23 to 27.

Acer has been supplying corporate, education and government bodies with its technology in Jordan, and has made gains in the retail sector in 2004.

It now plans to increase market share for its notebook and desktop PCs by targeting small and medium sized businesses, and home users.

"Jordan has a history of investing in the latest technology for its youth and public sector workforce," said Philip Ashkar, sales and marketing director.

"We will continue to be engaged in this important area of business. However, we also intend to focus on developing the consumer side of our operations."

In Jordan, Acer has established itself as the market leader for the government sector, providing its desktop PCs and notebooks to the Department of Statistics, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, as well as the Amman Arab University and Philadelphia University.

As part of its retail strategy, the company will work closely with major retail outlets to highlight its consumer range of TravelMate and Aspire PCs, which include the recently launch-ed Folio range of notebooks.

"We want to replicate the success we are enjoying in other Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE."

Major presence

Recent figures from international analyst IDC shows Acer is the number one vendor of notebooks in Saudi Arabia, with a 22.7 per cent market share, and is close to taking the lead in the UAE with an 18 per cent share.

"The consumer segment in Jordan is a huge potential market for us," added Basem Ewaiwi, regional sales manager, Eastern Mediterranean, Acer Computer (ME). "It has a well educated and young pool of consumers, who are demanding the latest technology."

As part of the strategy, the company will also bolster its second tier reseller channel network in Jordan, to target the retail and SMB markets.

Going for a new focus in consumer market

-- Acer Computer (ME) aims to focus on developing the consumer side of operations in Jordan

-- Will work closely with major retail outlets to highlight its consumer range of TravelMate and Aspire PCs.

-- Will bolster its second tier reseller channel network in Jordan, to target the retail and SMB markets.