Canford's already wide range, encompassing over 12,000 lines, has just grown by more than 800 items. Canford took the decision to launch the new products through their website immediately, in advance of the imminent publication of their catalogue due early in 2006. The full-colour 2006 edition will mark Canford's 30th anniversary and will contain the 800 new products and many more, say the company.
Canford signalled its commitment to a fully interactive online store some years ago and has been steadily developing the site over the last five years. The size of Canford's portfolio alone made this a mammoth task. However, anyone familiar with the Canford catalogue, should feel at ease with the website and will additionally have access to the growing database of product information, technical specifications and product manuals.
The 800 products introduced on the internet cover almost all the 22 product sections within the catalogue. These include a range of rack-mounted AES/EBU impedance converters, MDU's, and Cat 5, Cat 6, Firewire and USB panel ranges.
Iain Elliott, Canford's founder, was at pains to point out that the paper catalogue would continue alongside their internet offering. "We are very excited about how quickly we are able to bring new products to our customers through the internet. Naturally we will be developing our site and trying to offer the best possible service through this medium just as we do with our telephone sales. But; I want to make it clear that we will always produce our catalogue in a hard copy as well. We have asked our customers and whilst they love being able to buy online at any time they choose, and being able to download a complete catalogue from our site in Pdf form, there is something almost comforting about being able to hold a real catalogue in their hands. In fact, it is very true to say we are investing more today in our paper catalogue then ever before since we are about to produce our first 100% colour version of 'The Source'.
(Lee Baldock)
