Retailer offering own accessories and handset repair operation, as Warren Taylor replaces Russ Wheeler as B2B group sales director
Fonehouse has launched its own mobile accessory and repair divisions, as head of indirect Warren Taylor takes over from Russ Wheeler as B2B group sales director.
Fonehouse Accessories sees the retailer producing its own products at a sourcing office in China under the brand “I-Chi”. Spread across the mid- to high-tier of the market, they cover chargers, power banks, cases and headphones.
The range is available across Fonehouse’s 50 UK stores, with plans to partner with other dealers and retailers for sale of the products, should they prove to be a success.
Fonehouse has also launched its own mobile repair division. “Tech House” is currently being trialled at its shop in Bluewater, Kent, with plans to roll it out across the wider franchise group later this year.
Elsewhere, Fonehouse B2B group sales director Russ Wheeler has left after two-and- a-half years to pursue opportunities outside of mobile. He had joined from Deal Builder in February 2012 as director of B2B before being promoted in May 2013.
Fonehouse head of indirect channel Warren Taylor, who joined the company in February 2013 from Gamma Business Communications, has now also assumed Wheeler’s responsibilities.
The retailer has also appointed former Chitter Chatter director Ben Willis to run its four fully-owned stores. In addition, four Chitter Chatter franchisees, all based in London, have transferred to Fonehouse’s franchise programme.
Fonehouse chairman Clive Bayley (pictured) said: “We’re moving into the next stage of our development, with a focus on more of our own products whilst increasing our footprint in partnership with EE through our franchise programme both in retail and B2B.
“We are growing the business faster and are looking for franchisees to join in.”
