Sony Electronics Encourages Consumers to Shop Where They Find the Sony Retailer Network Logo

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 9, 2009 Sony Electronics announced today a refresh of its retailer initiative, the Sony Retailer Network. Its purpose is to drive consumer awareness of retailers and distributors who are selling Sony consumer products and either purchase directly from Sony or one of its distributors.

Starting this November, the company will promote the Sony Retailer Network logo online, which will be used by Sony s retail distribution at point-of-sale.

Sony wants consumers to have the best customer experience when purchasing Sony products, but this is difficult to deliver when they inadvertently shop with dealers who may deal in counterfeit or gray-market goods, said Paul Spitale, senior vice president, regional sales. This program will help consumers identify reputable dealers and understand the value of shopping in-network.

Retailers and distributors who participate in the Sony Retailer Network sell factory-authorized Sony products, receive product training from Sony, offer Sony promotions, and share Sony s commitment to deliver excellent customer service. These are among the many consumer benefits, which Sony outlines for consumers at Sonystyle.com/retailernetwork. Consumers can also find a comprehensive list of Sony Retailer Network dealers at the website.

By early 2010, consumers will start to see the Sony Retailer Network logo in advertisements and in-store on merchandising fixtures, point-of-sale displays.

Editor's Notes:
Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Press releases and digital images are available for the news media at the Sony Electronics news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.