ANAHEIM, CA (01.14.25) – PowerBass was on site in the DRT Racing Privateer Paddock set up at Angel Stadium in Anaheim CA on Saturday, January 11. Erik Harbour and Juan Quintana arrived on Friday and set up the PowerBass area of the Privateer Paddock set up.

“We were official sponsors of the Privateer Paddock and gave the young and coming riders a place packed with pit set ups, parts, meals and hospitality for all at the Angel Stadium arena. There will be more events events across the country. PowerBass soundbars lined in the Privateer Paddock providing the tunes for the crowd and riders to enjoy off track” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related.

The event was a great opportunity to showcase PowerBass soundbars and portable Bluetooth speakers. Throughout the event members of the crowd had a great time enjoying the tunes and had a lot of interest for the soundbars for their UTVs and toy haulers.

The PowerBass Bluetooth portable product lineup was also a huge hit as PowerBass did live Instagram post features to find winners for product giveaways during the day. “It was great seeing everyone wearing their PowerBass caps and swag inside the stadium all day as well” Harbour concluded.

Saturday January 18th in San Diego is the next event.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.11.25) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 304th time on Friday morning on January 10th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass space and the D&B Sales slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to contact the lucky winning dealer in Ft Wayne IN and left a message with Cody. Looking forward to speaking with the store manager for more.                                                

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Lids-On-Demand, Massive Audio and VIPER. 12volt News $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD,  Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY,  Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA,  Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR,  XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA,  Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA and CP Designs in Jarrell TX.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 305 on Friday, January 17th.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.10.2025) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) released the AutoEQ 2.0 update for the OPTIM™ Soud Processor line. This update adds complete smartphone control, including Android™, “Center Image Mode,” and multiple presets for the target curve.

“This new update builds on the already successful OPTIM™ technology that corrects issues in the factory system to give you a great sound output,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “Now it’s even easier to achieve precise sound in the vehicle.”

The OPTIM™ line, which consists of the PXE-C80-88 OPTIM™8 8-Channel Sound Processor and Amplifier and PXE-C60-60 OPTIM™6 6-Channel Sound Processor, was first introduced in 2023 as a simplified digital sound processor (DSP) solution. With its self-guided measurement process and automatic sound tuning feature, OPTIM™ eliminated the knowledge barrier and lowered the time commitment often associated with traditional DSP solutions.

Continuing the goal of making DSP easy and accessible, the AutoEQ 2.0 update for the OPTIM™ line now allows complete smartphone control with both iPhone® and Android™ compatibility. Using the smartphone app (available on the App Store and Google Play) andBluetooth® connection, it’s now possible to set up and tune a sound system in minutes without switching to a laptop. However, if laptop setup is desired, the OPTIM™ can also be used solely on a laptop using the PC App.

The update also added “Center Image Mode,” an option that immediately establishes an optimal listening experience in the vehicle that’s positioned at the front and center of the dash. Center Image Mode is applied at the touch of a button and adjusts the system in real-time for a noticeable impact on the sound position.

Lastly, in response to high customer demand, Alpine added three additional presets for target curve so users can easily switch between four tuning settings (target 1, target 2, target 3, and “default”) to create their ideal listening environment. An update was also made to the included OPTIM™ RUX-CSP1 controller that consolidated the controller menu and allows quick access to target curve presets.

The PXE-C80-88 OPTIM™8 and PXE-C60-60 OPTIM™6 with the new AutoEQ 2.0 software are available now and can be purchased at Alpine Authorized Retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on www.alpine-usa.com for details.

ARVADA, CO (01.09.2025) – Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (MESA), the leading network of independent 12-volt retailers, proudly announces its 2025-2026 vendor partners. As a trusted alliance representing 174 members and 306 locations, with retail sales totaling $459 million annually, MESA and its members remain dedicated to strengthening its partnerships with industry-leading vendors.

MESA’s unwavering commitment to its vendor partners is grounded in the shared mission to support and uplift its 12-volt independent retailers. These partnerships represent more than business—they are the foundation of MESA’s vision to drive growth, innovation, and profitability within the 12-volt independent channel.

“Our vendors’ dedication to delivering exceptional products and unwavering support isn’t just appreciated—it’s essential to the continued success of MESA and the 12-volt industry,” said Ryan Gunter, Executive Director of MESA. “We are proud to stand with partners who are authentic in their commitment to 12-volt retailers.”

For more information about MESA and its mission, visit www.mesadealer.com.

As always, MESA will continue to prioritize shifting business to its vendor partners:

LAS VEGAS, NV (01.08.2025) – Harman Kardon is launching the Fit Speaker Series, a new collection of premium in-car speakers designed to enhance driving experiences with high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge technology. With multiple speaker options tailored to fit a range of vehicles, the Fit Speaker Series offers both exceptional audio quality and seamless installation, making it the perfect upgrade for drivers seeking a superior in-car audio experience.

The Fit Speaker Series offers a variety of speaker types, engineered to deliver precise, detailed sound. The FIT96MCF, FIT6CF, and FIT6F are designed to produce smooth, crisp high frequencies, ensuring that every note and vocal is heard with clarity.

The series is engineered for versatility, ensuring personalized audio across a diverse selection of vehicle interiors. With features like Uni-Pivot and angled tweeters, users can adjust the sound direction to suit their taste. For enthusiasts demanding precise control over their sound environment, the series includes the I-Mount and Starfish™ Tweeter Mount Kits for straightforward installation and a tweeter output adjustment that enhances sound clarity with options for 0 or +3dB of tweeter attenuation.

“The Fit Speaker Series is all about delivering a tailored, premium audio experience that seamlessly integrates with drivers’ lifestyles,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Aftermarket Audio, HARMAN. “Each component reflects Harman Kardon’s dedication to precision engineering, offering both flexibility and fidelity so that every drive resonates with exceptional clarity and depth.”

Audiophiles seeking even more immersive sound can upgrade the system to a 3-way component setup, further enhancing the depth and clarity of their music. The Fit Speaker Series ensures a fully customizable listening experience, allowing drivers to enjoy their favorite tracks in unparalleled quality.

The Fit Speaker Series is available in Q2 2025, with pricing ranging from $99 to $319, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to elevate their car’s audio system.

Visit harman.com for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.07.2025) – Maxxsonics, a leader in innovative audio solutions for Mobile, Powersports, and Marine applications, has announced the retirement of Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, after more than a decade of dedicated service to the company and over 25 years of distinguished contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry.

Since joining Maxxsonics in 2014, Dattalo has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s sales strategies, expanding its market presence, and fostering lasting relationships with clients and partners.

“Sam Dattalo has been an integral part of our team and a driving force behind our growth and success over the past 10 years at Maxxxsonics in addition to our personal 35-year relationship,” said Alden Stiefel, Maxxsonics’ CEO.

“His expertise, vision, and passion for the car audio industry have not only elevated our company – but have also left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. While we will miss his leadership, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” concluded Stiefel.

Before joining Maxxsonics – Dattalo held key positions at Clifford Electronics and his own independent rep firm, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket.

The sales leadership team will work closely with Senior Management to ensure a seamless transition and continued focus on delivering innovative audio products and solutions to customers.

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

LOVELAND, CO (01.06.25) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross filled the Blue Arena in Loveland CO on Friday and Saturday evenings January 3rd and 4th for Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2024/2025 AMA ArenaCross Series.

“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot and the attendees were Livin’Loud. Riders were Livin’Loud and fast on the track too. KICKER had a display set up in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the Blue Arena passed by the KICKER setup with a selection of products on display. As enthusiasts came through the lobby we were showing and talking KICKER to all. Colorado is truck country so the KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention as did the Harley products and woofers. Powersports is strong in the Rockies so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention too. Marine is a growing category in the area along with life style products” Lorin Morrell-Maddog-Media, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series events, related.

The recently renamed Blue Arena was built as a hockey arena that holds about 7000 people. For the ArenaCross event the stands were pushed back a bit to set up the fairly short, but well designed, dirt track for riders. Over 100 riders during the 2 nights were flying high and navigating the tight turns through the evening races from 7:30 until well after 9PM.

Both Friday and Saturday evening’s event got off to an early start as enthusiasts were on the track for the Pit Party. For about an hour before the racing action enthusiasts met the rides and asked them questions while having an opportunity to walk the track.

In addition to the action on the track T-shirts were fired into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. An air cannon fired wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions for a chance to win a set of new KICKER TW2 true wireless ear buds.. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when the PA announcer handed them their prizes was really special” Morrell offered.

Concluding Morrell added “The KICKER AMA ArenaCross got off to a great start for the 2024-2025 circuit in Reno along with Boise and Loveland continued the roll for the KICKER AMA ArenaCross series. It is terrific to see, and feel, the energy from members of the crowd as all are Livin’Loud at KICKER ArenaCross events.”

The next stop for the AMA ArenaCross and Maddog_Media is in Guthrie OK January 24th for Round 7.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Dallas, TX – January 3, 2025 – HARMAN International Industries has partnered with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast to represent the company in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Car Audio division, plus Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Motorsports Categories.

“We’re excited to work with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Aftermarket at HARMAN. “Their vast industry knowledge and strong dealer relationships make them the perfect partner as we expand our presence and deliver top-quality audio products in the territory.”

This new collaboration underscores HARMAN’s commitment to providing not only innovative products but also the local expertise and support necessary to build dealer relationships and driving results. By partnering with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast, JBL aims to strengthen its dealer network and deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of the Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets.

“We’re proud to represent a brand as iconic as JBL,” said Shawn Simpson, Principal at Crossover Marketing Group Southeast. “Our focus will always be on helping dealers thrive selling HARMAN products.”

For more information Shawn Simpson, Principal (832) 594-4040

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.02.2025) – January 1st 2025 marked the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year’s 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up double digits over 2023. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS along with the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, along with power sports for UTV, motorcycle and marine plus lighting, is a terrific way to kick off the New Year.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2024) – January 1st 2025 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up nearly double digits over 203. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers of all categories across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and engage consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

The Instagram Business Profile, which is free, features a contact tab. A follower can tap the contact tab and call the store from their smartphone as they view the post. Also, a follower can send an email to the store as well as get a map to the store. Making a post, with the opportunity to get an immediate response from a follower, is an amazing outreach 12volt retailers can’t pass up in today’s marketplace.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, in-vehicle connectivity, dash cams, power sports, motorcycles and marine plus lighting upgrades to promote it’s a terrific way to kick off the New Year 2025.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.