Jon/Foxmeister,
Sorry about the problems you have experienced at our stores trying to obtain a Toshiba plasma, and thanks for your constructive comments.
The Toshibas have been an especially popular line for us, and I have to say, an unexpected one. As you will guess, plasma has been a learning curve for us, along with many other retailers, as the product moves from the specialist commercial/installation market into the domestic arena.
As such, it has been difficult for me as a buyer to gauge demand with any level of accuracy, and, as we're talking several thousand pounds a box here, and not £50 CD players, I can't afford to get it wrong!
Following your comments about the allocation of stock, I am working with my Distribution Director to set up an improved system for fairer apportioning of products to stores, especially on lines which are finite in supply, such as the Toshibas. This will result in a "first come, first serve" system, which is fair to all.
We have had a total of nearly 200pcs of the Tosh, and I have just heard that we are expecting a final small quantity to arrive later this week, so I have reserved one for you. Please email me if this is OK.
As always, we are at the mercy of the suppliers when it comes to supplying stock, and Panasonic have told us not to expect any more PW5 before the end of the month.
The good news is that we have over 2000pcs of various plasma models confirmed for delivery between now and Christmas, so there shouldn't be an overall shortage - the other thing to bear in mind if you miss out on a particular deal is that there will always be another one around the corner, and in the price-eroding world of new technology, it's likely to be better and cheaper.
Sorry if this comes over as a bit garbled - I'm at home now having a beer.
Cheers,
Nick