Friday, June 19, 2009

Operator Interface: Distribution Down South

This summer marks major changes in the distribution landscape of the Southeast. In the wake of Greater Southern closing its doors and Birmingham Vending shuttering its Florida branch, Betson and Brady Distributing have quickly positioned themselves to seize the regional marketplace.

Betson just opened its 12th office -- its first branch to serve the region -- in Marietta, Ga., supplying product to its new home state, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Arkansas, along with promotional deals for product from Raw Thrills, Chicago Gaming and Jennison Entertainment, among other factories they represent. In an interesting twist, David Capilouto, former co-president of Greater Southern, will manage the branch.

Meanwhile, Brady -- the dominant southern distributor headquartered in Charlotte with offices in Memphis, Orlando and Miami -- seeks greater penetration of their territory by also centralizing an office, still yet to open, in the Atlanta area. They will be the exclusive provider of Valley product for Georgia and Alabama and a host of other games, including the ICE line.

What role does distribution play for your business in light of the tier's consolidation and regional players branching into broader territories? How have your business decisions been influenced by these developments? Can the combined forces of these particular distributors, the national titan and the existing institution, cultivate growth potential for coin-op amusements in the South?