Sonepar: The Mat’Electrique recently inaugurated the new NRA Lighting showroom, which has been up and running for several days. Why open this type of space?
Dominique Vinay: We wanted to give Lyon a modern and contemporary exhibition space that was as accessible as possible. Located on the ground floor of the Mat’Electrique, in nearly 500 sq. m. of space and on one of Lyon's major thoroughfares, NRA Lighting enjoys excellent visibility. Visitors have reserved parking, and it is also close to the metro, the tramway, and to Place Jean Macé, where a new train station will soon be opened.
Sonepar: Does this mean better access to the general public?
D.V.: Our objective is mainly to support professionals, opinion leaders, and fitters, but if at the same time we can meet the expectations of some individuals, why not!
Sonepar: The new showroom offers a cash & carry service. Is this a revolution for Mat’Electrique?
D.V.: It is certainly a first. Allowing our customers to buy a product and take it away with them immediately seemed like the wise choice. It does require appropriate inventory management, particularly for items with a high sales turnover. We have entrusted the organization to Sylvain Bruzzese, director of the Lyon NRA agency, who will be supported by Sylvie Sonnery. The NRA Lighting space, synonymous with high-end services and products, fits in with the image projected by Lyon, a real magnet for expertise in the field of lighting.
Sonepar: The inauguration coincides with the opening of the Hager space, also located on the ground floor of the Mat’Electrique. Does this offer a hint about its future?
D.V.: The two spaces together make up the first floor of the "Mat’ 2010 rocket". Our objective is to renovate this tool based on a design similar to the one the Hager group chose to optimize its 70 sq.m. Hager has set up its products to recreate the various rooms in a home. As a technology and events showcase, the future Mat’Electrique will be LA MAISON DE L’ELECTRICITE (the House of Electricity). This new approach will help it to form closer relationships with both suppliers and customers, and will serve to enhance its regional influence.
*NRA: network of Sonepar Sud-Est agencies specializing in architectural lighting.
