Electronics firm beats credit crunch to expand

Despite the recession, M & M International launched a new venture specializing in audio and visual items last week.

Sound Decision in Woodlands Road, Pembroke, aims to offer a complete installation service when it comes to kitting out your boats and cars.

Donnie Correia, general manager, said: “M&M has always been in the audio electronics business but we’ve decided to expand to full installation.

“With the economy the way it is, it is a brave time to do it but we’ve had a lot of people asking us if we would consider installations.

Complement

“We used to do car installations about 15 years ago but then our focus went to other areas of the business.

“But in the last two years people have been asking us to reconsider going back to the installation side of things.

“We thought about it and felt it would complement our sales.

“We want to offer customers a full service — not only the product but the installation and service as well.”

The original M&M store in Church Street, Hamilton, will still sell some audio and visual units but satellite business Sound Decision will offer an expanded range plus fitting facilities.

The showroom, carpentry workshop and vehicle bay in Woodlands Road opened its doors last week.

Mr. Correia said: “We’ve moved about 90 per cent of our car and marine products to the new location and are also offering two new lines.”

Consumers will now be able to buy car audio products from Lightning Audio and VIBE Audio, in addition to big-name brands such as Kenwood, Pioneer and Alpine.

Mr. Correia said: “We’re trying to be innovative and offer something fresh for customers in Bermuda. We will also have new marine lines coming in.”

For customers who want to install the systems themselves, Sound Decision has a variety of dash kits, cables and adapters.

But with the procurement of Edmond Faria as the chief installer, Mr. Correia said customers could expect the very best.

He added: “Edmond is well known on the island and is very particular in his work, so we thought this would be a good fit.

“We know Bermudians like their cars and spend a lot of money on them, so we want people to feel very comfortable in bringing their cars here.”

Interest

Mr. Faria, head installer and manager of Sound Decision, said: “I have a good reputation in this business, as does Donnie, so it is a really good collaboration.

“We’ve not done any advertising since we’ve opened but business is good.

“We’ve had a lot of interest already with some people having waited three or four months for us to work on their vehicles.”

Mr. Faria said the carpentry workshop is self-contained to keep vehicles clean of dust.

He added: “We can do all your sub box needs and custom amp racks, any modification you need.

“Outside of the home, Bermudians’ biggest investment is in their car. They want to keep it tidy and neat and to personalize it as much as possible.

“People have less expendable cash now but you still have people wanting a simple CD player or the option of playing their iPod.”

Mr. Faria said the shop can also fit a Bluetooth hands-free unit for about $375, to ensure motorists are not using their cellphones while driving.

As for marine installations, he said: “Every boat is different so they are always a challenge in themselves.

“But from CD players and audio speakers to cable boxes, DVD players and television screens, I’ve done just about it all.”