Ensuring creators can capture moments exactly the way they imagine
Kamera Express is a Netherlands-based omni-channel and omni-service retailer in photo & video equipment for photo enthusiasts, prosumers and professionals. The company is the market leader in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg and has a growing presence across the rest of Europe via a network of physical stores and multi-lingual web shop. Its full-service model combines expert advice, competitive pricing, occasions and a wide range of services including rental, printing, insurance and online training. With its authority and specialized knowledge, Kamera Express is the go-to destination for photo & video afficionados.
"Together with the support of Vendis, we have been able to accelerate our growth trajectory via the openings of new stores and the acquisition of various smaller competitors, on our way to becoming a leading European player in photo and video."
Ben Cornelisse, Founder/CEO
Investment rationale
- Use of smartphones and social media has driven strong increase in the number of photo & video enthusiasts who require a dedicated and specialized offering
- Technological improvements drive relatively short repurchase cycles resulting in highly resilient underlying market
- Existing consumer electronics generalists and local specialists are insufficiently positioned to be able to service this inherent need, thereby creating room for a market consolidator across various European countries
- Kamera Express has a strong omni-channel platform, combining both the physical stores and the web shop into a superior customer experience and offering
- Strong relationships with the leading brands in the industry as hardware equipment production is largely concentrated in the Far East
- Market leading position in the Netherlands and early signs of success in Belgium illustrated the potential for further consolidation across Europe
Growth Strategy
- Continue to differentiate versus the likes of Coolblue and Amazon through being the authority on photography & videography via institutionalization of specialized knowledge, both through employees in the stores and through detailed content online
- Consolidate the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg via acquisitions of local players and selective opening of greenfield locations
- Expand into the rest of Europe with both physical stores (via greenfield and via acquisitions) and online with dedicated country web shops
- Evolve from product retailer to consumer platform by integrating and continuous roll-out of services such as Budgetcam (rental) and Profotonet (photo printing), thereby driving the community experience for photo & video enthusiasts
- Build organizational depth with key hires (CFO, COO, HR, Business Development) and a clear formula & expansion structure