The 2025 BrandSource Convention was filled with optimism as AVB's leadership laid out an ambitious strategy for the future of independent retail. From the main stage, CEO Jim Ristow and COO Dave Meekings presented a unified plan that blends a bold e-commerce vision with practical tools to help members achieve it.
At the heart of their message was Path to 30--a rallying call for members to grow their online sales to 30% of total revenue. For Ristow, the initiative represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to capture new customers, expand market share, and solidify the competitive position of BrandSource dealers.

The Home Depot is permanently shuttering a distribution facility in Mexico, Missouri, effective Oct. 26, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice filed July 17.

It's back for 2025 -- the Best of Show awards program that celebrates the best custom installation and home entertainment technology launches at CEDIA Expo! Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi? will once again have judges on-site to examine each of the entries and bestow honors on the most deserving.
Here is what you need to know to participate:
The Details

• What? Nominations for the 2025 CEDIA Best of Show Awards, presented by Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi?
• When? Submissions are open now through midnight, PST on August 22, 2025
• Why? Benefits included with each of awards entry submission: One full-page advertorial for each nominated product -- with special distinction for winning entries -- in the Best of Show Program Guide, published and distributed digitally to all Future B2B's consumer electronics lists after CEDIA, plus additional promotion and brand exposure in the post-show recap coverage of award winners.
• How? Everything you need to know, including fees, frequently asked questions, and the nomination form, can be found here.

I would like to extend our congratulations to this year's winners of the TWICE VIP Awards! 2025 saw a wide range of product entries ranging from gaming laptops, outdoor TVs, and automated swimming pool vacuums to the latest TVs and major appliances.
The response to the 12th Annual TWICE VIP Awards was amazing, with over 70 entries across nearly 50 categories to vote on. One thing that makes the TWICE VIP Awards so unique is that it isn't a public vote by people who know nothing about the submissions or the industry.
No, the awards are voted on by you, the industry leaders, consumer tech retailers, and distributors who know greatness, innovation, and what makes the biggest difference in the business. Earning the respect of your peers is a hard-won accomplishment, especially in our industry, and I am proud to be a part of the 2025 TWICE VIP Awards.

LifeMetrix products, including its line of R3 smartwatches, are now available through Petra Industries. Ahealth-tech company with significant experience in the consumer electronics health space, LifeMetrix has been expanding its presence in the wearable market.

The new Blink Video Doorbell runs from three AA lithium batteries, plus the Blink Sync Module Core, which also acts as a central hub that connects your Blink devices to one another, and to your home Wi-Fi network.

DJI has dominated the drone space for years with the best consumer drones for just about every type of user, experience level and price point. However, a startup brand called Antigravity has created something DJI hasn't but must wish it had - the world's first 360 drone.

While the U.S. consumer technology market posted revenue gains of 1.5 percent in the first half of 2025, "softer second-half results" are expected. However, full-year sales revenue is expected to finish 1 percent above 2024.