With a new Prestigio Plaza store opening in October in Limassol, ASBIS aims to create a destination that reflects Bang & Olufsen’s premium ethos, offering hands-on interactions with products and consultations with brand experts.
The Future Media had an interesting conversation with Michael Huber. The General Manager of Prestigio Plaza, Bang & Olufsen’s Authorized Partner in Cyprus, shares his professional journey and insights into managing one of the world’s most iconic audio-visual brands in the Cypriot market. Starting his career at ASBIS Group in 2018 as a Retail Consultant for Apple Premium Reseller stores in Belarus, Huber rapidly progressed to managing all retail operations across the country. In 2022, he transitioned to Cyprus to lead the relaunch of Prestigio Plaza, stepping into his role as General Manager.
Huber discusses Bang & Olufsen’s brand identity and its reputation for luxury audio and visual excellence. Known for integrating technology with timeless design, the brand has become synonymous with high-end performance while adapting to modern demands. The partnership between Prestigio Plaza and Bang & Olufsen aligns with ASBIS Group’s expansion in luxury retail, bringing an enhanced focus on customer experiences and specialized service in Cyprus.
Understanding the unique local market, Huber emphasizes customization as a core part of Prestigio Plaza’s strategy. Cypriot consumers value both quality and personalized service, setting the stage for an immersive experience in Bang & Olufsen’s luxury offerings. Despite logistical challenges in a smaller market, the demand for bespoke solutions, from home cinemas to multi-room setups, presents growth opportunities.
Looking forward, Huber envisions expanding Bang & Olufsen’s reach across Cyprus, with plans for new locations and a commitment to driving the future of smart home innovation on the island.
Let’s take a deep dive into our conversation.
Can you share a bit about your professional journey and how you came to be the General Manager at Prestigio Plaza, Bang & Olufsen’s Authorized Partner in Cyprus?
My journey has always been driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to share that vision with others. I began my career at ASBIS Group in 2018 with our retail business in Belarus, working as a Retail Consultant for Apple Premium Reseller stores.
Within a year, I was managing all retail operations across the country due to my extremely focusing on building exceptional customer experiences, strong teams and operations.
In 2022, I embraced an exciting new challenge, leading the relaunch of Prestigio Plaza in Cyprus. Today, I’m honoured to serve as General Manager, representing Bang & Olufsen as an Authorized Reseller and Installer. This role reflects ASBIS Group’s commitment to excellence and its ability to nurture top specialists in the field.
Bang & Olufsen is known for its high-end audio and visual products. How does the company ensure it maintains such a strong brand identity while adapting to evolving market demands?
Bang & Olufsen stays true to its core — brand history, craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design — while continuously embracing cutting-edge technology in sound experience. By balancing its heritage with modern trends, the brand remains a leader in delivering both luxury and performance, ensuring its identity evolves without losing its essence.
Can you provide a brief history of Prestigio Plaza’s partnership with Bang & Olufsen in Cyprus? How did this collaboration start?
Prestigio Plaza’s partnership with Bang & Olufsen in Cyprus began as part of ASBIS Group’s strategic move to expand its luxury retail offerings. Recognizing Bang & Olufsen’s unmatched legacy in premium audio-visual solutions, the collaboration was a natural fit.
The local partnership was officially started when Prestigio Plaza was relaunched in 2022 as Authorized Reseller and Installer of Bang & Olufsen, bringing the brand’s iconic products and experiences to the Cypriot market. This collaboration has since flourished, combining local market expertise with Bang & Olufsen’s global reputation for excellence. Furthermore, we have luxury stores in Kazakhstan and South Africa and exploring ideas to expand in other countries as well.
How do you see the company’s role evolving in Cyprus, especially considering the unique demands of the local market?
In Cyprus, our key strategy is evolving, as we focus on combining Bang & Olufsen’s luxury experience with the specific preferences of the local market. We see an increasing demand for customized, high-end home cinema or multiroom solutions and seamless integration of AV technologies.
We aim to continue adapting to these needs by offering turnkey installations and superior customer service, while further expanding our presence in both individual and corporate sectors. By staying ahead of market trends and maintaining our dedication to quality, we aim to solidify our position as the go-to provider for premium tech and design experiences in Cyprus.
What are your impressions of Cyprus as a business hub, especially for luxury brands like Bang & Olufsen? How does the local consumer base compare to other markets?
Cyprus presents a unique opportunity as a business hub and market itself, particularly for luxury brands like Bang & Olufsen. Its strategic location, growing economy, and unique lifestyle make it a natural fit for high-end products. The local consumer base is discerning and values both quality and exclusivity, similar to other luxury markets.
However, as from our experience, Cyprus also has a strong demand for personalized service and experiences, which sets it apart. There’s a deeper emphasis on building long-term relationships and delivering exceptional customer care. This allows luxury brands to create more personalized and close connections with their clientele.
What opportunities and challenges have you encountered while operating in Cyprus?
Operating in Cyprus offers great opportunities, especially in the luxury sector. The growing demand for premium, personalized experiences aligns perfectly with Bang & Olufsen’s offerings.
However, challenges exist. The market is relatively small, requiring a highly targeted approach to reach the right audience. Additionally, sourcing and logistics can be more complex compared to larger markets. But, we believe that everything’s about professionalism and expertise, so we successfully deal with such challenges.
How do you approach building brand loyalty in Cyprus, and what specific strategies work best for engaging Cypriot consumers?
Building brand loyalty in Cyprus is all about personalized service and strong relationships.
We focus on customized bespoke solutions, exclusive VIP events, and exceptional after-sales support to create a sense of trust and exclusivity. In this close-knit market, word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are key to driving loyalty and long-term partnerships with clients.
How do you see the future of smart homes and the role of Bang & Olufsen’s products within this growing trend?
The future of smart homes is about seamless integration and a variety of opportunities. Bang & Olufsen is set to lead with products that combine cutting-edge technology and luxury design.
Our solutions, from multi-room audio to home theatre setups, enhance both functionality and aesthetics, positioning us at the forefront of the smart home trend from a sound point of view.
Prestigio Plaza is opening a new store this October. Can you tell us about the concept behind the new store and what customers can expect?
The new Prestigio Plaza store is designed to deliver an immersive luxury experience that highlights Bang & Olufsen’s luxury audio-visual products. Customers can expect a beautifully organized space where they can explore and interact with our products in real-life settings.
The focus will be on personalized service by our brand experts, available for personalized consultations and demonstrations. It’s not just a retail space; it’s a destination for discovering how high-end audio and visual solutions can elevate your lifestyle.
How does this new store reflect the company’s future goals in Cyprus?
Our new store embodies our commitment to luxury personalized experiences and exceptional customer service in Cyprus. It positions Prestigio Plaza as the go-to destination for Bang & Olufsen products and services and many other products, including smart home and gaming solutions. Ultimately, it’s a key step in enhancing brand loyalty and expanding our market reach.
What are your goals for Bang & Olufsen’s growth in Cyprus over the next few years?
Our goals for Bang & Olufsen’s growth in Cyprus over the next few years focus on expanding our presence beyond Limassol. We’re eyeing opportunities in other key cities, aiming to create immersive experiences that resonate with local consumers.
This expansion will not only enhance accessibility to our premium products but also allow us to engage with diverse communities across the island. Stay tuned for exciting developments as we unveil new locations and elevate the Bang & Olufsen experience throughout Cyprus!
What are you personally most excited about in terms of the future of luxury tech, and how do you plan to bring those innovations to Cyprus?
I’m really excited about how AI is elevating all the areas of the lifestyle, and especially luxury tech, creating products that are both intuitive and adaptive to individual needs and values. In Cyprus, we plan to showcase Bang & Olufsen’s exclusive innovations while focusing on creating personalized in-store events that drive engagement and excitement.
By enhancing these unique experiences, we aim not only to deepen customer connections but also to boost our position in the market.
