Gary Shapiro, president and chief executive of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), has paid tribute to industry veteran Bob Abt who died last week, aged 77.
“On behalf of the entire CEA community, we were extremely sad to learn of the passing of consumer electronics industry legend Bob Abt,” Shapiro said.
“Our industry has lost a true innovator who progressively grew the Chicago store founded by his parents - CE Hall of Famers David and Jewel Abt - in 1936 into one of the nation’s most exciting and successful consumer electronics stores.
“Bob was widely known and admired within the industry for his emphasis on customer service, his embrace of new product categories and for being a pioneer in authorised online sales,” he added.
Shapiro said Abt was praised for his marketing prowess. Abt Electronics showrooms were among the first single-brand electronics showcases, where attractions for families and kids included fresh-baked cookies made on-site every weekend.
“We send our condolences and best wishes to the Abt family, friends and colleagues,” Shapiro said.
