By Sarah Falson and Matthew Henry
MELBOURNE: Retravision last night rejected industry speculation that it is ‘in trouble’, with senior executives of the Victoria/Tasmania branch rallying members at the retailer’s national advertising launch in Melbourne and reassuring them that the group remains healthy and competitive.
Retravision Vic/Tas chief executive officer, Brian Kelly, told members gathered at Melbourne’s Federation Square last night that despite the group’s recent financial woes, with its New South Wales branch going into administration and receivership, Retravision remains optimistic about the future.
“We have been represented as a [retailer] which is dying in the industry. But ‘Retravision in trouble’ has been sadly misrepresented,” said Kelly.
“At the end of the day, we are a business who is in growth mode, doing well and planning a future. This is a cultural change process, but Retravision Victoria and Tasmania, and Retravision NSW – some of which are joining Victoria-Tasmania – are healthy, doing well and are bloody good retailers.”
Kelly’s comments were met with rousing applause and cheers from certain quarters of the crowd, which consisted of proprietors, sales staff and suppliers.
Retravision launched its first national advertising campaign at the event, the focal point of which was the unveiling of the company’s new television commercial which will be aired nationally.
The new cooprative approach to advertising between the various state branches comes at a time when bonds are being formed across state boundaries – particularly on the East Coast where the demise of Retravision NSW has seen retailers migrate to either Vic/Tas or Queensland.