(For clarity, ‘Kambo’s’ always refers to the business. All references to the individual use his full name, ‘Kambouris’.)

High profile West Australian retailer Kambo’s has recruited Aaron Kemp, formerly of Rick Hart’s Kitchen HQ showroom network, to head up a new venture targeting the premium kitchen, bathroom and laundry appliance market.

Kemp has been working with Rick Hart at several retail brands over the past 12 years and brings enormous experience to the Kambo’s organisation. He was most recently the business development manager for Kitchen HQ, a 3-store chain that was sold to The Winning Group last month and will be soon be rebranded as Winning Appliances showrooms.

“I am very grateful for the education and relationships I have made whilst working for Rick,” Kemp said. “I thank Rick Hart for giving me every opportunity and support along the way.”

Kemp joins Kambo’s at a very exciting time for the strengthening retailer. After originally owning and operating two stores in Canning Vale and Malaga, both in Perth, as part of the now-defunct Retravision WA group, proprietor Peter ‘Kambo’ Kambouris exited that buying co-operative in October 2011 to join the Narta buying group. Just over a year later, in November 2012, Kambouris branched out into franchising, signing on several former Retravision WA retailers as his first franchisees.

The Kambo’s group now has six stores, with outlets in Joondalup, Midland, Harvey and Osborne Park joining the original two showrooms.

“It’s been an exciting time for Kambo’s since we joined the Narta group,” Kambouris said. “We’ve embraced the Narta disciplines and philosophy, which, in turn, has had a tremendous impact on our group’s business.”

Kambo’s’ proposed new venture into premium appliance showrooming is on-trend within the broader electrical industry. Retailers such as Winning Appliances and E&S Trading — both fellow Narta members — have for a long time focused on this space, while also catering to more price sensitive customers through online trading. Over the past few years, the industry has seen the emergence of Rick Hart’s Kitchen HQ, which sought to emulate the brand-focused experience of Winning Appliances, and The Good Guys Kitchens, an inchoate attempt by the traditionally no-frills retailer at capturing a more aspirational market.

“Entering the premium cooking, laundry and bathroom market is a logical and exciting move for the group and securing the services of someone as talented and respected as Aaron will help to ensure it’s a success,” Kambouris said.

Kambouris has long been regarded as one of the more innovative retailers in the industry, embracing single brand pods in his bricks and mortar stores ahead of rivals and being at the forefront of online retail in the West.