By James Wells
A survey of Narta retailers reveals the buying group’s intent to focus on strong relationships, both internally and externally, to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The survey, conducted at the conclusion of the group’s 2013 seminar last week, reinforced the theme of the conference: ‘People Make It’.
“The meaning of family and relationships is stronger than ever in Narta,” said Steve Naninnga, managing director of Mitchell & Brown, an electronics and computer store in Geraldton, Western Australia.
“Even though we are far and wide, we will continue to stay strong no matter what is thrown at us.”
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Winning Appliances CEO David Crane was similarly focused on the importance of unity.
“This has been a great opportunity to get together, not only to strategise for the future, but to work closely to prove to our competition that we are stronger together than we are apart.”
The owner of Perth based major appliance specialist Rick Hart said: “The theme of the event was definitely embraced and it is clear that the people within Narta mean a lot to each other”.
One of the speakers at the seminar was former Panasonic Australia consumer electronics director, Paul Reid, who is currently the managing director of Panasonic Nordic, based in Stockholm.
During his presentation, Reid commented on the different role relationships play in his new marketplace.
“In the Nordic market, relationships between suppliers and retailers count for very little, if anything,” he said. “It is highly unusual to see them share a drink and you would never see competing suppliers or retailers together.
“I can’t help but wonder if we have something special or unique [in Australia and New Zealand]. I like to be part of an industry where relationships still matter.
“Having been away for a couple of years, it strikes me how important it is to keep the strength of retailer-and-supplier relationships. They have real value and it is something that we shouldn’t take for granted.”
Narta represents electrical retailers in Australia and New Zealand including JB Hi-Fi, Winning Appliances, Bing Lee, Betta Home Living, David Jones and Myer, with total sales exceeding $3 billion.