By Patrick Avenell
The Winning Group has today significantly expanded its presence in the commercial appliance market with the purchase of the McKnights Corporate business from former Retravision Southern member Peter McKnight. The Winning Group has also acquired the McKnight's PowerBuys online store and corporate rewards business.
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According to a statement from the Winning Group, McKnight will remain as the general manager of these businesses, while current employees are expected to be offered jobs by the Winning Group.
"Our acquisition of McKnights Corporate and its online arm PowerBuys complements the Winning Group offering, which includes two pureplay online retailers and eight retail appliance showrooms in New South Wales and Queensland," said CEO John Winning.
“This investment represents a strategic opportunity to expand our small appliance business. Winning Group is experiencing strong demand and year-on-year growth and this investment will ensure we continue to offer a high level of customer service Australia wide.
“Peter McKnight is a respected figure within the retail industry. We look forward to Peter continuing to contribute to the growth and success of the business."
The McKnights have been flagship Retravision Southern members since joining the now defunct group in 1992, almost 35 years after opening their first store. At one stage, the McKnights owned consumer-facing, Retravision branded stores in Hoppers Crossing and Ballarat, though these stores were divested to concentrate on its more profitable commercial business and its online store.
According to the About Us section on the McKnights’ website, which is very much out-of-date, the McKnights are experts at appliance specification.
“We joined with Retravision stores in 1992 and in 1999 launched our Hoppers Crossing store,” reads the McKnights website, which is now very much out of date. “During this time we have seen a lot of community growth and many changes in technology.
“As ‘Your Home Appliance Solutions Specialists’ we can assist you and tailor packages that will suit you individual needs.”