Exclusive by Patrick Avenell
PERTH: Another Retravision proprietor has spoken out today about the obstacles facing independent retailers in the current environment. Mario Nubre from Capital Retravision in Perth thinks that the big retail groups and the media have given consumers false notions about what life is like in this industry. He wants to set the record straight.
“Our customers have been educated to get the most they can out of us,” said Nubre. “I did a little survey and found that 9 out of 10 customers thought we made at 40 per cent margins, what a joke!
“The worst of all is that the very same night, on national television, we had a chain advertising ‘Up to 30 per cent off’ – unbelievable.”
When asked to talk more about this survey Nubre had conducted, he revealed another disturbing misconception.
“All I did over a period of four weeks was to ask new customers, approximately 100, what they thought a business of this nature should mark-up the goods. I also asked what they thought the rent would be for a 452 metres square shop in Perth City.
“Needless to say, I was disappointed on both counts as most thought a 40 per cent mark-up was the go, and worst of all, most were not even close with the rent; the closest was 50 per cent of the rent actually paid.”
Although Nubre identifies the retail chains as a driver of price erosion, he spares his greatest ire for the media, who he thinks implant consumers with unrealistic price expectations and scant regard for retailers.
“All we get on programs like Today Tonight and A Current Affair is how to get the best price from the retailers. Don’t you think it’s time that they educated the public to support the retailers that have risked everything to bring them the best service and products available?”
Nubre ended by issuing a warning for what the industry will be like if action isn’t taken.
“If this trend continues, people will end up paying a lot more when all the independents are gone, guaranteed.”
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