By James Wells
BRISBANE: Betta Stores Retail (BSR) has issued a statement confirming it is committed to its retailers following an article published on Wednesday by Current.com.au titled: "Victoria’s Sale Betta Electrical fed up with BSR, joins HomElectrix".
BSR Group chairman, Everard Johnson, said his statement: "comes in response to a recent news item on www.current.com.au regarding the BSR business". The article referred to the Sale Betta Electrical store in Victoria who has chosen to leave the BSR group and join a new franchise – HomElectrix – operated by Narta member Abdul Sacur.
"Johnson today stated the company would not be drawn into the mud slinging and rumour mongering style tactics being employed by industry competitors," the statement said.
“BSR is owned by shareholders who are also retailers of the group. All BSR board members are also retailers," Johnson said.
"Retailers know what they need in the way of support from their group and this is how BSR has been structured. Not only are our fees some of the most competitive in the industry, they include a structured, monthly advertising program to support our retailers. Our program is not at an extra charge to our stores despite what some of our competitors are trying to perpetuate,” he said.
“Whilst it is unfortunate we could not reach a level of support one of our retailers expected of the group, we appreciate his recent written communication to our office wishing BSR retailers all the best in the future and extend the same to his team.
"As with all retail groups in any industry, our owners will occasionally wish to review their future and will sometimes ‘switch’ brands. This is entirely their decision. However, staff and management in the BSR offices are freely available to all of our retailers at any time, to discuss day-to-day business issues or queries.”