review: Retra Conference


Sustainability tops the agenda at the Retra Conference 2023


The industry came together at the Retra Conference 2023, which was centred around the topic of sustainability


T


he Retra Conference 2023 was opened by Howard Saycell, chief executive of


Retra, who told delegates that the theme of this year’s event was A Sustainable Industry, highlighting that “sustainability is growing evermore in the consumer’s mind, and all our minds”. “Sustainability is actually really great for your business,” Mr Saycell said. He added that the circular economy is


expected to have a £4.5 trillion valuation by 2030 and that the business of sustainability could have a positive impact on retail businesses as well as the planet. Mr Saycell also acknowledged that he understands it is difficult at the moment; with high interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis, which has impacted business across the supply chain as well. He said: “There are big challenges and on a geopolitical basis, it is not just about the UK, we are a part of the big mix. Having said that, we have seen significant price increases and plenty of you would agree in thinking that this was well overdue.” Mr Saycell acknowledged that these issues could go on for some time, but work is being done by Retra – and the British Retail Consortium – to lobby the government to reduce business rates.


The sustainability challenge Paul Hide, chief executive of AMDEA, spoke about the sustainability challenge and how the association is supporting its manufacturing members to educate consumers on making more sustainable household choices. “The sustainability challenge is one of the greatest challenges that we will have ever faced


14 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


– that is everyone and not just in our industry,” Mr Hide said. “Appliances play a big role in supporting net-


zero homes. Estimates suggest that within the 29 million UK homes there are at least 130m large appliances and 300m smaller appliances.” Mr Hide said that AMDEA has partnered


with Exeter University to commission some research and a campaign to educate consumers and retailers on the importance of recycling and purchasing the correct appliance for its intended use. He highlighted the importance of both


retailers and manufacturers across the industry encouraging consumers to buy the most energy and water efficient appliances within their budgets. Mr Hide added: “What we are also pushing for is a cohesive approach from all of our partners to help land these messages. We are constantly lobbying and pushing government to support us, and departments that run campaigns and those that talk to householders.”


GfK gives insight to latest market data Nick Simon, client director at GfK, presented the latest market data to delegates. “The world economy is progressing through


tentative recovery, and the outlook is still a little uncertain,” he said. Mr Simon pointed out that half of retail is online and it’s been that way since 2021; in 2019, only around 35% of retail sales were online. The SDA sector has been the strongest


performing sector in the past year, according to GfK data, with vacuum cleaners and air fryers doing particularly well. “SDA is the jewel in the crown, with the


overall value of that market going up and up,” Mr Simon said. The consumer electronics category has been


“disappointing” recently, he added, although headphones and turntables have been bucking the trend and selling well. The turntables category is up 16% compared to 2022. MDA sales remain “steady and healthy”, he


Winter 2023/24


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