July/August 2026 ertonline.co.uk


Expert advice, personal service and local


reputation continue to stand out as key advantages. As products become increasingly connected and technology evolves, consumers are often looking for guidance as much as the product itself. That creates opportunities for retailers who can explain features, recommend the right solution and provide support long after the sale. There are other openings too, particularly


around premium products, installation and smart home technology, areas where specialist knowledge genuinely counts.


What is the single biggest threat to your business? There’s no point sugar-coating it: independents are under pressure. Online competition, rising operating costs and changing consumer behaviour are all taking their toll. Maintaining profitability remains the biggest


S


trong supplier relationships have always been vital to the independent electrical retail sector, and this chart provides an insight into how retailers feel those partnerships have evolved


over the past year. While opinions are mixed, the results suggest there is still room for improvement.


The answers also tie neatly back to what


retailers have told us on the previous page. Retailers continue to value dependable stock availability, fair margin protection and responsive after-sales support above all else (Page 32). More than ever, they are looking


for suppliers who communicate openly,


understand the realities of independent retail and provide consistent support rather than one- off incentives.


What do you see as the biggest opportunity for independents in 2026? Ask retailers where the opportunity lies, though, and the answer takes us back to what independents have always done best. Rather than trying to compete directly with larger online rivals, respondents overwhelmingly believe the biggest opportunities lie in the strengths that have always defined the sector.


concern. Customers can compare prices instantly, while manufacturers’ direct-to- consumer activity and increasing business costs make protecting margins more difficult than ever. However, the survey also highlights that these


challenges are not new. Independent retailers have consistently adapted to changing markets by investing in knowledgeable staff, embracing new technology and strengthening relationships with customers and suppliers. If there is one thing this first ERT Report makes clear, its that the independent sector isn’t standing still. The pressures are significant, but retailers are adapting, through expertise, service, technology and stronger customer relationships. The market may be changing, but independents are changing with it.


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