CONTENTS 14


4 NEWS: ERT reports on the latest news in the electrical retail space.


8 NEWS: Sirius Buying Group marked a major milestone in its history as it celebrated its 25th anniversary during the 2026 Annual Conference, held from 17th–19th May at the five-star Tivoli La Caleta in Tenerife.


14 DREAME NEXT: Dreame Technology used its largest-ever international launch event to showcase its vision for the future. At DREAME NEXT in San Francisco, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled new products and demonstrated how an increasingly connected lifestyle could reshape everyday living. Simon King reports.


22 SHOPFLOOR: As consumers increasingly seek experiences rather than transactions, independent retailers have a unique opportunity to turn their stores into destinations. Rupert Cook, Sales and Marketing Director at Gekko, explores how experiential retail, can drive footfall, loyalty and long-term growth on the high street.


26 HIGH END VIENNA: Europe’s leading consumer Hi-Fi show has found a new home. Steve May reports from the Austria Center Vienna where industry stalwarts faced off against a new wave of competition


30 HOME ENTERTAINMENT: These two iconic audio brands have much in common - but there’s plenty that stands them apart. Steve May reports from the Denon & Marantz Shirakawa Audio Works facility, in Japan.


36 HOME ENTERTAINMENT: New technologies such as RGB Mini LED, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and AI-powered smart home devices are reshaping the consumer electronics market. The question for retailers is no longer what’s new, but which innovations will genuinely motivate customers to spend.


40 HOME APPLIANCES: Today’s consumers want more from their small appliances than ever before. Whether it’s barista- quality coffee, healthier cooking or statement-making design, premium SDA is delivering products that look as good as they perform. ERT reports.


42 TAKE A TOWN: For this issue, ERT’s team of mystery shoppers visited, and assessed, eight stores across Oxfordshire


Contact us: Editor


Will McGill 01622 699 185


wmcgill@datateam.co.uk


Business Director Carl Hearnden


Media Director Paul Ryder


pryder@datateam.co.uk


Contributors to ERT this month: Francesca Sedan, Simon King and Rupert Cook


To subscribe to ERT, visit: www.ertonline.co.uk/registration


Or to change you subscription details, email: subscriptions@ertonline.co.uk


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Datateam Business Media Limited London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY 01622 687 031


© 2026 Datateam Business Media


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Features Editor Steve May


@SteveMay_UK


Artwork Editor Claire Noe


cnoe@datateam.co.uk ABC certification


ERT is distributed to a verified circulation of 7,034 per issue. Copies are circulated through a combination of controlled distribution to industry professionals, retailers, paid subscriptions, and targeted events. Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, editor, or publication management.


June 2026 ertonline.co.uk


22 36 42


Publication and ERT Awards Manager Stacey Boyce 01622 699167


sboyce@datateam.co.uk


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ERT


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