EDITOR’S COMMENT Jack Cheeseman


March 2024 ertonline.co.uk


Pillars of the community I


n this month’s issue of ERT we’re looking at how independent retailers can position themselves


as the hub of their local


communities. Getting customers back into stores has never been more important and today’s shoppers are hungry for an in-store experience that excites and delights them.


10


This was something I discussed with Paul


Tyler, Chief Executive of CIH (pictured with me below left), when I went down to the buying group’s head office in Andover last month. In fact, we discussed many things during my visit, chief among which was the family heritage that most Euronics dealers have and how they have built up long-lasting relationships with their customers. Some of the independent retailers that make up the group have been trading for nearly a century, and the fact that these family-run businesses have evolved and moved with the times and remained relevant to their core audience is the reason they are still going strong today.


“Our members and agents are exceptional at what they do,” Paul told me. “They can be efficient and competitive, while staying true to their core values using their family reputation to attract customers.” It


being upheld by


latest and greatest product ranges instore and online to ensure they remain relevant and appealing in this competitive marketplace. The ERT Awards is the perfect opportunity to showcase just how good your business is! Entries for 2024 are OPEN – for both retailers and manufacturers.


is wonderful to see and hear how institutions of this ever-changing industry are


experienced, dedicated and reliable retailers up and down the country. They are pillars of the community – local, friendly experts who have been providing products and services for people’s homes for generations. And we like to celebrate the hard work and the success of, not just retailers, but the whole electrical retail industry, so I’m pleased to say that the ERT Awards is back for 2024! During these challenging times, it is crucial for retailers to emphasise the value and the service they can offer. But they must also work closely with manufacturers to provide the


All the usual categories have returned, but you have probably seen that we have also introduced two brand new categories for this year! There’s the Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer award and Best Manufacturer/Supplier Sustainability Initiative. Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Many brands are growing their choice of eco-friendly products and this is being reflected in retailers’ stores as they encourage more sustainable purchases. As a key event in the industry’s calendar


we are excited to introduce these two new categories to reward the efforts being made by everyone across our industry to reduce their environmental impact. If you think your store, your overall business, your products or your sales reps are the best in the industry, then now is the time to brag about it and send your entries in! You’ve got until Tuesday 30 April. There’s more information about the new categories and the entry process here: www.ertawards.co.uk.


Email the editor at jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk What do you think ?


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