CONTENTS 12


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


8 NEWS: ERT was given exclusive access as Midea and Teka unveiled the latter’s new partnership with celebrity chef James Martin in Manchester. Will McGill reports.


12 THE ERT INTERVIEW: Against a challenging economic backdrop, Miele is continuing to invest in its brand, products, retail partnerships and UK operations. ERT’s Will McGill speaks to John Pickering, Managing Director Miele GB, Ireland and South Africa, about the opportunities within the premium appliance market, and protecting retailer margins.


16 RETAILER PROFILE: Following the acquisition of another long-established electrical retailer, Cooper & Elms is beginning a new chapter in its 42-year history. ERT’s Will McGill travelled to King’s Lynn to meet Director Ian Cooper and talk expansion, changing consumer habits and why there is still plenty of life in the independent electrical retail sector.


24 THE ERT REPORT: Following the findings of The ERT Report, we invited industry figures to share their thoughts.


26 HOME ENTERTAINMENT & HOME APPLIANCES: Gekko Business Development Director Rupert Cook takes a look at the gifts and gadgets set to be on consumers’ Christmas lists this year, and what retailers can expect from the festive season.


28 HOME APPLIANCES: COLOUR TRENDS: As consumers become more confident with colour, the days of appliances simply blending into the background could be numbered. Consumers are increasingly looking to sophisticated shades and matt finishes to make a statement. ERT takes a closer look.


34 HOME APPLIANCES: FLOORCARE: How we clean our homes is changing, with multifunctional machines, smarter technology and quick everyday ‘resets’ reshaping the floorcare market. But with consumers demanding convenience without compromising on performance or value, what do electrical retailers need to know? Will McGill reports.


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


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, Rupert Cook, and Simon King.


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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© 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.


September 2026 ertonline.co.uk


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Publication and ERT Awards Manager Stacey Boyce 01622 699167


sboyce@datateam.co.uk


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ERT


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