Retravision

The story of Retravision began in 1959, when a group of radio and television service agents formed the Retra TV Service Association of Victoria. Two years later, in 1961, they formalised their joint buying powers and opened a small group of retail stores in Victoria under the brand name Retravision.

For almost four decades the Group grew and expanded, and for the year ended 31 December 2000, the Retravision Group turned over at retail level around $1.8 billion.

By 2006, Retravision had grown to over 505 stores in Australia, stretching from Thursday Island in the North down to Hobart in Tasmania, and from the north-west of Western Australia to the east coast of Queensland and New South Wales. There were also more than 57 stores in New Zealand in both the North and South Islands.

The Group started experiencing difficulties and in October 2006, Retravision NSW was placed into voluntary administration. A number of other Retravision stores joined the Harvey Norman group, becoming Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne stores.[1]

In September 2008, Retravision's largest member, RT Edwards, sold itself to Radio Rentals South Australia (WSPL).[2]

Also in 2008, Retravision NZ decided that it would leave the Retravision group, it doing so in stages until May 2009.[3]

By this time a change in management structure meant stores in Victoria, Tasmania and southern NSW were managed by Retravision Southern, stores in Queensland and Northern NSW were managed by Retravision Northern and Retravision Western managed stores in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

In May 2012, after it came to light that Retravision Southern was having cash flow trouble, a crisis meeting was held at its Blackburn headquarters. The downfall of sales was blamed on the rise of internet-based shopping and reduced overall spending by consumers, possibly due to the Global Financial Crisis that began in 2008/2009.

The directors of Retravision Southern, which owned 104 Retravision stores, put the business into voluntary administration in May 2012. This began a chain of events which would see Retravision Southern being liquidated by receivers KordaMentha.[4]

In July 2012, the administrators said of Retravision Southern: "Management confirmed there had been a general decline in sales over the past few years as a result of poor air conditioning seasons, price deflation on audio visual products and general economic conditions and consumer confidence."[5]

In November 2012, it was announced that the Retravision name had been sold to NARTA International Limited for an undisclosed sum. The remaining member stores of Retravision were rebranded and joined other buying groups in their respective states. The exception was in Western Australia, where many stores continued trading under the Retravision name under a scheme of arrangement with Narta.[6]

In April 2017 Dorsett Retail Pty Ltd acquired a 22-year license to exclusively franchise and promote the Retravision brand in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, in a move that was expected to provide long-term stability and growth for the Retravision retailing brand.

As part of this licence, Geraldton-based retailer Mitchell & Brown, a Narta member for over 15 years, transitioned to the Retravision brand, along with Murray Oakley Discount Electrical in Darwin.[7] Dave’s Kambo’s in Harvey also took on the brand to become Dave’s Harvey Retravision.[8]

According to Dorsett Managing Director David Dorsett-Lynn, Retravision is continuing to look for opportunities in large regional centres as well as metropolitan areas.[9]

All Retravision stores are franchised, and are privately owned and operated.

In WA, Perth metropolitan stores include Cannington, Joondalup, O’Connor and Osborne Park. Regional stores include Albany, Bridgetown, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Geraldton, Harvey, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununnurra, Manjimup, Margaret River, Newman and South Hedland.

South Australia has Retravision Kadina, and Northern Territory has Murray Oakley Discount Electrical Retravision.

In addition to electrical appliances, computers and technology, several Retravision stores also specialise in furniture, homewares and bedding, including Retravision Kalgoorlie, South Hedland, Mitchell & Brown Geraldton & Busselton.

Currently there are 20 stores across Australia, 18 stores in Western Australia, one in South Australia and one in the Northern Territory.[10]

Retravision national support office and the head office of Dorsett Retail is located above the Bunbury Retravision retail outlet in Bunbury, WA.[11]

There are currently 20 stores within the Retravision network, with the business turning over approximately $150 million over the last 12 months. Of these stores there are six stores from the Dorsett Retail Group that represents just under half of the total turnover located at Bunbury, Cannington, Joondalup, O’Connor, Busselton and Margaret River.

There are 18 stores in Western Australia, one in South Australia at Kadina, and the Murray Oakley store in Darwin, NT.

Retravision Commercial is operated by Carl Sanders and works directly with builders and developers to supply electrical appliances, hot water solutions, sanitary ware, furniture, and complete fit outs as well as many other procurement solutions. Retravision Commercial has been servicing the industries since 1961 and is part of Australia’s largest independent national buying group, Narta. Retravision Commercial continues to be an integral part of the national building and construction industry as well as mining, government, and hospitality sectors.

Retravision Online. As one of Australia’s leading retailers of whitegoods, home appliances, computers and technology and home entertainment, Retravision has been able to further grow its brand by launching an online store. Retravision Online offers the same purchasing options as in-store, including its flagship promises of Lowest Price Guarantee, 60-Day Price Promise, Up To 50 Months Interest-Free, zipPay, zipMoney and Humm.

Electsales is Retravision’s specialist appliance wholesaler for builders and commercial projects. Established in 1965, Electsales continues its commitment to supplying electrical and gas home appliances and hot water systems to Western Australia’s building industry. While Electsales benefits from Retravision’s buying network, it also focuses on servicing its niche role within the overall building process.

Retravision stores are owned by local people, and both owners and employees are deeply involved in their local communities, particularly in the regional cities and towns. They are renowned for supporting local clubs, community events[12] and organisations[13] as well as sponsoring West Australian sporting teams[14] and charities.[15]

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  • 1961 establishments in Australia
  • Retail companies established in 1961