Takeaways:

• The trade environment in South Australia has shown resilience and growth post-2020, contributing positively to Spartan Electrical's business performance.
• Spartan Electrical successfully conducted a major sales event in October, which exceeded expectations and showcased strong consumer demand across various brands.
• Recent team expansions at Spartan include a new sales representative and web content manager, enhancing the company's operational capabilities and customer engagement.
• Managing supply chain challenges has become a priority for retailers, as transparency with customers regarding stock availability is essential to mitigate potential disappointments.
• Con Tsoutouras anticipates that supply chain issues may persist beyond 2022, indicating that this could become the new norm for the industry.
• The focus for Spartan Electrical in 2022 will be on leveraging consumer demand and maintaining strong supplier relationships to navigate ongoing challenges.

Takeaways:

• Wayne Campbell commenced his role as Managing Director of Smeg Australia in February 2021, marking a significant personal milestone for him.
• Smeg Australia has expanded its workforce in 2021, enhancing key areas such as product sales and IT divisions.
• The company has prioritized digital communication and launched an E-learning platform to support training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Smeg's product pipeline for 2022 promises innovative offerings across major and small appliances, food service, and La Pavoni coffee machines.
• A notable focus for Smeg in 2022 includes a significant stand at EuroCucina in April, showcasing new product categories.
• Wayne expressed optimism for 2022, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with business partners in person after a challenging year.

Takeaways:

• Over the past 18 months, there has been a significant shift towards online shopping, largely accelerated by the pandemic.
• MyDeal has experienced tremendous growth, with sales increasing nearly 200% during peak lockdown periods as consumers adapted to online purchasing.
• The recently launched 'MyDealIt' campaign aims to enhance brand recognition and consumer trust in a competitive e-commerce landscape.
• Supply chain challenges remain a critical concern for retailers, especially with rising import costs impacting pricing strategies.
• Consumer spending behavior is likely to shift towards lifestyle choices post-pandemic, but essential purchases will continue to play a significant role.
• MyDeal is preparing for major sales events like Black Friday and Christmas, navigating ongoing logistical difficulties to ensure product availability.

Takeaways:

• Craig Fuller discusses the significant operational changes Amazon Australia implemented in response to the pandemic.
• Amazon Australia has committed to hiring 1,000 seasonal workers to manage increased demand during the festive season.
• The upcoming Amazon Robotics Fulfilment Centre in Western Sydney represents a $500 million investment in advanced logistics technology.
• This new facility will enhance Amazon's capacity to serve over 80% of the Australian population efficiently.
• The Robotics Fulfilment Centre will carry an impressive selection of 11 million different products for customer convenience.
• Collaboration with local educational institutions is crucial for upskilling workers for advanced technology roles.

Takeaways:

• Over the past twelve months, Bi-Rite has experienced significant growth in membership, demonstrating resilience in a challenging market environment.
• The ongoing supply chain challenges, particularly affecting TVs and air-conditioning units, have necessitated agile responses from retailers like Bi-Rite.
• As Bi-Rite prepares for the Christmas sales season, it is crucial to manage inventory constraints while maximizing marketing efforts.
• The evolution of Bi-Rite's marketing strategies has shifted from traditional print media to more dynamic digital approaches, enhancing customer engagement.
• Looking ahead to 2022, Bi-Rite aims to implement systems that provide greater resources and information to its store owners, fostering business growth.
• The unpredictability of supply chains continues to pose challenges, requiring retailers to remain adaptable and responsive to market changes.

Takeaways:

• Glenda Bailey articulates the significant challenges faced during the lockdowns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining staff support and customer relations.
• The Melbourne Quarantine Centre project represents a pivotal undertaking for Harvey Norman Commercial Victoria, reflecting their commitment to community health initiatives.
• Looking ahead to 2022, Glenda Bailey expresses optimism for the construction industry, highlighting ongoing projects and emerging opportunities despite recent difficulties.
• Glenda's nomination to the Committee of the Materials, Manufacturing and Supply Sector signifies her dedication to influencing industry standards and practices.
• The integration of remote work during the pandemic presented unique challenges for the team, yet efforts to maintain connections were prioritized through innovative communication strategies.
• Harvey Norman's Selection Centre is poised to become a key venue for client engagement, showcasing their extensive product offerings and enhancing customer experience post-pandemic.

Takeaways:

• Rick Hart from Hart & Co reported that COVID-19 had a limited impact on trade in Western Australia, with only minor lockdowns affecting operations.
• The Hart & Co showroom features unique elements such as polished concrete floors and an impressive laundry lab that highlights their appliance offerings.
• Despite challenges during the pandemic, there has been a notable increase in consumer spending on home renovations, including kitchen upgrades and new appliances.
• Rick Hart predicts a buoyant market for the retail industry in the next 12 to 18 months, driven by consumer demand for high-quality products.
• The showroom's design incorporates industrial aesthetics, featuring brickwork and an eye-catching electric door that enhances the customer experience.
• Hart & Co aims to host brand partners for exclusive events to showcase their showroom, pending the easing of border restrictions.

Takeaways:

• Derek Haley has accumulated over 22 years of diverse experience at Electrolux, progressing through various roles.
• In his new position, he is tasked with establishing a project management office to enhance organizational focus.
• Electrolux aims to grow and become more relevant to consumers by exploring mergers and acquisitions.
• The company has made significant strides in sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 70% since 2015.
• Electrolux's new six-star warehouse in Ravenhall is set to be its most energy-efficient facility.
• The Make It Last campaign is integral to Electrolux's strategy, promoting energy-efficient solutions across its product range.

Takeaways:

• Rob Sinclair discusses how e&s has adapted its operations amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly during lockdowns.
• The importance of effective communication within the team was highlighted, leading to improved operational efficiency during the pandemic.
• Sinclair anticipates potential challenges for the retail sector as the festive season approaches, particularly regarding inventory and customer access.
• Despite uncertainties, e&s has prepared robust marketing strategies to maintain momentum during the holiday sales period.
• The ongoing stock and freight issues are expected to persist well into the next year, impacting the industry significantly.
• Looking ahead, e&s plans to open new stores modeled after their successful Preston location, aiming to capitalize on the home improvement trend.

Takeaways:

• Charlie Davey of Leading Edge Group emphasizes the importance of community support for independent retailers during the pandemic, highlighting the need for consistent communication and engagement.
• The increase in online shopping has significantly impacted regional retailers, with those equipped for online sales outperforming their peers by as much as 40%.
• Leading Edge Group has implemented a central marketplace to streamline stock information, aiding members in sourcing products more efficiently during supply chain disruptions.
• As we approach the holiday sales period, retailers face challenges such as stock shortages and the need to secure products early to meet consumer demand.
• Charlie predicts a surge in consumer enthusiasm for in-store shopping post-lockdown, alongside ongoing challenges related to technology supply chains affecting product availability.
• The focus for 2022 will be on enhancing member services, improving digital engagement, and navigating the evolving retail landscape to better support independent retailers.