Retravision

History

In 1959, a group of service agents formed the Retra TV Service Association of Victoria.

In 1961 the Radio Electrical TV Retailers Association (RETRA) formalised their purchasing power into the buying group and retail stores ‘Retravision’. Retravision began with a small number of members in Victoria.

For the year ended 31 December 2000, the Retravision Group turned over at retail level some $1.8 billion.

By 2006, Retravision had grown to over 505 stores in Australia, stretching from Thursday Island in the North, down to Hobart and right around to Derby in Western Australia, and had over 57 stores in New Zealand, covering both the North and South Islands.

In October 2006, Retravision NSW, was placed into voluntary administration. A number of stores joined the Harvey Norman group, becoming Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne stores. A number of these stores have since closed, including the store at Bennetts Green in Newcastle.

In June 2008, the Retravision Western supplied Phone XPress group failed.

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

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

On 18 May 2012, it came to light that Retravision Southern (the support office of Victorian, Tasmanian and southern NSW stores) was having cash flow troubles. A crisis meeting was called at its Blackburn headquarters. The downfall of sales is blamed on the rise of internet based shopping and reduced overall spending by consumers. Shortly after on 21 May, the directors of Retravision Southern put the business into voluntary administration. This began a chain of events which would see Retravision Southern being liquidated by receivers Kordamentha.

In July 2012, the administrations 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."

During 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 are expected to be rebranded and join other buying groups before April 2013. The exception will be in some parts of Western Australia, where the brand name will continue under a scheme of arrangement with Narta.

Stores

Stores are franchised, and are privately owned and operated, backed by professional management at regional and national level. Stores are deeply involved in their local communities, supporting local clubs and organisations.

Retravision had three regional support offices based in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia – providing an understanding of the specific issues that each state faces along with local community requirements.