Retailer paints optimistic picture

The manager of an electrical appliance business in Port Kennedy says he is optimistic about the future of the retail sector in the region.

Paul Newcombe said the family business, Betta Home Living, was tracking well and said sales reflected there was confidence in consumer spending.

Mr Newcombe said the family’s flagship Port Kennedy store and the Rockingham store had weathered the economic storms of the past few years.

‘‘There is no question the electrical appliance industry and retail, in general, is suffering,’’ he said.

‘‘What makes all the difference is how you structure your business.’’

Mr Newcombe said there had also been a change in customer attitude when it came to shopping behaviour.

‘‘Where people might have thought about buying, now they actually are buying,’’ he said.

‘‘In the last two years we’ve noticed people come in to the store with a purpose, with a definite interest to buy.

‘‘Often it’s because there’s a need.

‘‘If they’re going to buy, they will buy.

‘‘There’s less foot traffic but the conversion rate is higher.’’