Expect sparks to fly in electricals market

The new year has barely begun but already it seems as if every week brings 12 months’ worth of transformation in electricals.

Following Best Buy’s Saigon-style retreat from the UK and the sale of Comet for £2 – the deal is due to complete today – there was already extra spark in the category.

Then came the revelation this week that Dixons chief John Browett, architect of the retailer’s recovery, is off to head tech giant Apple’s global retail operations.

Browett’s move is testament to the wealth of talent in UK retail and the extent of change wrought at Dixons. When Browett joined back in 2007, Dixons’ standards of service were regarded as risible and its stores unappealing.

The fact that he has been headhunted to one of the world’s most customer-centric companies shows his strategy made an impact beyond these shores.

That said, it would be foolish to pretend that Dixons’ business batteries are fully charged. The electricals market remains unremittingly tough and every pound of spend is being fought for.

But the good thing is that Dixons’ newly promoted leaders, Seb James, who will become group chief executive and Katie Bickerstaffe, who takes up the new role of UK and Ireland boss, would be the last to pretend that renewal is complete.

Each has played pivotal parts in the improvement of Dixons’ shops and services, but they know the journey is unfinished and the momentum must be sustained. They will have Comet in their sights. No prisoners will be taken. Expect mortal combat to ensue.

Sharing the rewards

At a time when business leaders are under fire over their rewards, retail chiefs showed another side of commerce at the Retail Trust’s London Ball, which raised just over £1m.

Two independent shopkeepers from Ealing whose livelihoods were destroyed in last summer’s riots gave eloquent testimony to the excellent work done by the Retail Trust. In hard times it was tougher for the charity to reach its target, but leaders including Marc Bolland, Don McCarthy and in particular Sir Philip Green gave extra donations to ensure the fundraising was successful.

It was just one more example of how the industry helps those in need.