By Shivaun Hales

Retravision has revealed a new head office in Perth will be the base for the recently merged Retravision Southern, Northern and Western branches, resulting in a number of job losses.

Chairman of the new Retravision Group, Ian Ray told www.connectedaustralia.com the formation of a single body is important for the future of the company as it will streamline business operations.

Ray said the changes are reflective of the current economic environment.

“Our industry and the whole of retail is cutting costs, and we’ve seen that this week with Woolworths selling Dick Smith,” said Ray.

“The state of the economy means we need to change,” he said.

The new Retravision headquarters will be located in Perth, a base for buying and administration.

“Smaller offices will operate in Brisbane and Melbourne to maintain strong supplier relationships,” Ray told www.connectedaustralia.com.

“And to act as additional contact points for Retravision members,” he said.

Office jobs will be lost

Ray confirmed administration, sales and marketing jobs would be lost as a result of the merge.

“There will be job losses, but I can’t give a number at this stage,” said Ray.

“We spoke with staff yesterday and informed them of the upcoming changes and that we are assessing roles,” he said.

The single Retravision body is expected to boost buying power and reduce the cost of business.

“Retravision has been duplicating the costs for a number of the years by operating three separate businesses,” commented Ray.

“We want to protect our relationships with suppliers and will be meeting with them to discuss the changes next week.”

According to Ray, members will be better off under the changes which are effective immediately.

Retravision members will have the opportunity to respond to the merger with any questions when CEO Paul Holt and Ray visit five states from February 20.

The briefing tour will hold sessions in Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Melbourne, Bendigo, Perth and Adelaide, will run from 20 February 2012 through until 29 February 2012.

A number of Retravision store owners have told www.connectedaustralia.com the merger is a positive move for the company.