National franchise group BSR Australia is opening a new Betta Electrical at Dunsborough in southern WA next week, increasing BSR’s presence in WA to 16 stores.

The 320m² store, owned and operated by Mark and Leanne Bennett, is located on the corner of Faure Street and Dunsborough Street.

BSR Group general manager Ian Brown said the opening of Betta Electrical Dunsborough was a key step in BSR’s strategy of expanding into fast-growing regional centres.

“We’re excited to be bringing the Betta Electrical brand to Dunsborough,” he said. 

“The Bennetts have lived in the region of Western Australia almost all their lives so they know and understand the needs of the community.

“It’s great to have them onboard and I wish them all the best,” he said.

Store owner Mark Bennett said the strength of the Betta Electrical brand and feedback from existing retailers were key factors in the decision to choose the BSR Group franchise.

“We went through all our alternatives thoroughly and just couldn’t go past the organisational structure and brand recognition enjoyed by retailers operating under the Betta Electrical banner,” he said.

“The Betta Electrical members we spoke to were unanimous – the support they enjoyed was outstanding.

“I would not be surprised in the slightest to see many more retailers joining the group in the near future,” he said.

Bennett said that after 20 years in the retail industry, including seven years with a major, national electrical goods chain, it was time to run his own business.

“I’ve completed what you might call a lengthy apprenticeship but I feel that it has put me in good stead for the future,” he said. “It has given me an appreciation of how important it is for a retailer to be involved in the local community and provide great customer service.

“The major chains tend to lose focus on those areas but we know from personal experience that people like to feel that they’re being looked after.”

Initially, Bennett and his wife will run the store themselves but are hoping to employ at least two sales assistants in the near future.