More than half of independent electrical retailers have seen their gross margins decrease, according to the ERT Report 2026.
ERT’s industry survey found that 52.6 per cent of respondents said their gross margins had decreased slightly, highlighting the continued financial pressure facing businesses across the independent electrical trade.
The finding comes as retailers contend with rising operating costs, intense price competition and customers who can compare prices online within seconds.
ERT Editor Will McGill said: “This was one of the figures that really stood out to me. More than half of the retailers we surveyed have seen their margins decrease slightly, and that has a real impact on businesses.
“Independent retailers offer so much more than simply selling a product, whether that’s expert advice, installation or after-sales service. They need to be able to make a sustainable margin while providing that level of service.”
The margin findings form part of the inaugural ERT Report, which explores sales performance, retailer confidence, customer behaviour, supplier relationships and the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the independent electrical trade.
Read the full ERT Report 2026 for all the findings.
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