Get Connected Magazine - July/August 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2020

The Magazine of The Electrical Goods Industry www.gcmagazine.co.uk

INSIDE:

THE WORD The industry’s most comprehensive and up-to-date look at what’s happening, what is being said and what it means for retailers and manufacturers in the UK electrical industry

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING GC’s popular feature assesses the choices for stylish, high-functioning and space-saving appliances in a market where homes are getting smaller and aspirations are getting bigger. This time with a special focus on how months of “stay home” living have fuelled the demand for better living spaces

BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL APPLIANCES RKW founder Rob Sutton talks to GC about why now is the perfect time for brands and retailers to be choosing the right partners

PRODUCT GALLERY An expanded look at the products coming into the market for this Autumn

CONTENTS

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Editorial Comment The Word In and around the industry

10 Town & Apartment Living Feature

As UK homes are getting smaller, aspirations for a high-function, stylish, convenient and uncluttered living/cooking/socialising environment with an illusion of space are getting bigger. GC looks at the outstanding choice of kitchen appliances that can fulfil those aspirations, with special reference to the opportunities generated by a prolonged lockdown that has made your customers re-assess how they want their homes to work for them

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Blueair fan “designed for instant allergy relief” www.blueair.com

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway 01420 886 33 marlinda@gcmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales: Sally Milburn 01892 677 745 sallym@spacemarketing.co.uk

Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry Heath 01420 886 33 terry@gcmagazine.co.uk

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Small Talk

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GC talks to Rob Sutton, founder of branded SDA supplier RKW, about the importance for brands and retailers of choosing the right partners

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Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £108; Overseas £158. © Copyright 2020 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

16 Product Gallery A specially expanded showcase of the products that will excite your customers as they get back to “normal” shopping and look for ways to enhance the homes they’ve been forced to spend so much time in over the past few months

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

In a month where we’ve reported the high of a “retail bounce back” (+3.6% in July), the low of a new record drop in UK GDP (-20.4%), and the retail industry’s rush to the top of the job losses leader board (32,725 jobs lost, overtaking the aviation industry’s 30,675), we do at least have a clear message from the country’s leadership

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hat message is: “We have no idea what’s happening, and no competence to deal with it even if we did. Just go out (or stay in) and do what you think (or you are told) is best. Use your common sense. I’m away on my holidays now, so if anybody asks, it’s not my fault.”

The electrical retail industry, and SMEs in general, are used to being, at best, left to their own devices and at worst suffering disproportionate taxes, rates and rents, so knowing what’s happening and what to do about it is second nature. But with so much that’s unclear - with sporadic resurgence of infections, intermittent local lockdowns, individual UK countries setting (and changing) their own rules, the Job Retention Scheme winding down, the dangerous Winter season on its way and nobody leading a coherent strategy – it’s hard to marshal the facts.

The fact that our retail industry has now lost more jobs than aviation is stark enough. But, because it’s reported in the media as a largely “big beasts of the high street” problem, with the likes of M&S, Debenhams, Boots and John Lewis axing thousands of roles, and others, such as Oasis and Warehouse, disappearing from the high street altogether, we must not forget that the entire retail industry is facing more job losses this year; nor that, behind the headlines, profound changes are taking place of which every retailer, big or small, needs to take note.

COVID-19 hasn’t necessarily instigated these changes. They were already happening. But the pandemic has amplified and accelerated them.

“Five years’ change in five weeks. You may not have room for 650 new employees in your organisation, but at whatever g scale you’re operating, makin in nt a serious investme online infrastructure looks like a sound survival measure.”

John Lewis has been announcing job losses, planned closures of some physical outlets and extensive remodelling of management structures. In effect, much of the back-office function is being outsourced to specialist “trusted partners” who have knowledge and experience of the structures needed for effective online retailing. Some John Lewis colleagues are migrating to these “trusted partners” – on the same employment terms and conditions, and with continuation of service.

Chairman Sharon White set out the direction of travel with some clarity in a letter to employees, saying John Lewis will become “digital first” as customers increasingly shop online. With customers shopping in very different ways, the young in particular, and the pandemic accelerating the importance of digital, she said, John Lewis is expected to be a 60% online retailer, from 40% pre-COVID-19, and Waitrose to rise above 20%, from 5%.

If any proof were needed that things are happening at some pace, online electricals retailer AO has just announced a recruitment drive to fill 650 new vacancies. The reason for this rapid expansion? Founder and Chief Executive John Roberts explained: “The pandemic accelerated a shift in customer behaviour towards online shopping – we saw five years’ change in five weeks. We now have the opportunity to make AO a habit that lasts for our new customers. We’re investing to cement the change and prepare for our next phase of growth which includes creating hundreds of new, high-quality jobs for a diverse range of talented people.”

Five years’ change in five weeks. You may not have room for 650 new employees in your organisation, but at whatever scale you’re operating, making a serious investment in online infrastructure looks like a sound survival measure.

We don’t know yet whether Boris Johnson’s breezily named “whack-a-mole” strategy will work, or how many more sudden local lockdowns we will have to face. It does appear, though, that his new version of the game involves playing blindfold with no mallet. What are you running here: a country or an amusement arcade?

There’s always the pub if you need a bit of leisure to ponder. It’s a scientific fact that alcohol makes people more careful, more socially responsible and much better at judging distances.

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Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry Heath Editorial & Publishing Director

Will Dobson Creative Director

James McIntosh Consumer Consultant

George Cole Consumer Electronics Consultant

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“SEPTEMBER WILL BE THE REAL TEST FOR RETAILERS”

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CONSUMERS MAKE A TENTATIVE RETURN TO NON-ESSENTIAL STORES

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hoppers have been described as making a “nervous return to the UK’s high streets in July” as month-on-month footfall gained 12.7% in non-food stores with Scotland & Northern Ireland showing the best turnout.

According to figures from Ipsos Retail Performance, which measures footfall in nonfood outlets throughout the regions, footfall fell 53% on July last year but hope of a small recovery of 3% month-on-month is expected for August.

Ipsos reported that footfall dipped by 2.8% during the first week of wearing facemasks becoming mandatory, but concluded that the move neither deterred OR encouraged shoppers.

“The improvement was gradual weekon-week, but the jury is out on the impact of mandatory masks,” the organisation said.

Following the Government’s decision to

permit all non-essential stores in England to open their doors from 15th June, Ipsos said the return to shops was generally tempered with caution.

The average weekly footfall was down by 65.7% overall once stores had begun to reopen, with each of the three weeks seeing a slight narrowing of the year-on-year deficit.

Dr Tim Denison, director of Retail Intelligence at Ipsos Retail Performance, said quite what ‘good’ looks like for a year-onyear comparator for store footfall is difficult to ascertain at the moment.

“It is still early days to know how much shopping behaviour has changed, what changes are for the short or long term and how long the safety guidelines will remain in force and impact on footfall.

“The one thing that is blatantly apparent is that retailers will need to manage their businesses on lower store footfall.”

AO POSTS STRONG FULL-YEAR EBITA PERFORMANCE

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nline electricals retailer AO World reported adjusted EBITDA up 53.6% for the year ended 31 March 2020 and revenue growth of 15.9% aided by significant market share gains across many of its key categories from the start of lockdown on 23 March as the electricals market migrated to nearly 100% online overnight.

EBITDA rose to £19.6m (2019: £12.8m) on revenues of £1,046.2m (£902.5m).

Total UK revenue increased 20.3% to £901.6m (up 8.2% on a like for like basis excluding revenues from the Mobile Phones Direct3 business. Adjusted EBITDA improved by 7.0% to £40.8m.

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In Europe, revenue for the period fell 4.6% to €165.4m (down 5.6% in GBP to £144.5m) due to the closure of the Netherlands website in the third quarter as the business re-aligned its European operating model with its UK policy. Adjusted EBITDA losses improved from €27.9m to €24.2m (£25.3m to £21.1m) with actions implemented during the period starting to benefit performance during the second half.

John Roberts, AO Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Covid-19 has accelerated a shift in customer behaviour towards online shopping and we now need to cement that change. In short, we must drive forward so those customers never look back.”

he next Quarter Rent Day could see many otherwise viable retail businesses fall into insolvency in the face of rising costs, lower sales and accumulating rents, as the fragile economic situation continues to bear down on consumer confidence and retail’s recovery remains hampered by consumers still reluctant to go out, and fewer impulse purchases being made.

According to the British Retail Consortium, total sales increased by 3.2% in July, the second consecutive month of growth since the start of the pandemic, but many shops continued to struggle as footfall was down.

Helen Dickinson, BRC Chief Executive said: “While the rise in retail sales is a step in the right direction, the industry is still trying to catch up lost ground.”

Online non-food sales increased 41.0%, against growth of 3.7% in July 2019, with the penetration rate rising from 29.7% to 42.0% year on year.

With most shops having suffered months of closures, total in-store sales of non-food items declined 29.3% over the three months to July, while online non-food sales increased 7.9%.

Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail at KPMG, said: “September will be the real test for retailers this quarter, traditionally being a month of high volumes driven by the return to school after the holiday season.

“That said, with the furlough scheme unwinding and wider economic uncertainty set for the autumn, consumer anxiety will likely rise along with it. This will place more scrutiny on disposable income and make life even tougher for retailers.”

DIXONS CARPHONE FULL-YEAR PROFITS CUT IN HALF; STORE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES “STREAMLINED”

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ixons Carphone reported underlying pre-tax profits of £166 million for its financial year to 2 May 2020, a 51% fall from the £399 million profit of the previous year.

The Group statutory loss before tax of £140 million was largely ascribed to UK Mobile store closure costs following the announcement in March this year that all 531 of its Carphone Warehouse standalone stores would close permanently on 3 April.

The temporary closure of other stores during lockdown also took its toll, but the company claims it achieved a “robust performance in Electricals despite COVID-19.” The core UK & Ireland Electricals business reported revenue up 1% and posted adjusted EBIT of £162 million, 10% down year-on-year. Online sales, understandably, were up, showing a 22% increase year-on-year and a huge 166% increase in the month of April.

In later news, Dixons Carphone proposed reducing the total number of roles in the business by 800 as part of a strategy aiming to create “one joined up business and a clearer, simpler and faster place to work.”

The move will affect the management structure of its UK & Ireland stores.

As a result of the proposed changes, the business plans to introduce new Sales Manager, Customer Experience Manager and Operational Excellence Manager roles to stores, while removing the Retail Manager, Assistant Manager and Team Leader roles.

The retailer is also proposing to remove Business Advisor roles in stores without a Business Hub. These changes would result in an overall reduction of 800 roles.

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PROFITS CHALLENGE FOR JOHN LEWIS BUT “GREEN SHOOTS” ON THE HORIZON

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he John Lewis Partnership, which in July announced that eight John Lewis stores, including its flagship regional store in Birmingham, would not reopen after lockdown, putting 1,300 jobs at risk, has said profits this year and next are likely to be challenged but a strategic review of the business is making good progress.

In a letter to employees, Chairman Sharon White said the company will become “digital first” due to changes in consumer shopping behaviour and the pandemic accelerating the importance of online retailing, with John Lewis expected to be a 60% online retailer, from 40% pre-Covid-19, and Waitrose to rise above 20%, from 5%.

Over the next five years the retailer expects to rebalance its shop estate to ensure it has the right space in the right locations where people want to shop. “John Lewis Home will be available in Waitrose” and “we will get more experimental with store formats,” said White.

The company is also to review its ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise, which became a millstone around its neck some years ago as retail underwent challenging conditions, leading to an unprecedented level of price-matching as other retailers discounted heavily.

“As you all know, these are testing times, with profits this year and next likely to be challenged,” said White. “But the beauty of being a Partnership is that we are able to take a long-term view.”

The company is still targeting at least £100 million of savings in head office costs and has reduced the number of senior managers by a third.

It is also drawing on new technology and expertise from outside suppliers for its Tech & Change transformation and expanding into more services as retail profit margins are under pressure.

A number of ideas for further development in services include growth in the retailer’s financial services business, and private rented housing.

COMET’S BACK IN TOWN, SO TO SPEAK… E

lectricals retailer Comet, which was sold by KESA Electricals to private investment firm OpCapita for £2 at the backend of 2011, before going bust in 2012 with the loss of more than 6,000 jobs and a £50 million bill for unpaid taxes and redundancy costs to be footed by tax payers, is back in the UK with an online-only presence.

Comet’s IP assets were acquired by the UK Computer Group after being put up for sale early in 2019. The brand, domain name and trademarks were reportedly sold for £86,000 later that year.

Comet was founded in 1933 as Comet Battery Stores and later became the second biggest electrical retailer in the UK with over 200 stores. A soft launch of its website boasts a focus on “giving customers the best price, the best choice and the best service, which made it [Comet] a household name for over 80 years”.

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eports that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering raising £2 billion a year with a new 2% online sales tax are, understandably, generating argument about the merits, or otherwise, of introducing such a tax in the UK. Read these opinions at www.gcmagazine.co.uk Online sales tax “a tax on the frail” says ecommerce delivery company Online sales tax “will do little to save High Street,” says Productsup

John Lewis Chairman Sharon White

“As we repurpose and potentially reduce our shop estate, we want to put excess space to good social use,” White told Partners. “We are exploring with third parties the concept of new mixed-use affordable housing.” Rental/Resale/Recycle is another area, with options including the creation of a “market-leading” channel for product rentals or building a marketplace to sell used products.

JLP said the strategic review should see “green shoots” in the business’s performance over the next 9-12 months and profits recovering over the next three to five years.

CIH’S STUART COOK TO RETIRE

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uying group CIH has announced the pending retirement of CEO Stuart Cook after 25 years with the organisation and 13 years as director of Euronics International.

Cook will scale down his activities to three days a week from September this year with a view to taking full retirement in September 2021, should the business be in a suitable position for him to do so.

The new CEO, who will be announced shortly, will work alongside Cook to achieve a seamless transition. Day-to-day operations for suppliers and members will remain unaffected during this period.

A statement from the buying group said: “Stuart can be credited for underpinning the success of both CIH and the Euronics brand in the UK. With a solid legacy in place, he felt that the time was approaching when he would like to spend more time with his family, travel the world and enjoy the fruits of his labour.”

CIH Chairman Steve Scogings said Cook’s contribution to CIH over two and a half decades cannot be understated.

“The list of Stuart’s achievements at CIH is extensive, and he begins his winding down period with a legacy of many positive changes to his credit.

“Having established CIH as the buying group powerhouse that it is today, Stuart has built a tremendous base from which the new CEO can further build the brand, supplier business and member benefits into the future.”

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MIDWICH FIRST-HALF TRADING “SIGNIFICANTLY” IMPACTED

BY CORONAVIRUS

A/V

distributor Midwich Group has said revenue for the first half of the year is expected to be around 4% below the same period last year, with a decline in underlying sales of around 22%.

In a pre-close statement for the six months ended 30 June 2020, the business said trading in much of the period was impacted significantly by the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to product mix, gross margins are expected to be up to 2.5 percentage points lower, but actions taken to reduce operating expenditure mean the Board expects the Group to be profitable in the

first half, but at a level significantly below the same period last year.

In its outlook for the second half of the year, the business said market conditions for its products and services are likely to remain significantly impacted by the development of the pandemic, but should the positive trading momentum seen in May and June continue for the rest of this year, trading performance in the second half should be better than in the first.

It is likely that the growth in profitability will be slowed as certain government support measures for employment, particularly in the UK, are scaled back later in 2020.

SONUS FABER AND MCINTOSH BECOME FOUNDATION OF NEW HIGH-END AUDIO DISTRIBUTOR

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igh-end audio business McIntosh Group and McIntosh Laboratory’s British distributor of 15 years, Jordan Acoustics, have established a new high-end audio distributorship to focus specifically on further developing the McIntosh and Sonus faber brands in the UK. Fine Sounds UK will be headquartered in Great Britain, where it will have warehousing and customer service facilities.

Charlie Randall, McIntosh Group CEO and McIntosh Laboratory President; Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO of the McIntosh Group and Sonus faber President; and Tim Jordan, owner of Jordan Acoustics, have been named directors of Fine Sounds UK. Andy Oattes, previously Sales Director at One AV and Head of Sales at Naim Audio, has been appointed as Fine Sounds UK’s Sales Director. Oattes also has over a decade of experience at high-end audio company Linn.

SEE GCMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS...

Senior management changes at Hughes Electrical Face Coverings in Stores from 24 July – a logical step?

AO creates 250 new jobs in Crewe Shoppers must say ‘No’ to new minimum charge on home deliveries, says ParcelHero Euronics stores hit the ground running Hi-Fi trade body delivers “open for business” message to consumers Hughes engages with consumers via ‘Shop Live’ experience The end of seasonal peaks?

PJH updates Partners Portal™

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DYSON CUTS 900 JOBS

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yson has announced it will cut 900 jobs globally, 600 of which will go in the company’s UK operation, as the impact of the coronavirus hastens restructuring plans.

Dyson, which has a global workforce of 14,000 – 4,000 based in the UK, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated changes in consumer behaviour and therefore requires changes in how we engage with our customers and how we sell our products.”

Most of the jobs will be lost in retail and customer service roles, the company said.

FIRST PROFITABLE MONTH IN 2020 FOR GORENJE Appliance manufacturer Gorenje reported a “positive turnaround” as June became the first profitable month for the business this year due to the impact of COVID-19 in the earlier months.

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he company said it has gained a larger n umber of orders for August, September and October, as the result of “a number of timely measures took by the management to strengthen operations, adapt to the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and to improve business results.”

At the end of April this year, due to a sharp drop in orders and revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and a consequent expected negative result in the first half of 2020, Gorenje parent Hisense Europe Group adopted a series of crisis measures to mitigate revenue shortfalls, including redundancies in four companies in Slovenia.

“All these measures have resulted in a positive turnaround,” the company said.

Nonetheless, the half-year business result remains negative, and market conditions remain uncertain and volatile due to the economic consequences of the pandemic and a potential second wave, the business said in a statement.

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES ‘LIFE UNSTOPPABLE’ VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

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amsung Electronics is to host a virtual experience to unveil the latest innovations in its TV, audio, mobile phone, wearables and home appliance products, following its decision not to attend this year’s IFA 2020 in September due to COVID-19.

‘Life Unstoppable’, the Korean brand’s 45-minute “virtual and dynamic journey” of its newest pioneering technology will take place 2nd September to guide guests through an interactive virtual world, presenting new products and demonstrating how the 2020 line-up provides entertainment, creativity and efficiency for today’s digitally connected lifestyles.

Samsung said the digital experience is one of the many ways it is enabling its business to adapt in response to recent global shifts in travel restrictions, working environments, and face-toface interaction.

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CES 2021 BECOMES LATEST CORONAVIRUS VICTIM

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ES® 2021, which was to be held January 6 – 9 next year, will instead be an “all-digital experience”, event organiser The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has announced.

The CTA said it is just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas early January 2021 amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

“By shifting to an all-digital platform for 2021, we can deliver a unique experience that helps our exhibitors connect with existing and new audiences,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. CES 2021 is described as “a new immersive experience” where attendees

will have a front row seat to discover and see the latest technology.

“The new format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies and the latest product launches, and engage with global brands and startups from around the world,” the CTA commented.

The event’s return to Las Vegas is planned for 2022.

GOVERNMENT WARNED “TIME’S UP”

BY UK TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

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MDEA, the UK trade association for manufacturers of large and small domestic appliances, has brought together 15 powerful UK trade associations in a bid to warn the Government that time is rapidly running out for any attempts to protect consumer choice, with less than 5 months to go until Britain starts trading under UK rules.

Brexit has, understandably, slipped off the agenda over the past few months, but the clock is still ticking, COVID-19 notwithstanding, and this group of trade associations is keen to point out that, though UK trade rules will apply from the beginning of 2021, “nobody knows what these are.”

Lack of clarity on the regulations required for goods coming into the country “is already threatening Britain’s shopping choices from 1 January 2021 and jeopardising the supply of imported parts for hard-pressed UK manufacturers.”

The group, which represents thousands of companies, has written to Michael Gove, in his role as Minister for the Cabinet Office, pressing for a solution. “It is here,” said AMDEA, “that ultimate responsibility lies for laws linked to Brexit that span various government departments.

“The wide variety of leading brands of fridges, toys, TVs, consumer electronics and homewares that British consumers expect to find in their shops or online all need to certify that they have complied with rigorous tests, before they can be sold in this country.

“According to the Government, on 1 January 2021 previously established EU compliance standards represented by the CE mark will be replaced by UKCA, a new UK conformity assessment. Except that no details of the compliance requirements needed for this standard are available. In the meantime, companies are already testing, certifying and shipping products to reach this country for Christmas and the new year. Potentially these goods may fail to meet the new, as yet unspecified, rules. If UKCA becomes mandatory on the 1 January they may have to be withdrawn from sale.”

Paul Hide, CEO of AMDEA, pointed out that we are approaching the moment when leading international brands will not risk shipping their latest models to the UK: “Government urgently needs to provide the details of the new requirements or commit to a significant period of tolerance, say 24 months, where the CE marking, a universally recognised mark of compliance, will still be accepted. At this late stage anything less risks severely diminishing shoppers’ choice, increasing prices and disrupting supplies for UK industries.”

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IFA GLOBAL MARKETS POSTPONED DUE TO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

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he Global Markets section of the IFA 2020 Special Edition, which unites manufacturers, distributors and retailers at the major sourcing platform for Consumer and Home Electronics, has been postponed until 2021 due to travel restrictions in many Asian markets.

Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director, said the demand for participating in a real physical trade show this year remains strong: “However,” he added, “persistent travel restrictions prevent Asian companies from joining the live event in Berlin.

Under these circumstances, many had to postpone their participation in IFA Global Markets to next year.”

Pan-Asian suppliers within the consumer and home electronics industry account for a major part of IFA Global Markets exhibitors.

Preparations for the IFA 2020 Special Edition, which will take place from 3 to 5 September 2020 in Berlin, are continuing at full speed, Heithecker said.

Recent Moves John Lewis appointed Pippa Wicks as Executive Director, responsible for trading, merchandising, marketing, and developing propositions and services for the retailer’s stores and online operation. The appointment forms part of a seven-strong executive team.

Jo Lawrence

Pippa Wicks Distributor of technology products Exertis promoted Jo Lawrence to the role of UK HR Director, succeeding Nick Foster who took on the additional responsibility as HR Director for Exertis International in 2019.

AO Business promoted John Farnham, previously National Account Manager for the B2B division of AO.com, as lead of its Housebuilder team after a successful first year for the business in the competitive sector.

Nikki Humphrey

The John Lewis John Farnham Partnership announced the appointment of Nikki Humphrey as Executive Director for People, effective 1st October 2020.

Humphrey will be responsible for developing and delivering a people strategy for the business’s 80,000 Partners, and will be part of a seven-strong executive team.

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RETAIL JOB NUMBERS DOWN 66.8% ON LAST YEAR A

ccording to the latest job market data from independent job board CV-Library, the amount of retail jobs being advertised fell by 66.8% year-on-year in July; however, a rise of 37.4% month-on-month was considered “a promising step for the industry.”

Applications to retail roles dropped by 24.9% year-on-year, but saw a small month-on-month rise of 2.4% – the trends resulting in the average application-to-job ratio in retail increasing by a massive 126.2% Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library,

said: “Demand for jobs is still outstripping supply and this will be a trend that we’ll continue to see for some time. Naturally, the summer months tend to be a quieter time for both recruitment and job searching. However, the fact that our economy is struggling means there are fewer opportunities up for grabs than normal and more people looking for work – not an ideal combination.”

Average pay for new retail jobs rose by 21.6% year-on-year, from £26,858 in July 2019 to £32,649 – down on the £33,463 recorded in June this year.

JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP CHOOSES CAPGEMINI TO DELIVER SPECIALIST APPLICATION SERVICES

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ohn Lewis is pushing ahead with its “Technology and Change” function, which has been evolving over the past 18-months, announcing a partnership with Capgemini, a global consulting, technology services and digital transformation company.

Capgemini will support the Partnership’s core operational IT application services used across the technology estate to run the business, such as supply chain, finance and personnel systems.

The agreement will consolidate a range of existing supplier activities, and will see 111 non customerfacing JLP Partners transfer to Capgemini later this year under the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment regulations.

At the end of June, the retailer announced that 244 non-customer facing Partners are expected to transfer to global information technology, consulting and business process services company Wipro, which it has also teamed up with as part of its “Technology and Change” function.

AO PROPOSES EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN AS IT BENEFITS FROM CONSUMER SHIFT TO ONLINE PURCHASING

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nline electricals retailer AO is proposing employees share in its success via a Value Creation Plan, as the company benefits from the accelerated structural shift to online in the UK and Germany.

The move follows a review of the business’s remuneration structure, with the proposed VCP designed and developed to support a high growth strategy driven by “an unwavering focus on customer proposition and excellent execution”.

“The decision to create an opportunity for every AO employee to receive a meaningful reward for the value they create is one that I’m proud to tell my mum about,” said Founder and Chief Executive John Roberts.

“AO is now set up to benefit from the accelerated structural shift to online in the UK and Germany and our model is now truly scalable.”

Roberts added that it is “a vote of confidence in our people and the future we’re building” and committed to donate 100% of any VCP reward he receives to help disadvantaged young people in the UK.

CIH ENGAGES SALES AGENCY TO PUSH EURONICS BRAND

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uying group CIH has appointed independent sales team Big Red Sales to help increase its Euronics profile in the marketplace.

Big Red’s 11-strong national sales team will visit CIH members throughout the UK to encourage adoption of the new Euronics branding and other services, and to help promote Smartcare – an extended warranty scheme created in partnership with RetraCare – and Hitachi Finance products.

CIH Chief Executive Stuart Cook, whose pending

retirement was announced early August (See page 5 of this issue), said Big Red has been appointed “to help us increase both our new brand awareness and our membership.”

He added: “We are confident that they will be able to reach out to our membership base to expound the many benefits of fully adopting the Euronics brand right through from our new shop fascias to local advertising, customer service, experienced retail product knowledge and installation services.”

Big Red Sales Director James Attfield commented on the difficult period for retailers emerging from the barren months of lockdown, “and we look forward very much to working with Stuart Cook and his team for the continued success of independent retailers in what continues to be a highly challenging marketplace,” he said.

While the partnership officially starts on 1st September 2020, Big Red has been working behind the scenes contacting CIH members by telephone during the lockdown period.

KBBG MAKES VIRTUAL SHOWROOM TOURS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS

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he Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) has partnered with Virtual 360 Tours Glos to offer its members the facility to create a 3D virtual tour of their showroom so customers will be able to explore what is on offer, safely and remotely, should they be physically unable to visit showrooms.

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG, said: “With everybody adjusting to the ‘new normal’ we want to help our members adapt their businesses, including the new shopping habits of consumers.”

According to Virtual 360 Tours Glos, on average, people will spend between six to eight times longer engaging on a website’s landing page when a tour is included. Miller urged members to take advantage of the new partnership offer.

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THE LATEST ELECTRICAL GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

THE WORD

GORENJE ENTERS CHINA’S HIGH-END MARKET UNDER NEW BRAND NAME Slovenian appliance manufacturer Gorenje has entered China’s high-end market under a new brand name, presenting it to consumers as “Gu Luo Ni”.

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he business, which is owned by China’s Hisense Group, said: “We have decided to come even closer, as it is frequently done by foreign brands in the Chinese market. We have also adapted the brand name Gorenje to Chinese pronunciation.”

The company explained that “Gu” represents the tradition of the European brand with 70 years of heritage; “Luo” describes a sense of elegant, consumercentred design; and “Ni” is the idea of globalisation and simplification.

Gorenje said it will support brand positioning on the Chinese market with numerous activities, such as the official celebration of its 70th anniversary which took place recently in Beijing.

Earlier this month Gorenje reported a “positive turnaround” as June was the first profitable month for the business this year due to the impact of COVID-19

in the earlier months of 2020. The company said it had also gained a larger number of orders for August, September and October (See page 6 of this issue).

“The strategy of approaching the needs of end consumers in the demanding Chinese market represents an excellent opportunity for all our home appliance factories, as well as for the success of the entire Hisense Group,” the company said.

SHORTCUTS John Lewis is adding 400 new Co-op stores to the 105 existing Co-op outlets in which its fast-track Click & Collect delivery and returns service is already available, bringing the total number of various collection locations available in the UK to almost 900 by the end of summer.

Morphy Richards launched a major multi-channel consumer media campaign comprising TV, print and digital and social media, initially to promote its easyCharge 360 iron, the brand’s best-selling iron this year.

The campaign will run until October and includes high-profile slots on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Channel 5, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic and More4. Other key Morphy products will be promoted later in the year.

Peterborough-based Whirlpool donated a large number of appliances to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham and to four of the charity’s Neurological Care Centres. The company has supported Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice for many years.

Sales of LG Electronics’ InstaView Door-inDoor™ refrigerator have reached a million units since its introduction in 2016. The appliance is now available in around 150 countries in six continents.

Beko donated in excess of 1,600 appliances to over 50 UK sites including NHS hospitals, ambulance stations, care homes and charities, as part of a #BekoGiving initiative launched in response to Covid-19.

AEG won “Best Washing Machine” for the third consecutive year at the T3 Awards with the A+++ AEG 9000 Series L9FEC966R.

National sales agency Big Red Sales announced it will be working with Polar Audio, the UK exclusive distributor of beyerdynamic headphones, to handle sales of the German brand’s headphones in the independent retail sector, offering products to its 1,500+ retailer base.

Chinese CE company TCL appointed England Football Captain Harry Kane as its European Brand Ambassador. Kane will feature in TCL’s advertising campaigns and create exclusive content with the brand to be shared across social media channels. The partnership will run until July 2021.

Sirius buying group appointed Staffs Appliance Centre, Lordship Cooker Centre, GDA Appliances and Davies’s Domestic Appliances as new Approved Members.

Fisher & Paykel has won “Best Fridge Freezer” at the T3 Awards with its Quad Door model deemed “the finest fridge freezer you will find” by the judging panel.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Space – the final frontier The average kitchen size in UK homes has been steadily shrinking in the 50 years since humans first walked on the moon (down from 15.37 sq.m in the ’60s to just over 13 sq.m today).

Massive strides in appliance design, technology and multifunctionality have allowed town and apartment dwellers to live in style and comfort despite the space restrictions, but the last few months have forced a reappraisal of the inner spaces where we’ve all had to spend so much more time

W

hen the place where householders prepare and cook food, eat, socialise, store food and drink, do the dishes and, in many cases, wash and dry their clothes, suddenly becomes a place of 24-hours-a-day confinement, they begin to look at it more critically. More so when it’s also a place of work, crowded with family members who are “normally” somewhere else, and is exposed to colleagues and friends as the background to online meetings and distanced social

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gatherings. The indications are that lockdown has proven that working from home is viable for many employees, and some may never return to full-time attendance at their “normal” place of work.

Under these new circumstances, what seemed adequate before may start to look a little cramped, inconvenient and dated, and if COVID-19 has any redeeming feature, it’s that this focus on the home has delivered an opportunity for contemporary appliances to

bring style, versatility, high performance and space-saving to any kitchen area. It’s also worth remembering that, while the quality and sophistication of domestic appliances has advanced so much since the 1960s, their cost has shrunk significantly, in real terms.

The window of opportunity is here, now, and there are more than enough outstanding appliances to persuade your customers – on any budget – “to boldly go” into the world of big ideas in small spaces.

GC asked some leading manufacturers for their ideas about how retailers can best identify the products – from major appliances to food prep, coffee makers, kettles and toasters, vacuum cleaners and water taps – that will help their customers create their own stylish and functional Tardis.

ENGINEERING TO FIT For Helen Haider, head of marketing at Fisher & Paykel, it’s about designing full functionality into more compact versions of the “desirable appliances” that “not everyone has the space for.” Limited space, she says, “doesn’t mean you

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING Miele’s integrated wine conditioner adds a touch of compact luxury

CDA appliances set in an uncluttered, handleless loft-style space

have to compromise on the design and quality build of your fixtures and fittings. If anything, it’s a chance to get creative.”

She cites the 60cm fridge and the evolution of the iconic single and double DishDrawer dishwashers as examples of how innovative engineering has provided high performance to fit into the spaces available.

Finally, striking a note that resonates even more powerfully in these times, she acknowledges the kitchen is “no longer [ just] the place where food is prepared and cooked, but the place where food is shared, a place for the family to gather and talk. A place to entertain, do homework or just hang out. It’s a place of conversations and connection.”

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Product Manager for Built-in, Liam Cookson, asserts: “Built-in appliances and small kitchens go together hand in glove. Built-in ovens free up space in compact kitchens and the open living spaces found in many modern apartments, while integrated cooling and laundry appliances can sit behind a door to enhance kitchen design.

“From a cooking perspective, built-in appliances offer improved flexibility in terms of layout and creating space, and lead the way with the wealth of cooking features, functions and benefits they offer. The latest collections offer large capacity ovens, so having a small kitchen doesn’t mean small cooking space. Induction hobs also add to the streamlined look and help to create more worktop space when not in use, whilst being a faster, smarter, safer and greener way to cook.

“Away from cooking,” he adds, “consumers

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The additional SliceSy attachment makes grating and slicing easy and allows you to mix together pastry quickly and easily.

Bamix® is easy to use and clean, very quiet, easy to hold. It is 100% Swiss made; the outstanding build quality is backed by a lifetime warranty on the motor.

W: www.burton-mccall.co.uk T: 0116 234 4611

with a small kitchen should look at appliances that have dual functionality, such as fridge freezers or washer dryers.”

He acknowledges that “the look of the kitchen is really important as it is generally the most used room in the house,” and maintains that “built-in appliances – whether a single oven or a bank of appliances - really enhance that aesthetic. Modern collections allow for complete co-ordination of appliances to achieve that statement look.” And, “for those that really want a standout freestanding appliance in their compact kitchen a 60cm ‘mini-range’ cooker can fit the bill – offering all the style and functionality of a range cooker at a smaller size.”

SLIM AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

Pando: A flat-to-ceiling extractor gives a feeling of space

“Through modern appliance innovation, size no longer dictates the functionality of an appliance,” says Catherine Balderson, senior Hotpoint brand manager, and advocates “stylish and multifunctional appliances, which offer tremendous functionality and can fit effortlessly into kitchens where available space is at a minimum.” Today’s space-saving and multi-functional appliances include slimline dishwashers and fridge freezers, as well as washer dryers, built-in microwaves and coffee machines, “all of which,” she asserts, “can help save space in a small kitchen, while creating a highly functional space for cooking, eating and entertaining. Built-in appliances help to

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TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Belling’s 60cm built-in cooking: style in compact multipurpose spaces

create a streamlined look and a sense of space.

Additionally, they are beneficial for releasing space in the kitchen as microwave ovens and coffee machines can be built-in, clearing the worktop of clutter and generating a stylish, contemporary appearance. Interestingly, a vertical bank of built-in appliances requires less space than a horizontal bank, but both equally create a sleek and uncluttered look in the kitchen.

“Multifunctional appliances are an excellent way of saving space, as they allow users to gain the benefits of owning numerous products, while taking the space of just one. Ovens and microwaves with an integrated steam cooking function are a prime example of this. Cooking with steam allows users to create nutritious meals with perfect results, taking less time than conventional cooking.” Induction hobs are also a great way to achieve “a streamlined and uncluttered kitchen.”

Hotpoint has also introduced a space-saving range of 540-cm fridge freezers, a 9kg washing machine and a 9kg/6kg washer dryer, and a portfolio of Quiet Mark accredited appliances.

“Retailers,” advises Balderson, “should take Quiet Mark into consideration when helping customers create a ‘whisper quiet’ living environment.”

COFFEE BREAK The UK loves coffee, and consumers, even where space is limited, will not want to give

up their in-home “real” coffee experience. “In addition to providing assurances of quality and functionality,” says Nigel Morrison, consumer and trade marketing manager at Melitta UK, “consumers want great ‘statement’ design that looks elegant and contemporary.” Melitta’s premium range of bean to cup coffee machines are Quiet Mark accredited - an important consideration, contends Morrison: “Customer feedback indicates that having products which are as ‘quiet as a whisper’ makes such a difference to the overall product experience.”

The Avanza is one of the world’s smallest fully automatic coffee machines at just 200mm wide, but still manages to incorporate features including milk frother, double cup mode and super quiet grinder. The Purista bean to cup machine “has also performed well as it’s perfect for super-slim kitchens where space is limited, and for open plan living.” Ease of operation and easy cleaning are also important factors when choosing the right coffee machine, adds Morrison.

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“In smaller spaces it is all about making your appliances work as hard as possible for you,” says Morphy Richards marketing manager Annaliese Curtis, “and that means having fewer, more versatile appliances. Most kitchens – even smaller ones – will have a microwave, whether tabletop or built-in, and this is a great example of a flexible appliance that is often underused.

By utilising specialist cookware within the microwave you can use it as a grill, toastie maker and much more, but end up with the same results you’d expect from a conventional oven

VERSATILITY SAVES SPACE “When it comes to cooking, there is an array of options in multi-functional appliances which are a great space-saving choice,” says Neil Pooley, category manager for kitchens at Miele GB. “Combination Ovens provide versatility and convenience by operating as a conventional oven with the option of either a Steam or Microwave capability. Steam ovens are increasingly popular with their ability to perfectly cook healthy ingredients while ensuring they keep their nutrients, taste and texture. Traditionally a separate steam oven would be ruled out if space was at a premium, but a Steam Combination Oven is the perfect solution.”

Extraction is also important in combined living/ cooking spaces, and, says Pooley, “a hob with an integrated extractor allows you to have two products in one sleek design. For very small or galley kitchens,” he adds, “look for appliances with handleless doors – they will deliver a sleek, seamless and uninterrupted look helping to create the feeling of space.”

Richard Treffler, category Manager for laundry at Miele GB, advises: “A washer dryer can also offer great flexibility not only for those who do not have the room for separate machines, but also a busy lifestyle, providing uninterrupted washing and drying.” And, he adds, “if the consumer has a small kitchen, it doesn’t mean it’s necessary to compromise on the latest technology and time-saving dishwasher appliances. Many of these appliances can now be integrated and built in to a kitchen design so they are completely hidden, helping to make the kitchen feel bigger and uncluttered.” Many manufacturers offer 45cm dishwasher models to ensure small kitchens do not miss out on what is becoming an essential to more UK consumers.

Morphy Richards’ Mico range of accessories can turn a microwave into a versatile oven

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MAKE APPLIANCES WORK HARDER

New TAMPERA Hot from BLANCO The new 3-in-1 TAMPERA Hot from BLANCO delivers pure cold, warm and instant boiling water from a single mixer tap, offering all the time, energy and space benefits of a hot tap with no need for optional extras. At a competitive price it comes ready equipped with: *insulated spout *high pressure titanium boiler *high-quality BWT five-stage filtration system as standard *Digital Flowmeter with filter usage display and audible cartridge and battery alerts *child-safe lock button *spray-reducing aerator.

Both the compact boiler and the filter are hidden away in the base cabinet, saving space, and the BLANCO SELECT Compact 60/2 waste separation bin system can be housed in the same cupboard space.

Once registered, the TAMPERA Hot comes with a two-year guarantee and has a customer service, installation and after-sales team for absolute reassurance.

Contact your Regional Sales Manager to find out more about the special launch prices, product specifications and display deals designed to help you put the TAMPERA Hot into your showroom.

E: info@blanco.co.uk T: 01923 635 200 W: blanco.co.uk/tampera

TOWN & APARTMENT LIVING

Hoover’s “Best Overall” compact stick cleaner Hoover’s H-FREE 500 is the brand’s most compact stick vacuum cleaner and has achieved a GHI endorsement, a Red Dot award and been named Shortlist.com’s ‘Best Overall’ cordless vac. Incorporating the latest technical innovations, the lightweight cordless model is just 69cm in storage height and has a run time of up to 40 minutes per charge.

The vacuum can easily switch from carpet to hard-floor mode at the touch of a button and has a turbo mode, too. At only 2.2 KG, the ultra-lightweight H-FREE 500 doesn’t compromise on performance, with a brushless motor. With an integrated crevice tool, the vacuum also has upholstery and dusting tools stored neatly on board.

Address: Hoover Ltd, 302 Bridgewater Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6XG

T: 03300 412345

and remove the need for the extra table top appliances.

“Steam cooking is very much a trend for those looking to eat a healthier diet so a steamer that can cook an entire meal is another bonus in a small kitchen – especially where the alternative of using multiple pans on a hob could fog up the open plan space.”

Curtis also advises on those “often overlooked” countertop appliances – the kettle and toaster. “By choosing standout products that look good when they are in use or not is a great way to catch the eye,” she says. “These staple appliances have evolved over the years so there is an option to match any style and colour.”

Appliance specialist Pando told GC that the 21st kitchen has become “a transitional multi-function space where families can gather to relax, cook, eat and socialise without being cut off from the rest of the home. A common aesthetic is a must. A bank of appliances made up of full size and compact designs continues to be a popular choice. The favourite combo is a full size multifunction oven teamed with a compact steam oven or microwave, a coffee maker and a warming drawer.

“Powerful, quiet extraction is essential in a multi purpose open plan kitchen. Flat-to-ceiling extraction is a top choice, especially above an island, as it does not interrupt sight lines, preserving the clean, spacious, uncluttered look.”

WINNING COMBINATIONS Laura Jones, head of products at Smeg UK, also favours “multifunctional, compact, built-in appliances,” which “offer maximum functionality

while taking up very little space. In particular, compact ovens which include a microwave are useful because they free up space on the kitchen counter where a microwave might normally sit.” She cites a versatile range of 45cm compact ovens including “a multifunction oven, multifunction oven with microwave, microwave with grill, and steam oven.”

She also believes well chosen small appliances can enhance aesthetics in small spaces. “Combining a few of these appliances on the kitchen worktop can help to enhance the kitchen design.”

But can consumers really get the performance and features they want in a compact format?

Charmaine Warner, brand manager at Whirlpool, emphatically believes so. “It is important to note,” she asserts, “that compact, or slimline, models offer equally outstanding functionality and performance as their full size equivalents.

Technological advances mean that compact living no longer has to be a compromise on functionality or performance. Larger, full-sized appliances are crammed with new technology.

However, compact and smaller appliances… can often actually offer greater functionality than their freestanding counterparts.”

She is also keen to persuade retailers that “showcasing these products in a realistic and relatable kitchen environment can show customers how these appliances can easily create the illusion of space in the kitchen.” The brand’s design parameters have evolved to deliver clarity and simplicity. “Generally, they have fewer buttons and knobs, have neatly

integrated handles and high-tech, intuitive and interactive control panels to make it easy to integrate into an array of kitchen styles. Certain materials have greater assets than others in small places, such as glass. Induction hobs lend themselves well to any kitchen space, but especially where space is in demand. The illusion of a glass hob, beautifully crafted and sunken into a complementing worktop, works wonders in creating a greater feeling of space.”

TAPPING INTO TECHNOLOGY It’s also worth remembering that, in the quest for style and performance in small spaces, all the help that’s undoubtedly provided by appliance manufacturers is now augmented by some relatively recent developments. Boiling water taps, for example, have now developed into stylish, multifunctional and affordable spacesavers, some delivering boiling, hot, cold, filtered and sparkling water from a single unit, thus elegantly eliminating some countertop appliances and also, incidentally, reducing the need to store plastic bottles.

And when the picture of a high-functioning, uncluttered designer space has been painted, there’s also room for accoutrements such as a compact stick or hand-held cordless vacuum cleaner, always ready to clean up the little spills and everyday crumb scatterings, and preserve the pristine lines of the small but perfectly formed space.

Froth It Up with the Avanza® Bean to Cup Coffee Machine by Melitta® Just 200mm wide, the sleek automatic bean to cup Avanza® is one of the world’s smallest fully automatic coffee machines – impressively designed with excellent features including an ultra-modern front panel with LED symbol display, milk frother, double cup mode and a super quiet grinder – perfect for creating top-tier barista style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen. Never has coffee enjoyment been so enjoyable!

Avanza® by Melitta® (RRP £499.99) For trade enquires please contact: EPE International Limited

T: 0844 800 8055 W: epeinternational.com E: sally@epeinternational.com

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RKW ADVERTORIAL

RIGHT: Rob Sutton set up RKW with his wife Su in 1989 and the business is Europe’s No.1 SDA branded supplier with a pedigree in successfully developing and distributing top brands

Plan for growth with RKW – your trusted partner in brand distribution, drop-ship and NPI Get Connected talks to Rob Sutton, founder of RKW, Europe’s No.1 SDA branded supplier about why now is the perfect time for brands and retailers to be partnering with his business.

RKW has a 30-plus year pedigree in successfully developing and distributing top brands and products with a group turnover of £100m+. It is Europe’s leading distributor of small domestic appliances (SDA) and housewares products, representing market leading brands as well as its

own branded & licensed portfolio including the likes of Tower, Black + Decker, Morphy Richards, Russell Hobbs, Swan, Numatic, Hoover and Breville.

The business is led by Rob and Su Sutton, who set up RKW in 1989, and their management team all of whom have long and significant experience in the SDA and housewares markets. As well as leading in the UK, the company’s reputation continues to develop internationally too, with recent participation in the Frankfurt Ambiente exhibition offering new opportunities for growth.

LEFT: Consumers are looking for retailers that best meet their changing shopping behaviour and to brands who can offer products that meet their new lifestyles like RKW flagship own-brand Tower. Pictured is the Digital Air Fryer Oven RIGHT: SMEG is one of the latest brands to sign up for exclusive distribution with RKW

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RKW ADVERTORIAL

ABOVE: RKW continues to invest in its infrastructure and now has a 750,000sq ft capacity across three distribution centres and a market-leading drop-ship function near its Stoke-on-Trent Head Office RIGHT: Tower expands its style statements each season, including this stunning new range Cavaletto

GET CONNECTED: You have a strong portfolio of own-brand and licensed product as well as representing marketing leading brands – the latest to sign up include The Funky Appliance Company, SMEG and Lavazza. What is the appeal of RKW for these top brands?

GC: Are there new ranges of SDA and Housewares products ready for launch in the second half of 2020?

RS: Yes, we have been working with our branded partners to create products designed to meet the needs of consumers. We understood early into lockdown that the market was going to be different and in times of change it is the brands that drive While other brands and innovation that really succeed in the long run. That was businesses have struggled central to our approach and I am proud of the team who have worked tirelessly to make sure our new product in recent months, RKW has roadmap is truly exciting as we come into the second flourished... we offer unrivalled half of 2020.

ROB SUTTON: It’s simple – we have continued to invest in our infrastructure.

While other brands and businesses have struggled in recent months, RKW has flourished. We now have a 750,000sq ft capacity across three distribution centres, offices in Hong Kong and Mainland China as opportunities for our branded well as a market-leading drop-ship function partners and our 5,000 retailer GC: Tower is your own brand and an innovation close to our Head Office in Stoke-on-Trent.

That means we have been able to adapt partners alike driver for you. Tell us more about the NPI for Tower quickly to changing consumer behaviour in particular. and the growth of the On-line channel. As an example the drop-ship function processed 250% more parcels in April RS: With Tower, we have built a market leading position in air fryers through than it did in the same month last year. When coupled with a dedicated innovation, such as our Digital Air Fryer Oven with Vortx technology. But sales force, unrivalled customer care and a market-leading E-Commerce also co-ordinated kitchen collections across SDA and housewares – we team, RKW offers excellent opportunities for started with Rose Gold several seasons ago and we have expanded our our branded partners and our 5,000 style statements each season. For second half 2020 we have some retailer partners alike. stunning new ranges including Cavaletto – soft muted colours with striking rose gold accents. The SDA offering is a pyramid kettle GC: Now is the time for both and toaster, all fully featured. brands and retailers to look ahead, as stores re-open GC: The landscape for trade shows – the traditional route for and consumers adapt to retailers looking to identify new product opportunities – has a new way of life. How is completely changed this year. How is RKW adapting to that?

RKW addressing this?

RS: It’s investment again – so in order for those retailers RS: Consumers will be looking at second half 2020 and beyond to take full looking for retailers that advantage of our comprehensive New Product Innovations, best meet their changing we have also invested in extensive digital product catalogues shopping behaviour and and expanded our Head Office on-site showroom, equipping to brands who can offer it with the latest products as well as space to respect social products that meet their distancing and the needs of visitors. We think retailers and owners new lifestyles. Whilst RKW has of brands will find all this really productive. been flourishing during lockdown we have also remained focused on “what next” by continuing to invest in our NOW is the perfect time to talk to RKW to create distribution capability and new product roadmap. plans for success. If you are new to RKW please

ABOVE: Pictured is a 4-slice toaster from relatively new SDA player The Funky Appliance Company who is working with RKW on distribution

email sales@rkwltd.com. Existing customers looking to plan the remainder of the year and beyond, please contact your designated Account Manager.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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PRODUCT GALLERY

Sanitisation programmes added to Hoover Candy washing machines Haier Europe has created two washing cycles to sanitise and wash fabric PPE. The two programmes, ‘Mask Sanitisation’ (lasting about 110 minutes at 60°C) and ‘Mask Refresh’ (45 minutes to 40°C), are available to download on Hoover and Candy’s latest smart laundry models – AXI, H-WASH, Smart Pro, Rapid’Ó and Bianca. Both programmes automatically set the correct temperature, time and wash intensity, as well as indicating the correct dose of detergent and the load capacity.

www.hoover.co.uk

Pando introduces dishwashers to UK market Spanish brand Pando has introduced a collection of integrated dishwashers comprising four models – two 60cm with 14 place settings, a 45cm with 10 place settings and a compact in-column unit with 8 place settings. The top-of-the-range 60cm PLT-7260 has an A+++ rating and washes 14 place settings in 9.91 litres of water. Features include a pull-out cutlery tray, eight programmes, dual wash, delay start and a choice of temperatures.

www.pandouk.com

ESSE launches “cleanest ever” wood burner British manufacturer ESSE has introduced the ESSE 175, “the cleanest wood burning stove it has ever built,” which, says the company, exceeds Ecodesign requirements by up to 83% without compromising output or burn control.

The stove uses a three-stage combustion process incorporating ESSE’s own Particulate Reburn™ Technology, which reignites gases and particles to minimise emissions while maximising heat output. It also features ESSE’s Precision Burn™ technology to deliver precise control of air circulation and the ability to fine tune the combustion rate at every stage of the burn cycle. The stove is available with classic feet or a solid base.

www.esse.com

Bertazzoni brings two new fridge freezers to UK Italian manufacturer Bertazzoni has launched two new A+ rated built-in, bottommount fridge freezers, with a choice of 75cm and 90cm widths and capacities of 473L and 596L respectively. Both models are frost free with a 75/25 fridge freezer split and feature FlexMode technology, which allows the bottom compartment to be switched between fridge, freezer or 0°C. The appliances offer seven modes, including vacation, super ice and beverage cooler, and have a touch-control digital display on the interior top panel. Stainless steel or panel-ready finishes are available.

https://uk.bertazzoni.com

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PRODUCT GALLERY

Rangemaster launches first SDA collection Rangemaster has entered the small appliance market with a Breakfast Collection comprising a kettle and toaster, available in a choice of black or cream finishes with stainless steel and chrome effect trim. The two-slice toaster has six variable browning levels, and the four-slice features seven. Both have a defrost function, removable crumb tray and integrated cable storage. The 1.7-litre kettle has a cordless 360° swivel base, boil-dry protection, 3kW fast boil, a water-level window and pushbutton lid.

www.rangemaster.co.uk

Morphy Richards Verve collection The new Verve breakfast range from Morphy Richards comprises kettles, toasters and filter coffee machines with a textured design, available in a choice of black, cream or white. The 4-slot toaster incorporates double detachable crumb trays, illuminated buttons, variable-width slots and variable browning control. The kettle has a 360-degree cordless base, 1.7-litre capacity, rapid boil and an anti-limescale filter. Completing the collection, the Verve filter coffee machine with glass carafe has a 1.8-litre capacity, a programmable timer and adjustable coffee strength selector.

www.morphyrichards.co.uk

Hoover’s handy little spot-cleaner Hoover’s H-HANDY 700 “grab-and-go” spot cleaner is a 42cm-long cordless model weighing just 660g with a 3-in-1 crevice, dusting and upholstery tool and 0.15L easy-empty dust cannister. It has a brushless motor and EPA filter and offers up to 12 minutes runtime with power supplied via an 11.1v lithium battery. The unit launches in two versions: ‘express’ and ‘pets’, the latter offering a motorised pet brush with electrostatic velvet agitator.

www.hoover.co.uk

Blueair fan “designed for instant allergy relief” Blueair has combined its air purification and cooling technologies to offer quick relief for allergy sufferers with a fan that cools and cleans the air at the same time and is proven and tested to remove 99% of airborne dust and pollen in 20 minutes. According to the manufacturer, third-party tests have shown that the appliance has a pollen removal rate of 180 cubic feet per minute. The unit has a carry handle and one-button control with filter replacement indicator.

Pre-filters are available in Diva Blue, Crystal Pink, Buff Yellow, Dark Shadow and Lunar Rock.

www.blueair.com

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PRODUCT GALLERY

Hotpoint’s new induction hobs offer flexible cooking This black glass 60cm induction hob (TS 5760F NE) is part of Hotpoint’s latest collection.

The appliance has four cooking zones and 18 power levels, and benefits from ‘Flexi Space’, a function which combines the two left-hand cooking zones into one. Active Heat divides the flexible zone into a ‘low, medium, high’ pre-set power level, enabling the user to move the pan around to cook at different temperatures without adjusting the controls. The touchcontrol appliance also has a range of automatic functions, residual heat indicators and a safety control lock. Automatic switch-off prevents spillages.

www.hotpoint.co.uk

Intelligent cooking with Caple’s C990i induction hob Caple’s C990i 92cm-wide induction hob with 7-inch TFT touch screen features the brand’s Smart pan detection. The entire surface automatically detects up to six pans, adapting to the size of each, and an auto-bridge function links zones to accommodate larger pans. 21 power levels include a handy Keep Warm setting at 70°C and Boil Control detection, which automatically adjusts the temperature to 94°C to prevent overspill. Other settings include Bake at 42°C, Booster and Booster+ functions on each zone, programmable power levels and six programmable timers.

www.caple.co.uk

Whirlpool’s latest 6th SENSE® induction hobs Whirlpool’s new black glass induction hobs featuring the brand’s patented 6TH SENSE® technology are available in widths of 60cm (WF S0160 NE) and 77cm (WF S3977 NE) and feature four cooking zones with flexible cooking options. Chef Control divides the hob into three zones and sets each zone to a different pre-set power level, while FlexiSide combines two cooking zones to accommodate larger pans. Automatic settings provide one-touch control of popular hob functions including keep warm, boiling, melting or simmering.

www.whirlpool.co.uk

Rangemaster launches Nexus Steam Induction Rangemaster has expanded its range cooker collection with the launch of the Nexus Steam Induction with a dedicated steam oven cavity which uses pure steam injection for rapid heat up. The appliance incorporates a Deluxe Glideout Grill™ with four-way trivet for flexible grilling and a multifunction oven with 11 cooking functions. The oven has a 79-litre capacity and precise electronic temperature controls. The five-zone hob features an expansive central zone for large pans and a bridging function which allows the two left-hand zones to be operated as one large cooking area to accommodate multiple pans or Rangemaster’s grooved griddle. The appliance is available in Black, Stainless Steel, Ivory or Slate.

www.rangemaster.co.uk

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

PRODUCT GALLERY

Toshiba launches new 4K HDR TV model

Bowers & Wilkins Signature loudspeakers Two new Signature versions of Bowers & Wilkins’ ‘Wilkins 700 Series’ range, the stand-mount 705 Signature and the floorstanding 702 have received detailed improvements enabled by upgraded crossover designs and components. Both models feature specially treated and upgraded bypass capacitors sourced from Mundorf, larger heatsinking and, in the case of the 702, an upgraded LF capacitor on the bass section of the crossover. Each has a new Datuk Gloss ebony-coloured and distinctively grained veneer on cabinets, bright metal trim rings around the mid/bass and midrange cones plus bright silver finished tweeter grilles.

The new Toshiba TV UL20 4K HDR TV comes in screen sizes ranging from 43-inch to 65-inch and incorporates picture, audio, voice control and connectivity technologies designed to offer “great value”. The UL20 provides cinematic audio powered by Dolby Audio processing, and Toshiba’s own TRU Picture Engine delivers upscaling and smoother, more detailed images. The unit’s Linux-based OS works with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa-enabled devices and also offers apps and streaming services in one platform.

www.toshiba.co.uk

www.bowerswilkins.com

Marshall introduces new compact speaker The Marshall Emberton portable speaker is equipped with Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-directional sound and has the rugged construction, compactness, IPX7 water resistance and 20+ hours’ playtime from a single charge to make it a “take anywhere” portable.

It weighs just 0.7 kg and fits into the palm of the hand. A charge of 20 minutes using the supplied USB-C cable gives 5 hours of playtime, and its water resistance rating means it can be submerged in one metre of water for a period of up to 30 minutes. The unit has a multi-directional control knob for play, pause, skip tracks, volume and on/off functions, and Bluetooth 5.0, which provides simple connectivity to play music from any Bluetooth device within a 30ft range.

www.marshallheadphones.com

New Klipsch “The Fives” powered stereo speakers The Fives new powered stereo speakers, part of Klipsch’s Heritage Wireless Series and billed as being among the very first powered speakers to feature HDMI-ARC, “making them a bona fide soundbar alternative, as well as a true ‘Hi-Fi system-in-a-box’.” While The Fives have multiple connectivity options, including 3.5mm aux-in and Bluetooth 5, HDMI-ARC – Audio Return Channel (ARC) transmission connects the speaker to TV controls via the supplied HDMI cable to the TV and the Klipsch, enabling switching between audio sources including games consoles and set-top boxes and adjusting of the volume control with the TV remote.

In addition to this connectivity, The Fives house custom-engineered amplification. Available in Matte Black or Walnut finish.

www.Klipsch.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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