Appliance Retailer April-May 2021 by The Intermedia Group

APPLIANCE

SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR 25 YEARS

RETAILER

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

/// APRIL / MAY 2021

GARMENT CARE SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS DAMPEN SALES

SINKS & TAPS KITCHEN RENOS MAKE A SPLASH

Benchtop Cooking

CONSUMERS REDISCOVER THEIR INNER CHEF

FOOD PREPARATION

VERSATILITY REMAINS KEY

DISHWASHERS

INCREASING AWARENESS OF HOME HYGIENE

LAUNDRY

CLOTHING SANITATION GAINS POPULARITY

LIFE UPSCALED

8K AI Upscaler

8K Resolution

Hi-View Engine PRO 8K

Game Mode Pro

The resolution of the future The transformative power of the Hisense ULED 8K TV has to be seen to be believed. With state-of-the-art technology and Artificial Intelligence, it has the ability to turn ordinary into extraordinary. Visit: hisense.com.au/ULED-8K for more details.

EDITORʼS NOTE AR Appliance Retailer is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 940 025 836 82 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 Australia P 02 9660 2113 | F 02 9660 4419 E appliance@intermedia.com.au W www.intermedia.com.au ISSN: 1328-1852 Managing Director Simon Grover Editorial Director James Wells james@intermedia.com.au Editor Emily Bencic ebencic@intermedia.com.au Features Editor Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au General Manager – Sales Ben Curtis bcurtis@intermedia.com.au Prepress Tony Willson Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Subscriptions 1800 651 422 subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Spotlight on store expansion amid ecommerce boom

nline shopping soared to unprecedented levels throughout 2020 but reached new heights in December with Australia Post recording its biggest month ever in its 211-year history. More than 52 million parcels were delivered, an increase of almost 20% on the previous corresponding period. Industry data points to continued ecommerce growth with retailers investing in website upgrades, improved checkout experiences and faster delivery times. However, one retailer is also increasing investment in its physical store network by updating existing stores and opening new sites. And less than 18 months ago, the future of this retailer was uncertain. In December 2019, Harris Scarfe entered voluntary administration with the receivers seeking a sale of the business. At the turn of 2020, Harris Scarfe was forced to close 21 stores across the country, impacting over 400 employees, to prepare for the sale process. By April last year – at the height of the pandemic – Spotlight Group completed the purchase of Harris Scarfe, aggressively looking for new sites and new opportunities, opening four stores and relocating one store over the last six months alone. While many retailers are either shrinking or trying to preserve their store network, Harris Scarfe has plans for additional sites in Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Melbourne and Adelaide where the retailer is more well-known, according to Harris Scarfe CEO, Graham Dean, “as long as the commercial deal

is right to make it a long-term and viable proposition”. A revamp of the Harris Scarfe ecommerce offering is underway and slated to be fully operational by mid-year to enhance the customer experience and meet increasing online demand. In an exclusive interview with Appliance Retailer, Dean shares more details about the new format Harris Scarfe stores, the trends that are here to stay postpandemic and his views on the broader industry as Covid-19 amplifies challenges that were already present in retail. Read more on page 16. In this issue, we also look at the buying behaviour driving key home appliance categories forward, including food preparation, benchtop cooking, dishwashers, and laundry as consumers continue to update their homes. One category which has been adversely impacted by Covid-19 is irons and steam stations due to restrictions on social gatherings and many people working from home, but there are signs of recovery as lockdowns ease and everyday life becomes more stable. We have also introduced a new feature – sinks & taps – as a key part of kitchen renovation projects, and consumers haven’t shied away from premium fixtures to complement enhanced kitchen layouts and upgraded cooking appliances.

Editor Emily Bencic

MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM The Intermedia Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100 per cent biodegradable.

James Wells

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON

Emily Bencic

Kymberly Martin

Ben Curtis

CHECK OUT WWW.APPLIANCERETAILER.COM.AU www.applianceretailer.com.au

31 APPLIANCE

SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR 25 YEARS

RETAILER

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

/// APRIL / MAY 2021

GARMENT CARE SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS DAMPEN SALES

SINKS & TAPS KITCHEN RENOS MAKE A SPLASH

Benchtop Cooking

CONSUMERS REDISCOVER THEIR INNER CHEF

FOOD PREPARATION

VERSATILITY REMAINS KEY

DISHWASHERS

INCREASING AWARENESS OF HOME HYGIENE

LAUNDRY

CLOTHING SANITATION GAINS POPULARITY

[ON THE COVER]

TEFAL’S LATEST COOKING FOOD PROCESSOR

Introducing the Tefal i-Companion XL, a smart connected cooking food processor that takes versatility to the next level. Offering endless possibilities, it not only cuts, prepares and cooks but also comes with six dedicated attachments and several compatible accessories that can be purchased separately. Replacing more than 10 appliances, the i-Companion XL boasts unique features that no other kitchen machine currently has on offer and is also considerably quieter. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity and free Companion app, it automatically sends the settings for the time, temperature and speed from your phone or tablet to the appliance. Tefal has combined performance, inspiration and intuitiveness with an engaged i-Companion XL community to allow you to delegate the manual tasks while offering an unlimited scope for homemade menus and an endless supply of cooking inspiration. The Tefal i-Companion XL comes with a cookbook featuring 300 recipes and a kitchen scale.

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

VOLUME 27 / ISSUE #2

IN THIS ISSUE

Snaffle rolls out rewards program; Amazon implements technology to keep employees socially distant

Delivering cash rewards, contract discounts, early product access and more; Across local fulfilment centres and delivery stations

EDITOR'S NOTE

One retailer increases investment in physical stores under new ownership.

Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, Spotlight Group has prioritised expansion opportunities and increased investment to revitalise the 170-year-old retailer.

Spotlight on store expansion amid ecommerce boom

NEWS

Smeg farewells Jim Kalotheos, appoints new managing director; Winning Group welcomes two senior executives Departing the company after 22 years; New chief operating officer and chief technology officer support significant growth.

Eurolinx launches Design Your Own ILVE configurator; Domestic & General leads warranty revolution with new Worry Free program A natural extension for the brand to deliver customers with true customisation; Designed to help improve brand loyalty and support profit growth.

Rob Hoorn joins Camberwell Electrics; CHiQ appoints VIC/ TAS sales manager Responsible for coordinating product selection and serving customers on the shop floor; Brings vast experience in retail and wholesale within the CE industry.

A new chapter for Harris Scarfe as it prepares for domination

Samsung AirDresser

FOOD PREPARATION FEATURE

Multifunctionality is a top priority as consumers rediscover their inner chef and turn to baking as a home comfort.

BENCHTOP COOKING FEATURE

The benchtop cooking category benefitted from people spending more time at home, but air fryers were the must-have item as consumers looked for healthy alternatives.

DISHWASHERS FEATURE

Australians are looking for hygiene cycle options which run higher temperatures ideal for both bacteria elimination and households with young children.

LAUNDRY FEATURE

Clothing sanitation has gained popularity with dryers not only drying clothes, but also refreshing, sanitising and removing allergens.

GARMENT CARE FEATURE

Irons and steam stations have been adversely impacted by fewer social gatherings and more people working from home.

SINKS & TAPS FEATURE

Home renovators invest in premium sinks and taps to complement their enhanced kitchen layouts and upgraded cooking appliances.

WHAT’S HOT

Pick of the crop

Zega Intelligent Cookware; Sunbeam Waffle Maker; Morphy Richards Garment Steamer.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Smeg farewells Jim Kalotheos, appoints Wayne Campbell as new managing director After 22 years with Smeg Australia, including four years as managing director, Jim Kalotheos has resigned to seek new challenges and further develop his leadership skills. In a statement shared with Appliance Retailer, Smeg said: “Kalotheos worked across most areas of the business, including general manager sales and marketing, as well as national and state sales manager and national marketing manager, after commencing as an account manager in the late 1990s. “He has achieved well-deserved respect and admiration from both Smeg employees and the wider appliance industry and, since the announcement, is sincerely grateful for the good wishes of Smeg staff and colleagues, customers, media and the general industry.” Within the statement, Smeg CEO, Vittorio Bertazzoni commented, “Jim

Kalotheos will always be a member of the Smeg family. I thank him for his passion for the brand and products and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” Smeg has promoted Wayne Campbell to the position of managing director in Australia, following the departure of Jim Kalotheos. With over 35 years’ experience, Campbell’s appointment to managing director follows his tenure as national sales manager for retail in the company. Prior to Smeg, Campbell previously held roles at Harvey Norman, both as a franchisee and as business development manager. In his new role as managing director, Campbell’s focus will be on further developing the organisation’s customer relationships, as well as leading people, operational initiatives and driving continued growth of the Smeg brand in Australia.

Newly appointed Smeg Australia managing director, Wayne Campbell

Speaking of his appointment to the role, Campbell said, “It’s an honour to be appointed as managing director of Smeg Australia as I enter the next phase of my 14-year journey with the company. “I’m dedicated to continuing the commitment and growth to the business that Jimmy so greatly contributed during his leadership, and I look forward to working with the team both locally and globally to continue the successes already achieved.”

WINNING GROUP WELCOMES TWO SENIOR EXECUTIVES Winning Group has confirmed two senior executive appointments with Ryan Fritsch joining the business as chief operating officer and John Hanna as chief technology officer. Originally from the US, Fritsch recently relocated to Australia from London where he worked for Budweiser Brewing Group as UK sales director. In his new role with Winning Group, he will lead pure play digital businesses Appliance Online, Home Clearance and Heelix, as well as direct group functions across the business. Hanna brings over two decades experience in digital transformation with some of Australia’s top organisations. He was most recently chief information officer and director of operations for Bauer Media Group but has also held chief information officer positions with NRMA Group Winning Group COO, Winning Group CTO, Ryan Fritsch John Hanna and Fonterra. Winning Group CEO, John Winning said he was delighted to welcome Ryan and John at a time “Despite the challenging market over the past 12 months, when the group has achieved significant growth over the last I am incredibly proud of our team as we have continued to 12 months. go above and beyond for our customers. As a group we have “Ryan and John’s extensive experience with leading experienced high double digit sales growth year-on-year businesses will help the Winning Group to continue to achieve and together with Ryan and John’s appointments we are its mission to provide the best shopping experience in the confident that we will continue to provide exceptional customer world,” he said. experiences both online and in-store.” 6

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

NEWS AR

Fisher & Paykel welcomes back Mark Pacey Fisher & Paykel has welcomed Mark Pacey back into the business as general manager for global customer experience based in Sydney. Pacey was with Fisher & Paykel for 15 years, most recently as chief operating officer, before leaving the company in July 2017 to join Snap printing design and later, leading medical technology brand, Stryker. In his new role, he leads the customer experience team. In a statement shared with Appliance Retailer, Fisher & Paykel said: “Known for leading cross-functional teams through a supportive leadership style,

Mark has a proven ability to motivate teams and individuals to achieve and exceed targets. He also holds an outstanding track record of initiating, implementing and leading transformation and growth strategies.” Commenting on his appointment, Pacey said: “I am excited to return to Fisher & Paykel and be part of the journey to being the world’s most human-centred appliance brand. We believe that excellence in customer experience is a central contributor to our continued rise to global leadership in the kitchen segment.”

Mark Pacey returns to Fisher & Paykel as general manager for global customer experience

GLEN DIMPLEX CONFIRMS THERMOFILM ACQUISITION

Thermofilm has 30 years' experience in outdoor heating and more recently expanded into the BBQ category with the CrossRay BBQ

Glen Dimplex has acquired a majority shareholding in producer and distributor of premium outdoor heating and BBQ products, Thermofilm Pty Ltd. This represents the fifth acquisition in five years for Glen Dimplex, following deals with Real Flame, Technika, Home Appliances and Pecan Engineering. Based in Dandenong South, Victoria, Thermofilm has 30 years’ experience in the outdoor heating category, renowned for its award-winning Heatstrip electric and gas outdoor radiant heating products designed for residential, commercial, and

industrial use in Australia and around the world. Thermofilm expanded into the BBQ category in 2018, launching the CrossRay BBQ with patented infrared technology. Glen Dimplex Australia CEO, Dave Woodward outlined the synergies between the two companies and their complementary product portfolios. “GDA's product range has grown rapidly inside the home over the past decade; however, we have aspired for the outdoor room for many years also,” he said in a statement to Appliance Retailer.

“The market leading technologies that Thermofilm has developed over several decades, coupled with their premium positioning, complements our existing brands. We will now be able to expand our offering to retail partners, specifiers, architects, and volume home builders to include the outdoor room. “Thermofilm founder, Bob Reynolds, general manager, Steve Carrol and national sales manager, Greg Trezise will continue in their existing roles. As with all of our earlier acquisitions we see this as a key success factor by retaining the unique DNA and experience that has made the business successful for so many years.” Bob Reynolds said he is excited by the potential and synergy of the transaction with the Thermofilm brands now providing Glen Dimplex entry to the outdoor lifestyle market and adding to their portfolio of world leading products. “Thermofilm has the enormous benefit of access to new markets, new channels and global Glen Dimplex distribution network. The team at Thermofilm are looking forward to the opportunity of working with Glen Dimplex to achieve outstanding results in this new venture.” Thermofilm will remain a standalone trading entity for the next two years. Glen Dimplex has the option to buy the remaining shareholding at the end of this period. www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Eurolinx launches Design Your Own ILVE configurator ILVE has long represented itself as a brand for passionate home cooks to express their individuality through a love of food and design. To further build on ILVE’s foundation around creating custom appliances with a focus on bespoke and unique experiences, Eurolinx Australia has launched the Design Your Own ILVE product configurator built for, and exclusive to, Australia. With personalisation well beyond a passing trend, the configurator was described as a ‘natural extension’ for ILVE to deliver true customisation, according to Eurolinx marketing manager, Daniel Bertuccio. “Meticulously built with every possible scenario accounted for, the configurator gives our customers and partners the ability to design their dream freestanding oven, visualising

the product as it comes together with live pricing as you go through the build journey,” Bertuccio told Appliance Retailer. “Customers can create 60,711 different combinations of models, sizes, cooktops, colours, styling options, accessory trims and even

add rangehoods, to build the perfect oven. From a 90cm Majestic in Capri Blue with chrome styling to a 150cm Professional Plus in Sand Yellow with a Teppanyaki plate, the possibilities are endless.” Once the customer has designed their oven using the configurator, a summary is generated detailing the specific requirements which can then be taken to a local ILVE dealer. Authorised ILVE agents and those using the B2B side of the platform, can walk through the design with the customer, confirming the price in real time and place the order directly via the product configurator. The user experience has been designed to involve minimal steps and human intervention with the order being placed instantaneously through ILVE’s internal systems.

DOMESTIC & GENERAL LEADS WARRANTY REVOLUTION WITH NEW WORRY FREE PROGRAM Domestic & General (D&G) is shaking up the appliance warranty insurance industry with their ‘Join the Warranty Revolution campaign’ which calls on retailers, manufacturers and customers to demand more from their warranty programs. For customers, traditional warranty comes at a high upfront cost and provides only limited breakdown cover for a finite period. For retailers and manufacturers, extended warranty translates into a one-off transaction with little opportunity to build relationships that lead to brand loyalty. Leveraging 50 years of experience as warranty specialists and extensive customer research globally, D&G designed its ‘Worry Free’ solution to resolve these problems. For Australian and New Zealand appliance retailers, manufacturers, and their customers this also brings innovation to an industry that has remained stagnant for decades. One unique differentiator of D&G’s ‘Worry Free’ solution is that customers receive broader protection. For example, accidental damage and theft for the lifetime of an appliance, via a flexible 8

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

monthly pay option with no lock-in contract. This gives customers more choice and control over the length of their policies. The monthly pay model also ensures D&G stays on top of their game, otherwise customers will cancel their policies if D&G don’t deliver at their customers ‘moments of truth’. “It’s a great honour that retailers trust us to look after their customers when their appliances fail,” D&G managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Milo Parkin said. “For retailers, we’ve seen our ‘Worry Free’ solution improve customer brand loyalty and generate revenue growth from renewal programs, more product replacements and increased repeat business.” For D&G, it’s also about making it easy for their partners to bring this innovation to life through either online sales channels, which deliver quick and simple sales compliance or ongoing sales training to support agents instore. D&G’s ‘Worry Free’ program can be rolled out in a plug and play model or customised to business needs. D&G also offers promotional levers like ‘3

L to R: Domestic & General national partnerships & program manager, James McBride, managing director, Milo Parkin and national sales manager, Matthew Piccolo

Months Free’, which has shown to double conversion rates for retailers. "We are working with a number of retail groups to reinvigorate warranty in a way that not only benefits the retailer, but also their customers and their regulatory standing. We look forward to announcing new programs and partnerships in the weeks and months ahead.” To claim this retail innovation for your business, go to page 12 in this issue. Alternatively, contact Milo Parkin on 03 9001 1555 or at milo.parkin@ domesticandgeneral.com.

NEWS AR

TEMPO TAKES ON DISTRIBUTION OF HOOVER APPLIANCES Tempo has been appointed the distributor for Hoover appliances across laundry, dishwashers, cooling and cooking categories for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, effective 1 April, 2021. Speaking on the announcement, Tempo Australia general manager for appliances, Craig Handley said Hoover is a household name in Australia with locally manufactured whitegoods and market leading share. “With the combined strength of Hoover and Tempo global factory partnerships, we are confident that we can deliver on the brands promise: practical and dependable products backed by a strong warranty at affordable price points,” he told Appliance Retailer. Handley confirmed an entirely new range of Hoover product is in development with further details to be announced in the near future. “Current technology can often mean more complexity, and at times features for the sake of generating

advertising headlines. Use of technology in upcoming Hoover products is centred around creating products that are easier to use, more energy efficient, and reliable,” he said. “Does the average Australian need 12 programs on their washing machine or 10 programs on a dishwasher? Our research is showing us what consumers want, and we are listening and applying that to new Hoover products.” Eurolinx was appointed the previous

distributor of Hoover laundry and dishwashing products in May 2019. Whilst experiencing success with the range, Eurolinx had no interest in expanding into new categories, according to product development manager, Mark Warden. “Our focus is on expanding the Artusi laundry and dishwasher range and further adding to the fantastic growth the brand has experienced over the last two years,” he told Appliance Retailer. Techtronic Industries Australia (TTi) general manager for floorcare and appliances, Jayson Owens said the business is confident that this partnership will provide more scope for the Hoover brand. “This decision will enable a quick expansion of products across the various categories that Tempo will be managing under the brand. Tempo’s wide range of products and services in the electrical and appliance retail channel makes them a natural fit with Hoover,” he told Appliance Retailer.

Tefal renews brand ambassador partnership with Justine Schofield

Groupe SEB has renewed its partnership with Justine Schofield for the fifth year to represent Tefal as brand ambassador with exclusivity in small kitchen appliances and cookware. Groupe SEB marketing director, Marine Pestel said, “At Tefal, we love Justine’s down to earth approach to cooking and her willingness to help Australians become more confident in their everyday cooking, while enjoying the entire process. “We also have a great cultural fit with Justine. Her heritage is half French, half Australian, and she grew up seeing her mum cooking with Tefal products. We found that it was the perfect opportunity to give our own French heritage an Australian twist.” Schofield said she is thrilled to be a part of the Tefal family again for 2021. “As brand ambassador for the last five years, our partnership has allowed us to reach home cooks across Australia, inspiring them to create meals in their kitchens using my favourite appliances and cookware. This year is going to be huge with exciting new products and delicious new recipes I am currently developing for the Tefal community.” Schofield is host of daytime cooking show, Everyday Gourmet on Channel 10 now filming its 11th season. She also hosts cooking and travel series including Justine’s Flavours of Fuji, Outback Gourmet, New Caledonia and Macau, and appears across Australia at top food festivals and events. She has released three cookbooks since 2016 with her latest book, The Slow Cook, due for release in April 2021.

Tefal brand ambassador Justine Schofield with the Tefal i-Companion XL

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Camberwell Electrics management team Leroy, Matt, Rob, Kevin, Sandra, Sonia, Hans and Felicity

Rob Hoorn joins Camberwell Electrics Camberwell Electrics has welcomed Rob Hoorn to its management team as supplier liaison in a full-time capacity. He will be responsible for coordinating product selection with Narta, BSR Group and Designer Appliances, as well as working on the shop floor to assist with customer enquiries. Hoorn brings over 30 years industry experience across various roles. He started his career as state manager for JH Wilberforce representing Robinhood, Braun and St George Appliances. He then worked as sales manager for Miele Australia before being appointed

to managing director for Andi-Co Australia in 2004. Hoorn was at the helm for more than eight years before heading up Sampford IXL as CEO for three years, announcing his retirement in July 2015. Camberwell Electrics owner, Hans Vanderstadt welcomed Rob to the team as he brings strong management skills and a long history in the industry. “We are excited for Rob to join the business. He is a great asset, and we are confident that with his in-depth industry knowledge, he will support our growth and help us make continual improvements in the ever-changing retail landscape,” he told Appliance Retailer.

CHiQ appoints VIC/TAS sales manager CHiQ Australia has welcomed Nick Fry to the role of sales manager for Victoria and Tasmania, responsible for securing the brand’s retail presence, working with retail partners to continue to drive sales and profitability and increase market penetration across CHiQ’s product range. Fry has a vast background in retail and wholesale within the consumer electronics industry. Early in his career, he was national category manager for Retravision Southern for more than four years before being appointed general manager at GAF Control. In 2013, he joined Leading Edge Group as group manager – a role he held for almost six years. Most recently, Fry was general manager at Betta Home Living John Alan at Westfield Knox, Victoria for over two years. 10

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

CHiQ sales manager for Victoria and Tasmania Nick Fry

ChiQ Australia general manager, David Esler said, “Nick is well known and very experienced in the industry. He is a great addition to the CHiQ team.” Commenting on his appointment, Fry said, “I am delighted to be working with David and the team as it presents me with a great opportunity to join a brand name in the early stages of development.”

David Jones omnichannel director, Kate Bergin

DAVID JONES APPOINTS OMNICHANNEL DIRECTOR David Jones has promoted general manager for online, Kate Bergin to omnichannel director, responsible for the department store’s physical stores and online channel. “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Kate as omnichannel director and look forward to her contribution as we continue to build and enhance a seamless online and instore experience for our customers,” a David Jones spokesperson said. “Kate has driven rapid growth at davidjones.com and has significant retail transformation experience in Australian and international markets, both online and in stores.” Bergin started her retail career at Cue Clothing in 2002. Later she joined Country Road Group as regional manager for New Zealand before being promoted to general manager of retail and then national retail manager for Trenery. She then moved to Rodd & Gunn as general manager for operations but after less than two years returned to Country Road Group. In 2018, she was appointed head of strategy for David Jones before her most recent role as general manager for online. In addition, David Jones director of retail and operations, Aaron Faraguna will depart the company after 16 years. “We thank Aaron for his significant contribution and commitment, and wish him well in his future endeavours,” the spokesperson said.

NEWS AR

Sennheiser repositions business focus to professional division Sennheiser is repositioning itself to build greater independence for its business units by focusing on the professional division and seeking a partnership to strengthen its consumer electronics market share. Across its professional and consumer divisions, Sennheiser has four business units – pro audio, business communications, Neumann and consumer electronics. Sennheiser co-CEO, Andreas Sennheiser said there is potential for growth in all of the areas, but they are characterised by different customer groups and requirements, as well as varying product life cycles and market dynamics. Sennheiser co-CEO, Daniel Sennheiser explained: “To best exploit the potential in each of these markets, we are concentrating our own resources on the three business areas in the professional division and are looking for a strong partner to invest in our consumer business. Talks with potential partners will start shortly.” In the consumer electronics business, headphones and soundbars offer great growth potential, despite a highly dynamic market and strong competitive pressure, particularly for the true wireless headphone market. “Our products are known for the best sound and for delivering a unique sound experience. These crucial aspects are at the heart of the purchasing decision for our customers in the premium headphones, enhanced hearing, audiophile and soundbars segments. These are the strengths that we want to work with a partner to build upon,” Daniel Sennheiser said.

Sennheiser is repositioning itself to build greater independence for its business units

A partnership for the consumer business enables Sennheiser to place its focus and resources on strengthening its pro audio, business communications and Neumann business units. The audio specialist plans to independently invest in its sound competence as well as its market presence and visibility. This will enable Sennheiser to continue to grow and expand its strong position in the global market. “With a strong partner at our side to invest in our consumer business, we will be even better equipped to play to our strengths – and to continue to bring the benefit of these strengths to our customers. For over 75 years, Sennheiser has stood for excellent technology and unique audio experiences. In doing so, we always focus on the needs of our customers,” the co-CEOs said.

AQIPA AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NIGEL PHILIPS AS NEW CEO Premium lifestyle gear and audio distributor, Aqipa Australia has welcomed Nigel Philips as CEO, succeeding Alfredo Sabatino, who will remain with the business as COO on a group level and relocate to the company’s European headquarters. Philips has spent over 15 years at Quiksilver and gained extensive experience in leading management roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer in consumer, retail and B2C. His experience spans from E.R.P. implementation, efficiency initiatives, supply chain network redesign, retail acquisition to significant experience and competency in Asian supply chain management. Commenting on his appointment, Philips said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Aqipa and the brands that we are partnered with. I am also excited about the consumer

electronics industry, its evolution and the opportunities that are developing before us. “I am fortunate to be working with a team who are professional, energetic and ready to go on executing our strategy in the distribution of premium products for Australasia.” Sabatino said he is thankful for his time at Aqipa Australia and the privilege to work with and build a fantastic team. “I am looking forward to contributing to growing brands on a headquarter level. With Nigel, we have found an experienced and seasonal leader that will help us become a powerful house of brands and the go-to partner for premium consumer electronic brands in Australia.” Aqipa Australia is the distributor of brands including Devialet, Marshall Headphones, Audio Pro, Aarke, Nextbase and Pure, among others.

Aqipa Australia CEO Nigel Philips

www.applianceretailer.com.au

E V A H S E C N A I APPL T O L A D E G N A CH O

S R A E Y E H T R E V

YET WAR

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LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW D&G ARE LEADING THE WAY IN WARRANTY ON PAGE 8 * Net Promoter Score 44 was calculated from 1 January 2020-7 December 2020

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130 store European retail partner of 12 years now generating 2.6x pre-subscriptions revenue, 70% from renewals Claims acceptance rate of 99.8% was calculated based on claims lodged via the D&G call centre over the period January 2020–December 2020

AR NEWS

SNAFFLE ROLLS OUT REWARDS PROGRAM Online appliance rental brand Snaffle has introduced the Snaffle Plus members rewards program, delivering cash rewards, contract discounts, early access to new products and exclusive product offers. Snaffle chief marketing officer, Paul Winslow said, “We are working towards building stronger relationships with our customers and have introduced a membership rewards program as a way of giving back to them.” The rewards program is free to join and offers three tiers of membership with a range of benefits. Snaffle PlusOne requires consumers to sign up to receive Snaffle’s monthly email newsletter. In return, they will be given one entry into the monthly $10,000 cash giveaway, exclusive offers

with limited-time discount codes, 10% off their first rental with Snaffle, priority access to limited products such as the latest PlayStation 5 console or Apple iPhone, as well as spot giveaways from suppliers. Snaffle PlusTwo is open to Snaffle customers with an active contract, who will be eligible for two entries into the monthly cash giveaway. In addition to the benefits provided to PlusOne members, this tier also provides 10% off three

products per year with Snaffle. Snaffle PlusThree has been designed for rollover customers or customers with more than one active contract, who will be eligible for three entries into the monthly cash giveaway. In addition to the benefits provided to PlusOne members, this tier offers 10% off all rentals with Snaffle. New features and benefits of the Snaffle Plus program will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.

Amazon implements technology to keep employees socially distant Amazon has introduced its ‘Distance Assistant’ technology to fulfilment centres and delivery stations in Australia, following a successful rollout in the US, India and select European countries. Designed to bolster preventative safety measures, the technology leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Machine Learning (ML) to remind people to maintain social distancing in real-time through visual cues and sensors. ‘Distance Assistant’ tracks individual movements while workers are in front of the camera and gauge their physical distance from others. Similar to ‘self-service’ radar speed check mechanism that reminds drivers on Australian roads to slow down by displaying their speed on a screen. Amazon’s technology provides team members with immediate visual feedback via a monitor, camera, and local computing device without recording, storing, or transmitting the images. As individuals walk past the camera, the monitor displays a live video feed with visual cues to show associates if they are within two metres of one another. The on-screen

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

indicators remind associates to maintain appropriate distance from those around them. Individuals remaining two metres apart are highlighted with green circles, while those who are closer than two metres are highlighted in yellow and then red circles. Amazon Australia director of operations, Craig Fuller said with a safety-first approach, the company has been investing in scalable technology solutions to prioritise team safety.

Amazon ‘Distance Assistant’ technology reminds people to maintain social distancing in real-time

“We are pleased to introduce this global innovation in Australia. Social distancing is a learned behaviour and ‘Distance Assistant’ will continue to enhance our safety practices and empower our team to improve social distancing,” he said. Amazon has open sourced the software behind the technology to allow Australian individuals and businesses to get up and running with just a computer and camera.

NEWS AR

Nextbase appoints Benjamin Sinica as first ANZ head of sales

Leading dash cam manufacturer, Nextbase has welcomed a new head of sales to spearhead its operations in Australasia, following its launch in Australia and New Zealand in September 2020. Benjamin Sinica brings over 20 years’ experience in consumer markets previously working for Sharp, HP

and Acer. During his time with Acer Australia as head of retail, Sinica turned the company’s profit and market share from single digits to category leaders. In his new role with Nextbase, Sinica will lead relations with retail partners including JB Hi-Fi, Camera House, Repco Australia and Harvey

Norman New Zealand while identifying further retail opportunities to build on its market share in the region. Nextbase is the dash cam market leader in the US, UK and Europe. Sales in Australia and New Zealand have exceeded initial expectations and fast tracked the need for a local representative to support retailers and growing customer demand. Nextbase managing director, Richard Browning said the company is delighted to welcome Ben to the team. “Australians and New Zealanders take their road safety extremely seriously and they don’t substitute on quality, and our sales reflect that,” he said. “Rather than resting on our laurels and enjoying results which exceed initial forecast, we want to ensure we are shouting from the rooftops about the unique features of our dash cams, and the additional security they give users on the road. Having Ben on the ground ‘down under’ allows us to do that.” Speaking about his appointment, Sinica said, “I am very excited to be joining the Nextbase team to help their retail partners grow the category, by delivering the best product and service to the consumer.”

SOUND UNITED TO ACQUIRE AV DISTRIBUTOR QUALIFI Sound United is set to acquire leading premium audio visual importer and distributor, QualiFi and establish direct operations in Australia. Sound United is the parent company of brands including Denon, Bowers & Wilkins, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics. Sound United vice president of commercial operations for Asia Pacific, Kazuma Okada said, “Australia is a key strategic market for Sound United and we determined the best way to continue supporting our existing partners would be to establish direct operations in the country.” He added: “QualiFi has established itself as a leader in sales, marketing, and support for several AV suppliers,

including Sound United. Given its stellar reputation and robust capabilities in the Australian market, we believe

acquiring QualiFi will result in a superior service to our AV dealers and the broader market.” QualiFi managing director, Michael Henriksen said, “It’s been an honour to service the Australian market for nearly four decades, and I am excited to embark on QualiFi’s next chapter with Sound United. “The AV market is on an incredible growth trajectory right now, and with the help of Sound United, we are confident QualiFi will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our dealers and partners.” The proposed transaction remains subject to definitive agreements, confirmatory diligence, regulatory approvals, and other required consents. www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR PROFILE

A new chapter for Harris Scarfe as it prepares for domination It’s now been 12 months since the Spotlight Group acquired Harris Scarfe and despite the curveballs presented by Covid-19, expansion opportunities and increased investment have been priority to revitalise the 170-year-old retailer.

Above: Entrance to Harris Scarfe Rockdale in Sydney, located in the same complex as a Spotlight and Anaconda store

BY EMILY BENCIC

ccording to Harris Scarfe CEO, Graham Dean, it has been a challenging retail environment over the past year, but this hasn’t stopped plans to expand the store network to support future growth under the ownership of Spotlight Group. Contrary to many retailers who are either contracting or maintaining the number of stores in their portfolio in this environment, Harris Scarfe has been aggressively looking for new sites and new opportunities. “During Q4 last year, we relocated our Coburg store into Preston (VIC), opened new

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

stores in Carnegie (VIC), Frankston (VIC) and Newcastle (NSW), and more recently in March 2021, we opened a store in Rockdale (NSW), so we have been actively expanding our network under the cloud of Covid,” he told Appliance Retailer. “There is a plan to invest in the brand and the Spotlight Group recognises the opportunity in acquiring a 170-year-old retail brand and our potential for the future. The group has extensive property expertise with several owned-sites that are home to Spotlight and Anaconda stores, as well as a keen interest in expansion so we can open new sites fairly quick.”

PROFILE AR will benefit from greater ecommerce capabilities. Online enhancements are currently underway and are slated to be fully operational by mid-year,” Dean said.

OPENING NEW FORMAT STORES

A DIVERSE STORE PORTFOLIO PROVIDES MORE OPPORTUNITY

When Harris Scarfe was first acquired, a network expansion plan was put in place, identifying certain sites in greater Sydney and greater Brisbane, along with infill sites in established markets like Melbourne and Adelaide. “We have a blueprint of where we would like to be, but it depends on when those sites become available and if we can do the right commercial deal to make it a long-term and viable proposition. For example, our newly opened Rockdale store is part of a Spotlight Group owned-site which made it easier to get into, but we are looking at other opportunities,” Dean said. Harris Scarfe has a diverse store portfolio when it comes to size and location with the retailer most prominent in Victoria with 23 stores, followed by South Australia (8 stores), New South Wales (7 stores), Tasmania (4 stores), ACT (3 stores) and Queensland (2 stores). There are stores in major shopping centres, as well-established power shopping centres, large format retail centres and standalone stores. There are six Home stores that measure just 1,000 square metres only sell home products as opposed to other stores that also sell apparel and measure up to 4,000 square metres. “This means we have a flexible store model and can take advantage of the sites that we are looking at and those that may come up in the future, particularly as many retailers downsize. We are in a good position to occupy some of those sites,” Dean said. Given the size and scale of Spotlight Group, Harris Scarfe has been able to integrate its team and shared services including IT systems, property, marketing, and finance. “As we continue to migrate Harris Scarfe systems into the Spotlight Group platforms, we

Above: Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Harris Scarfe Rockdale opening with CEO, Graham Dean, brand ambassador, Barry Du Bois, the Harris Scarfe Rockdale team and two loyal customers Bottom: Laundry display in Harris Scarfe Rockdale

Harris Scarfe has modernised the look and feel of its new format stores and launched an evolution of the Harris Scarfe logo, using the signature green colour with more power for increased impact. “Our product offering has also evolved quite significantly. We have done a lot of work on developing the range across the board, particularly in apparel, by launching new designers this season. We want a point of difference in the market, so we aren’t selling the same brands or products as everyone else – they are exclusive to Harris Scarfe,” Dean said. “We wanted to upgrade the store visual to bring the brands that we sell to life. More lighting, enhanced finishes and fixtures, are designed to further lift our strong offer. “Covid has amplified challenges that were already present in retail. Differentiating our range against our competition so we aren’t selling the same product and trying to compete on price (only) is a journey we have been on for quite some time. “We do sell some products that are available at other retailers, but our range is slightly different. We work hard to engineer a range that appeals to a Harris Scarfe customer that is based on quality, design, innovation, and partnerships that show our products are tried and tested by credible and local designers.” Harris Scarfe has several brand ambassadors including The Living Room host, Barry Du Bois, former Masterchef contestant, Poh Ling Yeow and has just signed on Australian chef, Miguel Maestre. “If customers research and shop online, it’s not just about having the best price on a fry pan for example. It’s very hard in retail to always have

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR PROFILE

the best price so it’s more about the point of difference – giving customers a reason to come to Harris Scarfe over other retailers. We will continue to build on that because you need to keep moving to keep ahead in this industry – you can’t sit still.” The electrical category has performed well during Covid-19 as people rediscover their inner chef

SHIFTS IN CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR ARE HERE TO STAY

When asked about the changes to customer behaviour since the pandemic, Dean said the key change has been the shift online with shoppers now more comfortable with their devices, phones, tablets and laptops, to do their research and order their products. “Even when things settled post-lockdown, it's clear that online shopping won’t go back to pre-Covid levels – it’s always going to be a higher percentage of sales than ever before,” he said. “Covid has also driven trends in fashion, which is now all about being casual, comfortable and sporty with a rise in ‘athleisure’. This has also translated to the home category with consumers upgrading towels, quilts, pillows and rugs, as part of the ‘cocooning’ trend. “People have rediscovered their inner chef when they haven’t been able to go out to a restaurant for a meal. They have relished the opportunity to cook at home. Food preparation sales have surged with air fryers the number one item, although stand mixers, blenders and any health-related products have also been in high demand as people want to eat well and look after themselves as they spend more time at home.” Although it remains unknown what will happen postCovid, Dean believes some of these trends are here to stay with consumer spending yet to taper off. “People are seeking new innovation and design, and they are willing to invest more to get a product with more functionality. They want to trade up and are more keen to educate themselves on how to get the most out of their product.” And on a final note, Dean had this to say about the broader industry. “Stores don’t need to be as big as they are. “Having everything under one roof is no longer a draw card. Rather than try to be something to everyone but not do it well, we have tried to specialise in certain categories. It’s about deciding what you want to go after, what you want to be known for and doing it with conviction. “We have the biggest range of pillows, quilts and frypans that you can find anywhere in Australia, and we have the number one market share in electric blankets due to our extensive range, because if we do something, we do it properly and we dominate.” AR 18

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Harris Scarfe CEO Graham Dean believes upgrading the store visual brings brands to life with more lighting, enhanced finishes and fixtures, designed to further lift the retailer’s strong offering

Harris Scarfe Rockdale team at the checkout

FEATURE

Food Prep FOOD PROCESSORS | BLENDERS | JUICERS | MIXERS

TITANIUM CHEF PATISSIER XL BENCHTOP MIXER

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Home bakers help food prep rise up

BY EMILY BENCIC

he food preparation category has seen growth of 28% in units and 41% in volume for the year to December 2020, the latest GfK figures have shown. This category data incorporates choppers, food processors, stand mixers, blenders, hand mixers and hand blenders. The overarching trend towards appliances that support a healthy lifestyle has brought about large growth with each sub-segment reporting an uplift in 2020, most notably stand mixers and hand mixers, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, reflecting the uptake in baking at home, according to GfK. Multifunctionality remains at the top of the priority list for Australians with more consumers turning to home cooking, according to information from Euromonitor.

“People do not want to spend too much time dicing their food especially now as they are preparing from scratch,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said. “The rise of apartment living and a shift towards smaller living spaces has supported demand for multifunctional and compact cooking appliances. Food processors have been cannibalising sales of blenders resulting in a slowdown in volume growth. This is due to innovation in technology and quality of food processors which offer options from shredding to kneading bread dough. Aesthetics and design continue to be a key consideration with both manufacturers and consumers branching into adding some colour elements into their kitchen spaces. Brands need to inspire consumers when it comes to home cooking and its health benefits as take-out has been on the rise.” AR

DE’LONGHI

Nicole Warwick Junior Category Manager Australians are spending more time at home, which has led to consumers investing in their home environment and taking time to get creative in the kitchen, De’Longhi’s Nicole Warwick said. “Despite many parts of the country returning to a new normal we are continuing to see this trend grow as new-found hobbies and skills stick.” In a changing retail and consumer landscape, there is a huge opportunity to listen and engage with consumers particularly through digital channels, she said. “In 2020 we were able to interact with consumers and retail partners even more effectively through online demonstrations, a program we will adapt and activate throughout 2021 for the launch of our new Kenwood mixers and food processors.” Accelerated product demand has put some strain on stock availability. “Fortunately, we have a stronghold over our entire logistics chain from factory to store and have been able to meet our commitments.” De’Longhi’s year-to-date results indicate that Australian consumers have a desire to continue investing in their home environment. However, product innovation will be the key to keeping consumers inspired and engaged, according to Warwick. The latest Kenwood Cooking Chef Mixer weighs and cooks food for expert baking and cooking results. With EasyWeigh scales, measuring ingredients is effortless and with a wide temperature range from 20°C to 180°C, the culinary creations are endless. The soft-start speed control ensures mess-free baking, while the 4.3-inch touch screen offers SimpleTouch preset functions such as dough and Italian meringue. Recipes can be sent directly to the mixer via the Kenwood World app, providing step-by-step instructions while automatically programming the machine.

Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender

`EasyClick+ feature to switch attachments quickly and easily `1200W motor is supported by Active Power Drive technology that delivers up to 60% faster performance `2L food processor comes with multiple cutting discs, dual gear, and new kneading hook `Offers the world’s largest attachment system for increased versatility RRP: $299

Kenwood’s new Titanium Chef Patissier Mixer XL weighs and warms food with an exclusive 7L EasyWarm bowl that can prove bread and melt ingredients. The 2.4-inch touch screen offers SimpleTouch preset functions such as dough proving, dough kneading and chocolate melting. In addition to EasyWeigh scales and soft-start speed control, it comes with a Nesting DuoBowl to simply switch between the 7L and 5L stainless steel bowls. The new Kenwood MultiPro Compact+ can dice, grate and slice direct to plate thanks to new express serve and dice attachments. It comes with a 2.1L food processor bowl with three discs, as well as a 1.2L blender. Its powerful 800-watt motor is accompanied by a dual metal whisk, two speeds and pulse function. The new Kenwood MultiPro Express comes with a new express dice attachment, has a 1000W motor, duo feed tube and SpeedSelect Dial with two speeds and pulse function. The new Kenwood MultiPro Express+ has new express serve and dice attachments with a precision cutting system and micro-serrated blades. It features a 1000W motor, duo feed tube and SpeedSelect Dial with two speeds and pulse function. An express prep 3L capacity with dishwasher safe tools is accompanied by a 1.5L blender. AR

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MAGIMIX

Wivina Chaneliere Managing Director Throughout the pandemic, consumers have invested in appliances that help increase the quality of their cooking, and interestingly, food processors have been the preferred choice over kitchen machines when it comes to baking, according to Magimix’s Wivina Chaneliere. “When we investigated this trend, it made sense because food processors are more versatile and are capable of doing even more than a regular stand mixer. Magimix food processors are designed to effectively mix and knead dough, in addition to the usual chopping, grating, and slicing tasks,” she said. Another major trend is increasing interest in plant-based or vegan food with consumers spending more time examining their eating habits and trying out new things. “Food processors are also great for those with vegan diets as different attachments and accessories enable users to do almost anything, from making vegetable pasta to plant-based sauces, jams and preserves, and more.” The baking trend provided an ideal opportunity for Magimix to deliver content and communicate why a food processor is a must-have for passionate bakers, supported by the release of a new baking book.

GROUPE SEB Tefal i-Companion XL

`Multifunction cooking food processor that cuts, prepares and cooks `Detachable blades, safe blade removal, and easy food release `XL Gourmet Stainless Steel bowl with capacity for up to 10 serves `10 automatic programs plus manual mode for high delegation RRP: $1,899

Looking ahead, Chaneliere expects the growth in small kitchen appliances to continue. “As long as people are at home, they will continue exploring the many things they can do in the kitchen. As a brand we expect growth this year as we heavily invest in marketing for 2021. Ecommerce has become important so investment in online capabilities is key to keeping up with changing consumer demands.” AR

`Three modes – stop, auto and pulse `Three bowl sizes – main, midi and mini `Sabatier stainless steel blades for precise cutting `Made in France, 30-year motor warranty and spare parts availability RRP: $999 Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Covid-19 changed the way people worked and lived for most of 2020 and is continuing to affect consumer spending moving further into 2021 with a sales spike for kitchen electrics, including food preparation appliances, Groupe SEB’s Marine Pestel said. “As more people cook at home, they are looking for appliances that improve their lives and make home cooking easier and more enjoyable.” Digital marketing remains a key focus for Tefal to support retail partners and continue to build and engage its social media community. “These assets partnered with strong brand awareness enabled us to win the shopper preference online and support sell through with our retailers. In the absence of store visits, we developed training videos and shared digital assets to maintain close relationships. We also further developed content and ran initiatives such as Facebook Live events to support people in isolation and inspire them to cook,” Pestel said.

Magimix 5200XL Food Processor in Matt Chrome

Marine Pestel Marketing Director

Tefal anticipates strong demand for food preparation appliances to continue in 2021, following changes to lifestyle habits including the shift to more cooking at home. “Tefal expects to continue gaining share in food preparation as we did throughout 2020, and we will continue to deliver solutions that make life easier,” she said. Launched in February 2021, the Tefal i-Companion XL is an all-in-one appliance that cuts, prepares and cooks food with six dedicated attachments included with other compatible accessories sold separately. AR

N E W & AVA I L A B L E N O W

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BREVILLE

Lucy Martyn Global Communications Manager

Smeg Hand Blender HBF02 & Food Processor Accessory HBFP01

The rise in home cooking has had a positive impact on the food preparation category, as it has across the entire Breville portfolio, according to Lucy Martyn.

`Two-year warranty `Removable gearbox and dishwasher safe bowl `1.5L Tritan bowl with measurement marks with Tritan pusher `Four discs for shredding, slicing, chopping, mincing, blending and emulsifying

“We delivered solid sales growth in all regions and categories in our first half results supported by working from home and the trends we felt across the globe. This has afforded us the opportunity to tactically step up our investment in mediumterm growth drivers, while still maintaining and accelerating profit growth,” she said.

RRP: $249 (HBF02) / $169 (HBFP01)

SMEG

Arthur Banbas National Manager – Small Appliances

Another opportunity presented by Covid-19 was the ability to get closer to customers than ever before. “It was immediately apparent that we needed to be there for our customers – either in the form of recipes, inspiring home cooking content or masterclasses. Our communities grew stronger, as did our sense of connection and an unwavering focus to serving them.”

With Covid-19 creating a cooking blitz for amateur and advanced home cooks, the food preparation category saw unprecedented growth in consumer demand, with many wanting to upgrade or simply expand their collection, according to Smeg’s Arthur Banbas.

Over the last 12 months, there has also been increasing demand for sustainable product solutions with Australian households contributing to around 40% of the 8.5 million tonnes of landfill each year.

“Smeg has dedicated over 70 plus years of cooking excellence to innovating appliances that are not only technologically advanced but champion premium design to suit any kitchen aesthetic,” he said.

In response, Breville has launched the FoodCycler which can reduce household food waste by more than 80%. The FoodCycler transforms household food waste into nutrient rich EcoChips using an intuitive three-stage cycle – drying, grinding, and cooling. The system pulverises and dehydrates nearly all types of food waste, reducing it to small particles, while aerating and heating, to help decompose and sterilise the waste. AR

“Stay-at-home orders gave consumers the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen more with new skills and recipes learnt and tested.” Social media became a platform for tips and brand-led tutorials, while allowing for stronger brand engagement. Smeg utilised its social channels to provide expert product insights, creating a deeper customer relationship while reinforcing that its products are an ideal choice. “Consumers are now contacting Smeg with questions regarding their newly purchased products which has forced us to rethink of how we can better service them. This has led our marketing and training teams to develop more in-depth video tutorials to help consumers get the best outcome from their appliances.” Banbas said 2021 will see greater innovation and design feats with consumer demand remaining high for the foreseeable first half. “With a greater number of people working from home, consumers will continue to experiment with home cooking and Smeg will maintain its focus on technological innovation. As Covid-19 remains fluid, we feel the second half of the year remains more unpredictable.” AR 24

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Breville 3X Bluicer Pro

`Five one touch programs and 10 speed settings `88mm extra wide chute for shortened preparation time `Featuring patented Kinetix contoured blade and bowl system `Cold Spin Technology extracts fresh juice straight into a high capacity 1.5L blender jug RRP: $649.95

built better to last longer

e in F r a n

For all things food preparation, look no further than Magimix. Born out of the Burgundy region in France, Magimix has been designing and making high-quality premium kitchen appliances for 50 years. Still made in the same original location in France and backed by a 30-year motor warranty, Magimix’s range of food processors, juicers, choppers and blenders are truly a cut above the rest. For more information: info@magimix.com.au or 1300 624 469

magimixau.com.au

AR FOOD PREP

NEWELL BRANDS

Katie Cannaby Brand Marketing Manager – Food Preparation The food preparation category has seen strong double digit increases in spending as more people rediscover the joy of cooking at home, Newell Brands’ Katie Cannaby said. “Mixers have enjoyed the largest growth overall, as consumers bake their way through various lockdowns. With more appliances now in kitchens, space and multifunctionality have continued to grow as an important purchase consideration.” Many saw an opportunity to upgrade existing appliances or try new appliances to make food prep easier with early indications showing that category growth is set to hold in 2021 with the same trends continuing. “Customers will continue to seek out appliances that are simple to use and clean, are multifunctional, as well as suit their storage and space considerations,” Cannaby said. In response, Sunbeam has released the Glass Mini MultiChopper that can chop, puree and whisk, offering two speeds, and a 750mL durable glass processing bowl that includes a stainless steel blade, whisk attachments and storage cover. “The desire to bring fun and enjoyment into the kitchen during these times, coupled with a willingness to experiment with recipes outside the usual repertoire, has led to increased recipe searches and content creation.” However, food delivery services, cook-at-home kits and ready-made meal options are presenting a challenge to the category as they reduce the need for food preparation appliances, according to Cannaby. AR

Vitamix Ascent A3500i 100th Anniversary Collection V069853

`10-year full product warranty `Tamper, tamper holder and under blade scraper `Self-Detect technology and safety interlocking lid `A3500i Ascent blender in limited edition graphite, 600ml cup and 220ml bowl with blade system RRP: $1,795

Sunbeam Mixmaster Hand Mixer Pro JMP2000BK

`Seven variable speeds `Burst of Power button provides extra boost `Storage case included for hand mixer, cord and attachments `Super Aerator Whisk designed to incorporate more air for up to 30% faster whisking RRP: $59.95

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

FACKELMANN HOUSEWARES Naomi Scesny Vitamix Brand Manager

There has been increased spending towards premium brands with consumers investing in better quality products that save time and provide value for money, Fackelmann Housewares’ Naomi Scesny said. “With lockdown restrictions limiting travel and dining out, consumers are spending more time at home, so we have seen the reinvigoration of cooking for enjoyment and more entertaining.” The strong growth in online shopping has forced retailers to rethink the way consumers shop and increase their range of products online to meet this demand, according to Scesny. “More consumers are shopping online than ever before. Covid-19 saw many households shop online for the first time and click and collect has also changed the shopping journey.” Vitamix expects the premium high performance blender market to continue to grow as consumers become more aware of health and wellness. “Vitamix celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and as a brand, has been in growth worldwide. The current market has accelerated this growth as consumers desire product that they see longevity in with brands they can trust,” Scesny said. Fackelmann Housewares has witnessed similar trends around the world with a focus on entertaining at home, change in consumer mindset towards family and community, increasing digitisation and innovation in the quality and value equation. AR

GLEN DIMPLEX

FROM THE FLOOR

Stacey Pogorecki Product Manager – Seasonal & SDA There has been increased demand for small domestic appliances to meet home cooking needs, with people unable to go to restaurants or cafes as they did prior to Covid-19, according to Glen Dimplex’s Stacey Pogorecki. “For many, working from home and financial concerns have influenced more home cooked meals, which come at a lower cost,” she said. “With increasing interest in better home food preparation appliances, this is a category we are continually looking to add new and exciting products.” However, there has been production and shipping delays from overseas suppliers. “This has required us to ensure we are planning well in advance to help mitigate any of these challenges.” With the uncertainty of Covid-19, and everchanging lockdown rules, Glen Dimplex expects continued growth in the food preparation category as consumers have settled into a routine involving more home cooking than going out to eat. AR

Dimplex Clarity Soup Maker 501050

`1.6L capacity `Prepares soup in 21 minutes `Tritan body is lighter than glass and more durable than regular plastic `Four functions: smooth, chunky, blend and clean, as well as smoothie option RRP: $179.95

Winning Group Todd Gibbons

ith people spending more time at home, they have been purchasing more food preparation appliances to create fresh and convenient meals at home, according to Winning Group head of partner relationships, Todd Gibbons. “Bread makers, rice cookers, air fryers and vacuum blenders are experiencing significant growth,” he said. “We predict continued growth across the small appliance market with the expected introduction of new innovations across existing product sets including multi cookers and convection microwaves.” As convenience and wanting to achieve restaurant-like results at home are becoming increasingly important when purchasing a food preparation appliance, top considerations among consumers are brand, food preparation time, price, features and benchtop footprint. When asked about new technology to look out for in the market, Gibbons said air fryers being incorporated into built-in ovens. “We will see more technological development and growth in the food storage and food preservation categories, as convenience, sustainability and health are top of mind for consumers.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR BENCHTOP COOKING

Air fryers and multi-cookers win over isolated consumers BY EMILY BENCIC

he benchtop cooking category experienced a 36% lift in units and 61% surge in volume for the year to December 2020, the latest GfK figures have revealed. This category data incorporates electrical cooking pots, air fryers, deep fryers, mini ovens, and rice cookers. Social restrictions meant consumers needed to prepare meals more frequently from home, which stimulated the benchtop cooking market, particularly multi-cookers, but air fryers were the stand-out product with total units soaring to almost double what was recorded in 2019. Euromonitor data confirmed double digit growth for air fryers, driven by consumers looking for healthy alternatives that do not compromise on taste, coupled with strong marketing activity on social media. Overall, all-in-one appliances are trending as consumers can perform multiple tasks while taking up minimal storage space. AR

GROUPE SEB

Marine Pestel Marketing Director Consumer spending has shifted in response to the pandemic with a focus on products that make life easier and more enjoyable, according to Groupe SEB’s Marine Pestel. As a result, there has been increased spending on benchtop cooking appliances including air fryers, pressure cookers, rice cookers, deep fryers and grills. “Restrictions imposed during 2020 highlighted the need to do more at home, which saw many people reconnect with cooking and realise the benefits of creating entire meals at home,” she said. “Many consumers who are enjoying the flexibility of working from home are looking to continue certain aspects of this lifestyle shift throughout 2021 with a major focus on home cooking.” With increased demand for cooking appliances 28

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Tefal Easy Fry XXL

`60-minute timer with auto-off `Digital touch panel with eight pre-set menus `5.6L or 1.6kg capacity to cook for up to eight people `Hot Air technology provides fast and even cooking with little to no oil RRP: $349.95

during the pandemic, Tefal showcased its solutions to cooking meals, particularly via digital marketing. “We were able to leverage our digital marketing strength and support our retailers by providing them with content for their own websites, alongside strong online reviews that Tefal enjoys. This supported sell through with our retailers as they readjusted to some sales shifting online,” Pestel said. “Our ever-growing social media communities continue to engage around our products, and we took the opportunity to further explore initiatives such as Facebook Live events with our brand ambassadors, as well developing thoughtful content. By moving towards digital assets and training videos in lieu of visiting stores in person, we were still able to support our retailers and maintain close relationships.” Air fryers continue to be a major focus for Tefal with the brand increasing its market share thanks to strong sales across various models including the new EasyFry XXL with a family size capacity. “As Tefal continues to deliver solutions to make life easier, we expect to continue gaining share in cookware, electrical cooking and linen care, with products that provide second to none performance and smart technology,” Pestel said. AR

NEWELL BRANDS

Angelina Paed Brand Marketing Manager – Cooking Increased time at home means consumers are getting creative in the kitchen, according to Newell Brands’ Angelina Paed, with new cooking appliances on offer and new recipes to try out. “More consumers are open to appliances that provide new ways of cooking to add variety to their repertoire. Tapping into the quick and healthy eating needs of families, air fryers have solidified their place as a kitchen staple, while products such as pie makers and waffle makers have helped consumers recreate café or restaurant-like indulgence when they opt to ‘eat-out’ at home,” she said. Paed expects continued growth for air fryers as the new ‘must-have’ kitchen appliance offering increased functionality with dehydrate and bake functions. “Sunbeam will continue to grow its air fryer portfolio with products suitable for first time users, as well as those who are upgrading. Our focus on strong technology developments, basket and product design, ease of use and multifunctionality will propel the brand forward,” she said.

ZEGA Zega Intelligent Cookware

`Saves on gas and electricity `Heats in minutes and cooks for hours off the stove `Bluetooth-app enabled smart knob delivers perfect results every time `Accompanying Zega app remotely monitors cooking and notifies user when food is ready RRP: $249 (Analogue) / $299 (Digital)

The snack maker category is also expected to grow with people working from home wanting to replicate café and restaurant-like products in their kitchens. “Sunbeam will continue to lead in this space with ongoing support of the original Pie Maker product. To add to this category, a new Vertical Waffle Maker is being released, designed to bring that ‘weekend brunch indulgence’ home to consumers.” AR

Brendan Dunne Co-Founder & Director With more time spent at home due to Covid-19, there has been growth in online shopping, coupled with an increased focus on health and wellness, with more people turning their attention toward nutritious meals, according to Zega’s Brendan Dunne. “The pandemic accelerated a widespread shift in consumer behaviour. Although Australians are largely back in the workplace and their lives are as busy as before Covid-19, their newfound love of home cooking and creating healthy meals is here to stay,” he said. “This provides an exciting opportunity for Zega Intelligent Cookware because it frees up time by doing the cooking for you and notifies you when the meal is ready via the Zega app.” The biggest challenge over the last 12 months has been pressure on Zega’s go-to-market strategy with key retail trade shows cancelled and the closure of retail outlets impacting new product and consequently, slowing launch plans.

Sunbeam 4-in-1 Digital Air Fryer + Oven AFP5000BK

`Large 10L capacity `Air fryer, rotisserie, oven and dehydrator in one appliance `Seven accessories including a rotating mesh air fryer basket `Internal motor powered by Sunbeam NutriCrisp technology for 360-degree hot air flow, oil-reduction and high velocity fan speed RRP: $299

“Because of this, we increased our focus on our own ecommerce channel, redirecting our go-tomarket strategy as a predominantly online model,” Dunne said. “We’re also experiencing reduced available capacity and increased cost of manufacturing and international freight, which we envisage will continue through 2021 and possibly beyond.” Despite the challenges faced, Zega has high expectations for the brand in 2021 and is looking forward to strong results as it goes to market in Australia, the US, and UK. “Following our successful Indiegogo campaign last year, feedback from customers who’ve already received the product has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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PANASONIC

Ginger Yu Product Marketing Manager – Appliances Panasonic has experienced strong consumer demand for small appliances such as benchtop ovens, rice cookers and bread makers in 2020, and expects this trend to continue throughout 2021. “More Australians are cooking at home, generating a significant increase in appliance sales. Demand is high and home cooks are eager to up their culinary skills, so access to reliable and multi-functional appliances has been key,” Ginger Yu said.

Morphy Richards Bread Maker MRBRD3

`950W `Three loaf sizes: 900g, 1.15kg and 1.35kg `Adjustable crust controls: light, medium or dark `16 digital programs including gluten free and low carb options RRP: $199.95

Panasonic has focused communication on its latest benchtop appliances which are not only multifunctional, but convenient, space-saving and allow for easy healthy cooking. “We have continued to find ways to support and boost the wellness of Australians, many of whom share a passion for cooking with family and friends. Providing the means for consumers to express themselves in the kitchen and through food has never been more important,” she said. If the current climate continues, Panasonic expects consumers to maintain their investment in kitchen appliances that allow them to enjoy their time in the home. “Benchtop appliances are becoming smarter, taking the guesswork out of cooking, which is especially important for time-poor consumers.” Panasonic’s Electric Benchtop Oven is an all-inone cooking appliance that can be used to re-heat, fry, bake, grill, split-roast or even ferment food. “Its compact footprint means it is ideal for caravans, studio apartments and granny flats and other locations where space is at a premium,” Yu said. Panasonic’s SR-CN188WST Rice Cooker that prepares up to 10 cups of rice, features a large LED display, detachable inner lid and steam vent. “Rice cookers can produce a variety of dishes including steamed dim sum, mac and cheese, curries and desserts at the touch of a button.” Panasonic’s flagship SD-ZP2000 Bread Maker offers 18 auto-programs including a gluten-free option and newly optimised heating structure with a reflective inner lid and central heater surrounding the ceramic pan. AR 30

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Panasonic Electric Benchtop Oven NB-H3801KST

`Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning `Wide temperature range from 40 degrees to 230 degrees Celsius `Internal LED light, double insulated glass door and intuitive temperature dials `Convection technology, upper and lower grill, rotisserie and fermentation heating functions RRP: $389

GLEN DIMPLEX

Stacey Pogorecki Product Manager – Seasonal & SDA With consumers unable to travel internationally, they are either updating or adding to their appliances to enrich the ‘stay at home’ experience, according to Glen Dimplex’s Stacey Pogorecki. “We have seen a positive impact towards consumer spending behaviour with increased demand in benchtop cooking appliances, as more people are cooking due to not being able to go out for meals,” she said. Having stock available at the right time was nominated as an opportunity for the business. However, shipping and production delays have been the biggest challenge. “This is a global issue. No matter where the factory is, Covid-19 has impacted businesses in one way or another.” Pogorecki expects consumer spending on appliances to remain strong in the year ahead. “We don’t know when international travel will re-open, and local travel is still quite uncertain, so consumers are spending more time at home than ever before.” AR

FEATURE

Dishwashers INTEGRATED | BUILT-IN | FREESTANDING

AR DISHWASHERS

Convenience, energy efficiency and hygiene CYCLES are top considerations

BY EMILY BENCIC

ince the pandemic outbreak, consumers have become more aware of household hygiene to help minimise the spread of the virus, which has resulted in Australians looking for hygiene cycle options in their dishwashers which run higher temperatures ideal for both bacteria elimination and households with young children. However, consumers are not willing to switch to longer washing cycles as it requires considerably more energy, according to Euromonitor research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas.

“Features such as noise reduction, automatic door opening, and basket lifting are trending to support consumers’ need for convenience,” she said. “There is also a desire for seamless and consistent kitchen aesthetics with consumers seeking dark finishes to achieve an integrated kitchen look, although freestanding models continue to dominate the dishwasher market. Finally, unit prices continued to drop in 2020 as consumers held on to their existing dishwashers longer and volume sales through the construction channel experienced decline.”

The latest innovations by Bosch. Discover the new Series 6 dishwasher range with smart device connectivity using the Home Connect app – for remote program control on the go. bosch-home.com.au

DISHWASHERS AR

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Working from home meant that features, such as noise level or capacity, were heavily scrutinised.

BOSCH

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Nilouka Roland Product Manager – Dishwashing As a primarily replacement appliance, dishwashers have remained in strong demand during Covid-19, Bosch’s Nilouka Roland said. “Home builder grants offered financial flexibility that could be utilised in upgrading appliances or replacing old appliances. Despite the economic uncertainty, a dishwasher is a long-term investment, where quality and reliability continue to be key purchase considerations. “In addition to spending behaviour, the way that consumers shop has also shifted with many people opting to shop online during restrictions, and even once restrictions eased many chose to continue with a combination of online and in-store shopping,” she said. As Australians faced restrictions and lockdowns, more time was spent at home where they increased consideration for renovations and home improvements to make life more comfortable. “With many people cooking more meals at home than previously, kitchen appliances were a focus, including dishwashers. Working from home meant that features, such as noise level or capacity, were heavily scrutinised. Appliances are being updated and replaced to improve this new home lifestyle, while new additions are incorporated into home renovations.”

Bosch Series 8 Freestanding Dishwasher SMS88TI01A

Èight programs ÈcoSilence Drive results in energy-saving and silent operation due to no friction `Five special options: HalfLoad Plus, ExtraDry, VarioSpeed, IntensiveZone and HygienePlus ÀctiveWater function ensures that only the required amount of electricity and water is used RRP: $1999

In the dishwasher category, Bosch expects sales to remain consistent throughout 2021 as consumers look for innovative products with sleek displays and designs, coupled with a willingness to invest in a brand that reinforces quality and reliability. “Consumers are seeking to reduce time spent cleaning up in the kitchen, while saving on utility costs. Bosch continues to lead the way in developing innovative and resourceefficient technologies to improve everyday life,” Roland said. The Bosch Series 8 dishwasher range delivers optimum cleaning performance and hygiene with a 5-star water rating and 4-star energy rating. With VarioDrawer Pro these models offer the ultimate flexibility in loading solutions and are exceptionally quiet at 42dB. AR

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MIELE

Elisha Pritchard Senior Product Manager – Dishwasher & Laundry In the absence of international travel, consumers are instead completing home renovations, with a focus on kitchens and appliance upgrades, Miele’s Elisha Pritchard said. “Consumers no longer want a dishwasher that simply cleans their dishes, but one that has additional intelligent features, is sustainable and meets high hygiene standards, and they are willing to invest more.” Entertaining and dining at home has become more popular with consumers planning ‘entertainers style’ kitchens with matching appliances to maintain a polished aesthetic. Alongside this, there has been higher expectations for intelligent appliances which offer increased connectivity. “Miele customers who are seeking more freedom are able to start their dishwasher remotely.

Miele Fully Integrated Dishwasher G 7599 SCVi K20 XXL

`Wi-Fi conn@ct `With AutoDos the granulate from the PowerDisk is dispensed automatically `QuickPowerWash provides washing and drying results in under an hour `M Controls means the appliance is controlled by tapping or swiping RRP: $3,899

Consumers no longer want a dishwasher that simply cleans their dishes, but one that has additional intelligent features, is sustainable and meets high hygiene standards.

”

Using the Miele@mobile app, this allows them to conveniently select and start programs while they’re not even at home, all from their device.” The growing consciousness around mindful consumption and sustainable appliances is also a key driver for those looking for products that are built to last. “Miele’s Generation 7000 dishwashers have a completely new water flow system, delivering a 6-star water rating, supported by existing features that help reduce energy usage and water wastage.” A key challenge has been communication, with brands forced to rethink the way customers can stay connected and feel in touch to make educated purchase decisions without being able to enter a store. “Miele stood out in this new climate which is reinforced through the strength of the brand and consumers’ desire to purchase a Miele appliance. The team worked hard to foster a new sense of community, conscious of and delivering a strong consumer experience by introducing new and creative ways to stay connected.” Miele expects 2021 to be on par with 2020 as overseas travel restrictions continue and disposable income remains available to invest in the home. “We will continue to thrive in 2021 as a premium brand with exceptional product that delivers unrivalled innovation and technology, without compromising on performance, convenience or sustainability,” she said. Looking at overseas trends, Pritchard believes kitchens will become greener and wasteless postCovid with continued interest in energy and water efficiency. “Consumers will take their carbon footprint seriously and look for brands to do the same. Connectivity and convenience are also top priorities.” AR

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Bosch is the No.1 brand worldwide for dishwashers.* Discover the new Series 6 dishwasher range, available in freestanding, built under and integrated designs. bosch-home.com.au

Innovative features: Speed on demand Shorten the wash cycle time by up to 50% even after the program has started.

ExtraClean zone Three times more water saturation on tougher to clean items placed in the middle of the upper basket.

Remote control Pair your dishwasher with your smart device via the Home Connect app to control programs remotely.

Protect your glassware Upper basket contains glass shelf with silicone holders and sliding protectors for greater stability. Model number: SMU6HAS01A *Source: Euromonitor International Limited; volume sales 2020

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With stay-at-home orders opening opportunities for home renovations, social media became a platform to find inspiration on how consumers could transform their own space.

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SMEG

Leon Wolf National Product & Procurement Manager Consumer spending on the home has notably increased with rising demand for new appliances that champion longevity and quality to suit the home centric lifestyle, Smeg’s Leon Wolf said. “With dishwashers in particular, as more dishes are being used every day, an innovative, energy efficient dishwasher has become a true necessity.” With stay-at-home orders opening opportunities for home renovations, social media became a platform to find inspiration on how consumers could transform their own space. “In response, Smeg utilised its social media channels to provide virtual showroom tours for a fresh look and expert insights on Smeg appliances such as the Diamond Series dishwashers, demonstrating the ease at which the products can fit into their kitchen whilst maintaining a more personal relationship,” Wolf said. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on global Smeg delivery logistics. “Greater consumer demand has meant operational elements such as shipping and production have experienced disruption.” Smeg expects the first half of the year to deliver continued steady growth, with consumers continuing to work from home and spending more time experimenting with new-found cooking skills. “Smeg will continue to grow stronger alongside the industry, proudly celebrating 50 years of dishwashing excellence this year. The second half of the year is harder to predict, with constant changes to daily life such as domestic and potential international travel, as well as government funding returning to pre-Covid levels,” Wolf said. AR 36

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Smeg Diamond Series Fully Integrated Dishwasher DWAFI6D15T `Half load FlexiZone `Smartdry (Enersave) `Aquatest turbidity sensor `Patented planetary system RRP: $2,290

SHRIRO

Michael Sultana Product Manager During the past 12 months, the dishwasher category has experienced accelerated growth. With consumers spending more time at home, the use of their appliances has increased, Shriro’s Michael Sultana said. “As a result of preparing and cooking more meals, the chore of cleaning up has seen consumers either adding a dishwasher into their home or upgrading their existing model.” With an increased focus on kitchen upgrades, consumers are seeking to branch out of the classic stainless steel look driven by new kitchen décor. “Freestanding dishwashers remain a popular choice with dark stainless steel a growing trend. In addition to design, consumers are looking for water efficiency and cleaning effectiveness,” Sultana said.

AEG ProClean Built-Under Dishwasher with ComfortLift FFE83800PM

`Eight programs `14 place settings `SoftGrip and ProClean satellite spray arm for superior glass care `AirDry technology means the door automatically opens when the cycle is complete

Keeping up with product demand remains a significant challenge. “Supply out of the major factories has extended production time frames due to unprecedented demand globally.”

RRP: $2,399

Despite this, Shriro expects the major appliance industry to enjoy another strong year. “With the staged vaccine rollout and closed international borders, consumers will put a hold on overseas holidays and instead focus on home renovations and kitchen improvements.” AR

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS Mark Goodwin Communications Manager

Omega ODD614X Double Drawer Dishwasher

`Seven wash programs `Delay start up to 24 hours `Two drawers for added flexibility for utensils and plate stacking `Dual fans accelerate the drying process with one for dry air and the other for removing humidity RRP: $1,799

Electrolux has seen a positive uptick in sales across its entire product range as people spend more time at home. The dishwasher category in particular is being driven by convenience and ease of use, according to Mark Goodwin. In response, the new AEG ProClean range features an improved tub design using inverter motor technology and is the quietest range yet. The ExtraSilent program noise level is only 40 dBA, “so low you barely know it’s there which is perfect for relaxing at home without disturbance,” Goodwin said. The AEG 60cm stainless steel freestanding dishwasher features ComfortLift for users to gently slide and lift the lower basket upwards, making it easier to stack and unstack the dishwasher without bending down. “We are still seeing effects of Covid-19 driving people to improve their home lives, including installing or upgrading dishwashers,” he said. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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Consumers are seeking reliable and quality products, and with the surplus in dishes, are looking for solutions that help with the clean-up.

”

Brad Reed Senior Marketing Manager – Home Appliances With Australians spending more time at home, they are re-evaluating their spaces based on if their needs are being met, according to LG’s Brad Reed. “There was a major shift in the role of the kitchen. It became a space for homeschooling, working from home and cooking more. When restrictions started to ease, entertaining at home rather than going out altered the role of the kitchen even more,” he said. “These trends drove kitchen renovations with Australians looking for appliances that enhance the user experience and can fit seamlessly with any design scheme. Consumers are seeking reliable and quality products, and with the surplus in dishes, are looking for solutions that help with the clean-up.” Stock availability remains the biggest challenge following the unexpected spike 38

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

in demand for home appliances in the early stages of the pandemic. “Demand has been strong over the last 12 months as Australians continue to invest in their homes. This has caused a knockon effect for availability of various home products,” Reed said. Despite stock constraints, LG expects demand for home appliances, including dishwashers, to remain consistently high throughout 2021. “Consumers have heightened awareness of whether their home and kitchen appliances are meeting their needs, and as a result, the market will continue to grow. At the same time, the kitchen has become a multifunctional space, which has influenced home renovations and the desire to upgrade appliances,” Reed said. “We anticipate that the diversity in the kitchen will continue this year, which means demand for new kitchen appliances will also increase.” AR

LG Steam QuadWash Dishwasher XD3A25MB `Express and Turbo cycles assist with saving time for lightly soiled dishes `QuadWash technology delivers a thorough clean by spraying water from multiple angles `Dual Zone Wash gently cleans delicate dishes while powerwashing pots and pans `SmartThinQ technology downloads new wash cycles, diagnoses problems and sends notifications via the LG SmartThinQ app RRP: $1,799

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ARISIT

Andrea Gunn National Sales & Marketing Manager With an inability to travel and spend on holidays, consumers have been investing in home improvement, especially in the kitchen, Arisit’s Andrea Gunn said. “With consumers spending more time at home, they are giving their dishwashers a real workout, so they have become more focused on the importance of performance, energy and water efficiency.”

Glem Black Stainless Steel Dishwasher GDW25SB `Delay start `12 place settings `4.5-star rating `Half load feature RRP: $849

Factory closures, production and shipping delays, order forecasting and keeping up with demand have been the key challenges over the last 12 months.

GLEM GAS

David Gilmore Managing Director

“We also don’t fully understand the impact that Covid has had on delaying product research and development and how it may impact launching new technologies into the market,” Gunn said. AR

Across all categories, Glem Gas is witnessing strong consumer demand as Australians spend more time at home with restrictions on travel and entertainment.

Arisit Dishwasher LFO3C22XAUS `Turbo wash `Super quiet 42db `5.5-star WELS rating `Zone wash technology RRP: $1,199

“The dishwasher replacement market is significantly impacted by frequency of use. More cycles lead to more dishwashers needing replacement and we have had the opportunity to support replacement dishwasher purchases,” David Gilmore said. Like the rest of the industry, stock remains the biggest challenge for Glem Gas: “Difficult to get and expensive to ship. At our end of the dishwasher market margins are more of a challenge this year as a result”. Gilmore expects dishwashers to continue to sell well, although performance will be determined on access to stock and distribution. “With major Chinese manufacturers now supplying a multitude of brands, it is making differentiation more difficult. After seeing more stability in the low end of the market over the last couple of years, it appears that price degradation is back in the game and selling prices are lower,” he said. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

FROM THE FLOOR

Chris & Con Tsoutouras

Spartan Electrical

eople are spending more time at home and using their appliances more often, whether it's the dishwasher, fridge, oven, or cooktop. “Consumers are now more inclined to buy a new dishwasher if theirs breaks down, rather than wait for the existing one to be serviced with longer lead times for parts due to the pandemic,” Spartan Electrical’s Con Tsoutouras told Appliance Retailer. An interesting observation was that some renovators are purchasing up to three dishwashers for the home – one for the kitchen, one for the butler’s pantry and another for the alfresco kitchen. “Availability of stock has become a key factor in the purchase decision and customers now have more elasticity in their budget and the specs they are looking for. If a customer comes in wanting to buy a dishwasher, they don’t want to wait for it – they want to purchase immediately.” A major selling point is dishwashers that wash and dry in a single cycle. The internal layout and racking system have also become increasingly important as customers do more entertaining at home. “Customers want tangible benefits. For example, the ComfortLift mechanism on Electrolux and AEG dishwashers 40

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

that provides easy access to dishes when loading and unloading by lifting the lower basket to a more comfortable height,” Tsoutouras said. “Another example is the new Miele dishwashers with AutoDos to dispense exactly the right amount of detergent at the right time for the selected program. The latest Beko dishwashers also feature AutoDose technology that automatically detects how much detergent and rinse aid to use. “Minimalist design is also a growing trend with many brands including Asko, Bosch, and Fisher & Paykel, introducing new models with sleek front display control panels for a less industrial look and feel.” Since launching a transactional website in early 2020, Spartan has experienced good growth online. “We are finding that consumers will transact online if they are purchasing an individual item, but if they are doing an entire kitchen fit out, they will do their research online and visit the store to proceed with the purchase.” On a final note, Tsoutouras said he expects growth for all kitchen appliances, including dishwashers, to remain elevated in 2021 and even into 2022. “There is a backlog of projects for builders and I believe home improvement will continue for quite some time.” AR

FEATURE

Laundry WASHING MACHINES | DRYERS | DRYING CABINETS

AR LAUNDRY

Staying at home spurs laundry sales KYMBERLY MARTIN

ccording to Euromonitor, connectivity impacted both volume and value sales over the forecast period. “Connected washing machines have made it into the spotlight with features such as Wi-Fi and appliance control from a smartphone device just a few of the latest innovative features,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said. Due to hygiene concerns, clothing sanitation will continue to gain popularity with brands promoting dryers, not only for the purpose of drying clothes, but also to refresh, sanitise and remove allergens. Australians choose

to repair an existing home laundry appliance instead of replacing it, which has affected replacement cycles, she said. “Through strong partnerships with retailers and new product launches, manufacturers will be able to maintain growth, while working on further establishing their distribution channel and support promotion activity.” Samsung Australians@HOME research found one-infour Australians surveyed spent more time cleaning in 2020 than in previous years, while a third of millennials were cleaning more than they did in 2019, on average 7.3 hours a week. AR

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LAUNDRY AR

FISHER & PAYKEL

Jeremy Sargeant Chief Operating Officer The industry has seen a strong uplift in appliance sales across the board, from replacement to full suite sales to furnish renovations and new builds as a result from Covid, according to Fisher & Paykel. “For many, now is the time to invest in the home, particularly in markets where lockdowns mean more time spent indoors. These customers are increasingly investing in luxury premium appliances, opting for products that make their home life a more comfortable or beautiful experience,” chief operating officer, Jeremy Sargeant said. “We are also seeing a shift in global populations, with many expats returning home, which is contributing to strong retail sales volumes. With lifestyles changing so dramatically in 2020 we placed a lot of focus on learning what our customers needed from an appliance in their ‘new normal’,” he said. Sargeant said one of the biggest changes has been the way people dress. Working from home, and adjustments to work/life balance has seen many customers opting for more comfortable clothing and leisure wear. “Fisher & Paykel has put a lot of research and testing into laundry cycles such as Activewear and Steam Refresh. Similarly, with increased focus on hygiene, we have developed new washing machine cycles such as Sanitise.” The company has also embraced the opportunity to be more connected and dynamic in the way it operates.

Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Condensing Dryer DH9060FS1 `10-star energy rating `Steam Fresh cycle for de-wrinkling clothes and reducing odours `Advanced TangleProtect technology `Wi-Fi capability for regular software updates RRP: $2,399

“Through our new digital technologies, we have brought our global teams closer together and broken down the silos that can develop with geographical boundaries and the need to maintain our connection with both commercial partners and customers. Not being able to engage face-toface meant we had to be creative in how we engage outside the business and continue to showcase our products and brand in a way that adds value.”

FABRIC C ARE

The company has invested significantly in both customer service capability and capacity, as well as partnering with retailers to leverage digital technologies that create interactive in-store experiences, allowing customers to virtually walkthrough and explore kitchen and laundry appliances from their homes. “If we look back to this time last year, very few people would have predicted what was to come. While 2021 is sure to bring new challenges, I believe we have the right strategy and the right team on board to respond. It is our agility and willingness to innovate that saw us succeed in 2020, and that is something we’ve heard consistently in feedback from our customers and commercial partners. “One of the main insights particularly in the US, is strong and sustained growth in the luxury premium product category. Customers are increasingly seeking appliances that reflect their values and the way they wish to experience life within the home, which has resulted in strong demand for our Series 7 and Series 9 product categories,” Sargeant said. AR

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HISENSE

Andre Iannuzzi Head of Marketing Covid-19 sparked increased demand for home appliances and entertainment solutions as consumers looked at ways to improve their living space. “This was from upgrading to a more energy efficient refrigerator with greater storage capacity to investing in a big screen TV that offered the latest streaming apps for family entertainment,” Andre Iannuzzi said. “As consumers retreated to their homes, minimising time spent in public spaces like shopping centres, many turned to online shopping, some for the first time. Although shopping online has many benefits, such as no-contact delivery, we know our customers placed great value on being able to view and experience a physical product prior to purchasing,” he said. In response, Hisense strengthened its digital engagement by leveraging and making improvements to the Hisense Home AR app. Consumers can view appliances and TVs virtually prior to purchase information on the nearest stockists.

AEG 8kg 9000 Series Heat Pump Dryer T9DHA866C `SensiDry technology dries clothes in low temperatures `Humidity and temperature sensors monitor drying cycle `Protects clothes from unnecessary heat `Uses less electricity and saves on power costs RRP: $2,799

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS Mark Goodwin Communications Manager

When restrictions eased consumers wanted to make the most of their freedom and spend less time on household chores. “In line with this, convenience and efficiency were among the top priorities for consumers when considering new purchases in the laundry category,” he said.

According to Electrolux, Covid produced a noticeable increase in discretionary consumer spending, largely fueled by an increased saving pattern and a relative maintenance of consumer confidence. “The extended periods in which people spent in their own homes contributed to a positive increase in home renovation projects, which in turn led to upgrading and replacement of appliances,” Mark Goodwin said.

“In 2020, Hisense introduced more than 20 new products in the home appliances category alone. This momentum will continue into the next 12 months as we look to further expand and diversify the range of products we offer.” AR

Hisense 10kg PureJet Washer HWFE1014VAT

`14 automatic programs including ‘pause and add’ function Èrgonomic high-handle design Ìnclined LED display making text and buttons clearly visible Àuto Dosing holds detergent and softener for up to 20 washes RRP: $1,099

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

“The effects of Covid, beyond the devastating health impacts, were significant both internally and externally. For example, internally we were able to accelerate our flexible working practices, initially by necessity,” he said. “Because of subsequent continued employee feedback regarding their positive work/life balance adjustments, this will become integral to how we work in the future. Externally, we were able to adopt training opportunities in a virtual world that created a greater audience beyond our traditional reach.” Goodwin holds a positive outlook with the expectation that with strong consumer sentiment, the Australian market will continue to remain buoyant. “The flow-on effect from improved travel conditions and changes to government assistance remain unclear for the industry and retail generally. We are confident that Electrolux is well positioned with a strong mix of products and brands to service the market,” he said. AR

LOVE YOUR LAUNDRY Our new Steam Care laundry appliances deliver exceptional levels of fabric care and convenience, with dedicated steam cycles to bring lightly worn clothes and stored garments back to life. The 20 minute Steam Refresh cycle in the washing machine, removes odours so clothes can be worn again without the need for a full wash cycle, and also reduces creases to save precious time spent ironing.

fisherpaykel.com

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MIELE

Elisha Pritchard Senior Product Manager – Laundry Also signaling similar thoughts on consumer behaviour post-Covid was Miele’s Elisha Pritchard who said as consumers spend more time at home, there has been an increase in both home appliance use and a rise in investment to upgrade appliances. “Consumers want to make life simpler and have higher expectations for intelligent appliances, speed, perfect results and convenience when it comes to their laundry purchases. During Covid consumers moved towards more efficient and sustainable products, focusing on longevity and innovation to better suit their family’s needs and the growing consciousness around mindful and sustainable products. The laundry is the perfect place for consumers to start their at-home-sustainable-shift,” she said. “Price is no longer the obstacle to purchase, replaced by availability and delivery times. But the challenge that Miele, like many 46

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

other businesses have faced this year, has been meeting growing demand and ensuring a timely and positive experience for our customers. “We expect that 2021 will have many similarities to 2020, with consumers maintaining their focus on investing in innovative, smart and premium appliances as they spend more time in the home with overseas travel restricted. We also anticipate that consumers will continue to take the time to consider the sustainability each brand offers, as well as their durability and consumption efficiency of products, asking more of their appliances than ever before.” Pritchard too is seeing a growing demand from consumers for convenience and connectivity in all aspects of their lives, while looking for appliances that meet their needs. “Consumers want smart, connected homes, which is driving the importance of features such as SuperVision,” she said. This exclusive Miele feature allows users to check on their washing status from other Miele appliances in the home. AR

Miele Washing Machine WWR860

`M Controls control the appliance by tapping or swiping `QuickPowerWash in under an hour `Smart laundry care with Wi-Fi Conn@ct `SteamCare and SingleWash functions RRP: $3,299

LAUNDRY AR

LG WashTower

`A single, stackable unit 87mm lower than the average combined height of stackable units `AI technology detects the weight and fabric type of the load to set the right wash cycle `LG ThinQ connectivity deliver alerts and monitors the cycle `LG TrueSteam dries items while reducing common allergens such as house dust mites and bacteria RRP: TBC

Brad Reed Senior Marketing Manager Home Appliances The impact of the global health crisis caused a major shift in the way people use their homes by a move to upgrade or invest in home appliances that cater to their lifestyle demands, according to Brad Reed. “Australians have adjusted to a new way of living, reviewing whether their current appliances and home spaces cater to their needs. This has led to renovations and upgrading tired appliances, including laundry,” he said. “People want to get more laundry done in less loads, which is driving demand for larger capacity washing machines. At the same time, consumers want to save on space especially when it comes to reimagining their home designs.” Reed said the more time spent at home during the pandemic meant consumers started to have a heightened awareness around quality home appliances. “With this came a surge in demand to retire old laundry appliances with newer models.” He said while demand remained quite high during the pandemic, it resulted in disruption of some stock availability with the company working with overseas factories and retailers to help meet demand. “Throughout 2021, LG Australia expects demand to remain consistently high, especially for laundry, as we head into the cooler months. Seasonable factors play a key role in consumer desires and as winter approaches, laundry products such as dryers will surge in demand,” he said.

SPEED QUEEN

Craige Cole National Retail Sales Manager “No overseas holidays and limited movement around the country gave Australians more money in their pocket, and they have been judiciously handing over more cash than ever before on premium appliances,” Craige Cole said. “Sales for our premium washers and dryers have been exceptional despite not being able to have much interaction with our retail agents due to the pandemic. “With this significant lift in sales it has been hard to forecast stock needs as sales continue to rise. There has been brand sales growth in the majority of Speed Queen’s laundry markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia that has put pressure on factories leading to production increases and longer manufacturing lead times. Despite this, we have been able to maintain good stock levels on key lines,” he said. His view of the market is that sales will level off once the Covid inoculation programs begin to become effective “when people start to get back to some semblance of normal there could be a retraction in consumer spending compared to what it has been at the height of the pandemic,” he said. “Our brand's exposure during 2020’s consumer spending boom will have an ongoing positive effect on sales and our new consumer information initiatives and online retail staff training programs should see our business continue to grow with a similar trajectory to 2020.” AR

Speed Queen Stack Washer/Dryer `10kg washer and dryer `681mm width `Gas heated dryer that dries in 25 minutes `26-minute wash cycle RRP: $6,295

New to the range in the 2021 second half is the LG WashTower that Reed said delivers on both functionality and design, which consumers are now seeking. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR LAUNDRY

SAMSUNG

Andrew Wand Head of Home Appliances Throughout 2020, Australians entertained more from their homes, which inspired them to invest in upgrades, adding new technology that provided support functions to make home life easier, according to Andrew Ward. He said this trend is supported by the Australians@HOME research conducted by Samsung which revealed that Australians are upgrading to make their home more comfortable. “Consumers are investing in areas that were once not a priority, like the laundry which is increasingly starting to look as nice as the clothes it looks after. “We are seeing trends in matching washer and dryer set-ups, demand for inclusion of smart features and interest in garment care products like the AirDresser,” he said.

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Samsung Simple UX Washer

`QuickDrive reduces washing time up to 50% and up to 20% in energy usage `Steam and hygiene cycles reduce up to 99.99% of common bacteria for wet and dry clothes `Smart Auto-Dipenser optimises water, detergent and rinsing time `Super Speed cycle washes in less than two hours RRP: $799

“Hygiene continues to be a strong focus and driver for the home appliance category, with consumers’ preference for products that feature hygienic capabilities. “With the rise of home renovations, investing in hygienic and better-looking laundry products has evidently complemented these consumer growths in the industry. “Industry expectations have also grown significantly as consumers continue to value reliable products but are also more conscious of design and connectivity features,” Ward said. Samsung’s latest innovations in laundry include the Simple UX washing machine and dryer that provides consumers with a smart, personalised and simplified laundry experience. In addition, the new range has been designed to blend into the aesthetics of the laundry, as well as offer a choice of matching sets or a single model. AR

LAUNDRY AR

ARISIT

Andrea Gunn National Sales & Marketing Manager Consumers have been investing in home improvement including updating their appliances and are becoming more focused on technologies, energy and water efficiency rather than pricing, according to Arisit. “Within the laundry category, Covid has highlighted the benefit of functions that have previously existed as a ‘nice to have’, but not a ‘necessity’, such as steam, that has the capability to kill bacteria and allergens, and has become of the utmost importance. It adds another level to assist in keeping the family safe,” Andrea Gunn said.

Hitachi 10Kg Washing Machine SF-P100XAV `Three-year warranty `Four-button control panel `Auto self-clean function `Allergy UK approved 99% mould and bacteria reduction RRP: $1,249

The entire range of Ariston front loaders feature a Steam Hygiene option which remove 99.9% of harmful bacteria from all fabrics. Gunn said with most overseas suppliers facing production issues, managing stock consistency has been a challenge. “State lockdowns have also created their own issues, especially with Victoria being locked down for an extended period. We also don’t fully understand the impact that Covid has had on delaying product R&D and how it may effect launching new technologies into the market,” she said. AR

Arisit 10kg Washing Machine N106WAAU `Steam pack `Anti-microbic door seal `Titanium drum `Woolmark cycle RRP: $1,399

HITACHI

Mark Beard Marketing Manager – Consumer Products According to Hitachi’s Mark Beard many consumers have re-focused their disposable income on home improvements in their kitchen and laundry areas. He said spending more time working from home seems to have been a catalyst for makeovers and home renovations. “Increases in property values has also been a driver of this home improvement trend,” he said. “Hitachi home appliance sales grew in 2020 due to increased consumer demand and by working closely with our factories we were able to increase production to meet the increased demand. “Covid has also challenged us to come up with different ways to communicate with our retail partners, in particular sales staff. Traditional face-to-face training was not possible due to social distancing and lockdowns. With the support of our retail partners training, new product introduction was conducted via an online platform,” he said. Beard predicts industry growth to be below 2020, but up from 2019, and new products and increased distribution should see Hitachi grow its business this year. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR GARMENT CARE

Innovations in steaming technology predicted to refresh sales BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

here is no escaping Covid-19, as this feature will attest. And, according to GfK, irons and steam stations were among the most adversely impacted categories tracked by the research firm throughout the pandemic. There were 18% fewer units sold during 2020. Clearly, with fewer social gatherings and more people WFH (working from home) there was a drop in their utility resulting in consumers likely to delay upgrade or replacement purchases.

GROUPE SEB

Noel Hsu Senior Product Manager – Tefal Covid-19 certainly had an impact on consumer spending with shifts evident not only with products purchased, but also in the way that consumers did their shopping, Tefal senior product manager, Noel Hsu said. “With restrictions in place going to the shops was not an option, shoppers were moving towards online shopping and having their appliances delivered. We expect shoppers will continue to take advantage of online and in-store shopping and navigating between the two.” Hsu said prior to Covid, garment steamers were experiencing a rise in popularity due to lifestyle and cultural shifts towards more casual wear in the workplace. “This went a step further with many Australians working from home for the majority of 2020. In 2021 as the home became a sanctuary, consumers were looking for steam solutions that did more than make sure clothes looked good, but also the perfect tool to sanitise clothes and the home environment. “Tefal took this opportunity to have its steam products the first in Australia to be tested and certified with the claim ‘kills up to 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and germs’. This certification applies to all Tefal linen care products sold here. An additional test has been carried out on SARS50

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Tefal IXEO Power Iron and Steamer Blanket `Built-in three-position Smart Board `High pressure steam boiler and ultralight steam head for ironing `Removable water tank `Safe for all garments RRP: $699.95

CoV-2 (virus of Covid-19) with the Tefal IXEO Power, which we claim also ‘kills up to 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 virus’.” He acknowledged that during lockdowns, garment care sales slowed down as there was not the same need to have perfectly pressed outfits for work and social functions. “As things open again, we are expecting sales to strengthen throughout 2021, particularly as consumers become educated on the hygiene and sanitising benefits of steam, with a move towards garment steamers to accompany changes in lifestyle habits arising from Covid.” According to Hsu, Tefal rose to many of the Covid challenges, shifting the way the company interacted with customers and its teams, developing training videos and sharing digital assets with retailers. Australia and overseas markets are beginning to experience some level of bounce back in the linen care category, as people return to the office to work, he said. “This also corresponds to the trend in the fashion industry, based on December 2020 GfK data that revealed the market is showing some growth, compared to the previous year.” He added: “Tefal is the first brand to provide both styling and sanitising solutions through its linen care devices, on top of the ‘Made in France’ quality for premium products, and is the leading linen care brand sold in Australia.” AR

GARMENT CARE AR

DE’LONGHI

Nicole Warwick Junior Category Manager - Braun As Australians spent a greater time at home, reducing the need to dress corporately or formally, produced a negative effect on the total garment care category, as the need to wear and frequently iron and steam clothes became less pertinent, according to Braun. “With such a drastic change in consumer behaviour there is now a massive opportunity for smaller brands to listen, engage and innovate within a category that has remained relatively stable and unchanged for many years,” Nicole Warwick said.

Sunbeam PressXPress Steam Generator STC5000

`Up to 50% more steam compared to Sunbeam SR4110 `Advanced soleplate technology with multi directional soleplate and steam channels `Fast heat-up and ready to use in less than one minute `Safety auto-off enters sleep mode after five minutes of non-use

“Fortunately, Braun has been able to maintain market share and consistent sell-through. We expect to see the entire category begin to recover as workers return to the office, and students return to school, bringing garment care front-ofmind again.”

RRP: $279

The latest product in the Braun range is the TexStyle 5 Pro that has been redesigned and upgraded with more innovative technology to deliver more power and two times the steam. AR

“With more people heading to the office, and kids back at school, we are seeing a return to regular schedules and activities as normality has resumed and signals it’s time to dig out the iron again,” Santiago Magnoni said.

Braun TexStyle 5 Pro Steam Iron SI5184BK

“Consumers realised the importance of looking after themselves during Covid and now feel ready to reset. Post lockdown, each outing feels special, and with more opportunities to go out, we’ll see an increase in consumers wearing smarter clothes and more formal attire again.

`World-first 3D FreeGlide technology `Smart iCare mode for all fabrics `Ergonomic open handle `EloxalPlus soleplate RRP: $169

NEWELL BRANDS

Santiago Magnoni Marketing Manager - Home Care

“In the last 12 months a relaxed dress-code has emerged, so we expect garment steamers to become more relevant and a growing category as people seek ways to care for their everyday, more casual clothes,” he said. “There is also growth in the ‘mindful ironing’ movement, which has seen people use ironing as a way to assuage their anxiety during these uncertain times.” According to Magnoni, consumers will continue to look for brands they trust, and this will be considered when they think about refreshing their garment care equipment. “Sunbeam had great success with its recently launched garment steamers and we are ready to take it to the next level with the release of the PressXPress Steam Generator.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR GARMENT CARE

SAMSUNG

Brad Reed Senior Marketing Manager – Home Appliances As a result of the global pandemic, Australians were spending more time at home and reevaluating their spaces, determining if these met their changing needs, according to LG. In addition, as many people had to cancel travel plans, they were seeking other ways to spend money put aside for these experiences. “Home renovations became popular, and people were discovering new appliances that would add an extra layer of convenience to their lives,” Brad Reed said, “and this included looking at functional solutions in the laundry with garment care”. LG expects home appliance requirements will continue to remain strong throughout 2021. “Demand for laundry and garment care has returned to a steady level, however as the winter months approach and consumers spend more time at home, we will see an increase in the uptake of appliances that remove dust build-up around the home,” Reed said. “It has been more than 12 months since the global pandemic began to take shape and people are now acutely aware and conscious of sanitisation. The LG Styler can add a further layer to the Australian home, not only refreshing clothing and garments, but also sanitising children’s plush toys and bedding.” According to Reed businesses too are becoming more aware about the importance of sanitisation with products like the LG Styler providing an opportunity to connect with businesses such as childcare facilities. “The Styler combines heat pump technology and an aesthetic design that mimics a traditional cupboard, with all the smarts that discerning consumers may be looking for. It features moving hangers that gently shakes clothes to help reduce wrinkles and dispel unpleasant odours from fabrics. LG ThinQ enables users to remotely monitor the Styler via the mobile app, to start or monitor the progress of a cycle. Users can also track energy consumption and download and control up to four specialised cycles. “The feature that helps with sanitisation is the sanitary cycle that utilises the power of steam through LG TrueSteam technology, helping to reduce common allergens such as house dust mites and bacteria,” he said. AR 52

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Andrew Wand Head of Home Appliances

LG Styler

`LG TrueSteam maintains pants crease lines from a special door compartment `LG ThinQ monitors remotely, tracks energy consumption and downloads new cycles `Gentle Dry helps reduce fabric shrinkage and creases `Refresh cycle removes odours and refreshes clothing without machine washing RRP: $3,299

According to Samsung’s Andrew Wand, consumers are investing in products that take a hygienic focus and are now a driver for the home appliance category. “Connectivity has also become a preferred feature with consumers looking to invest in connected devices for their home, presenting opportunities for Wi-Fi and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled laundry products. “AI technology is helping to improve Australians everyday laundry experience via machine learning that reflect changes in our usage patterns, resulting in a simplified laundry routine,” he said. “While it is evident that Australians value reliable products, design has increasingly become a clear focus for consumers as they continue to aspire to sleek and premium looking appliances in the home.” Samsung’s latest product in this category is the AirDresser with HeatPump low temperature drying technology that is said to reduce the risk of damage and shrinkage to clothes. AR

Samsung AirDresser

`Jet Air system and air hangers blows air inside and outside clothes `Steams away germs and allergens `Helps remove up to 99% of some viruses and bacteria `Reduce wrinkles and ironing time RRP: $3,999

SINKS & TAPS FEATURE AR

Sinks and taps make a splash in home renovation boom

BY EMILY BENCIC

ore than half of Australian consumers (52%) purchase their sink as part of a kitchen renovation, according to recent Canstar Blue research with survey respondents spending more than $700 on a new sink. Ease of cleaning is the most important factor when purchasing a sink for almost one-quarter (24%) of Australian consumers, inching ahead of value for money (23%) and design (22%). Quality and durability is an important consideration among 18% of consumers, with variety a key feature for 13% of consumers, the research has shown. Blanco reclaimed its leadership in the sink category in the 2020 Canstar Blue customer ratings with five-star reviews for quality and durability, ease of cleaning, design, and overall satisfaction. The brand was last awarded the top spot in 2018. Australian consumers spend an average of $347 on new tapware with ease of cleaning the most important factor in the

purchase decision for almost one-fifth (21%) of consumers, closely followed by durability (20%) and design (18%). Value for money is the most important factor for 15% of consumers, ahead of features (14%) and variety (12%). Consumers are becoming more health conscious with hydration a critical component to their wellbeing. Zip Water research has shown that 8 in 10 HydroTap owners report drinking noticeably more water than before they had the product. “We make hydration easy through providing instant and filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water at the touch of a button,” residential director, Cliff Thompson said. Zip Water has also witnessed an increasing number of consumers being more environmentally aware. “Our HydroTap eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, which is a huge sustainability benefit, particularly for households drinking sparkling water.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR SINKS & TAPS FEATURE

SHRIRO

Gerard Gill Divisional Manager There has been a significant uplift in consumer spending on kitchen sinks and tapware as travel and entertainment plans continue to be put on hold, Shriro’s Gerard Gill said. “Rising home prices nationwide has given consumers additional confidence in laying out extensive renovations in their homes, with new kitchens taking prime position for focus.” With an increased budget, consumers are looking for sinks and taps that offer a real point of difference, which has been reflected in the popularity of Blanco’s signature SILGRANIT sink and tap range across anthracite, black, rock grey and white options, according to Gill. “Blanco sinks and taps are a premium product and consumers are looking at upscaling their purchases for their new renovations.” There has also been an uptick in taps that combine filtered water with hot and cold flow 54

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

BLANCO SILGRANIT Sink

`30-year warranty `A range of colours available `Reduces bacterial growth by an average 98% `Easy to clean, highly resistant to food acids and resilient to stains RRP: From $749

because consumers want an all-in-one solution for a carbonated water experience, however, not necessarily through a separate tap. “We launched the FONTAS II 3-in-1 tap into the Australian market to meet this trend. There is also increasing demand for larger single bowl sinks in the kitchen ranging in sizes from 500mm to 900mm.” The main challenge has been international logistics but with forward ordering and consistent supply, Blanco claims it has had very few stock issues. “We continue to keep retail partners in constant communication and are working closely with Blanco HQ to streamline deliveries.” Blanco anticipates continued strong demand for kitchen sinks and taps as consumers step up their kitchen renovation projects. “We will capitalise on demand with the right inventory, as well as driving the Blanco brand message through digital marketing campaigns and online resources such as Houzz for the renovation community,” Gill said. AR

Drink. Prep. Clean. Finally becomes one with the BLANCO UNIT. One seamless solution where water gets its place in the kitchen – to make everyday kitchen life easier. Discover the BLANCO UNIT on blanco-australia.com

AR SINKS & TAPS FEATURE

ZIP WATER

One of the biggest challenges has been a lack of face-to-face interaction with retail representatives and absence of in-store training, store visits to inspect and maintain display standards, or conduct face-to-face meetings.

Cliff Thompson Residential Director Consumers are continuing to invest in home improvement – it started with small appliances and quickly shifted to major appliances, leading to fully-fledged home renovations, Zip Water’s Cliff Thompson said. “With people spending time at home, they want to make the most of their space and are reallocating their disposable income to improving the home. There has also been a huge shift towards ecommerce accelerated by the pandemic and more people are shopping online than ever before.” Zip Water has experienced a substantial increase in residential HydroTap sales, not only among home renovators but for those who are retrofitting the HydroTap into existing kitchens. “HydroTaps have high penetration in offices Australia-wide, so with more people working from home, they’re looking to bring the convenience and creature comforts of the office into the home,” Thompson said. “There’s a huge opportunity for us to continue to capitalise on these trends. The HydroTap has relatively low penetration in the Australian residential market, so there are homes around the country that remain untapped.” 56

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

Zip HydroTap All-In-One Celsius Arc

`Boiling water safety mode `Three energy saving modes including sensor-activated ‘sleep when it’s dark’ `Single under bench command centre including full interactive colour touchscreen display and pin code protection `Instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling drinking water, plus unfiltered hot and cold washing up water from a single tap RRP: From $6,495

“Having said that, it was encouraging to see how well we adapted as a business. We quickly moved online by hosting meetings through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. We also developed a series of online product training videos for our retail partners. Our sales team experienced higher phone call volumes, which meant we could solve any issues more immediately,” he said. With international travel likely to be off the cards until 2022, Zip Water doesn’t expect consumer spending on home improvement to slow down for the foreseeable future. “From our perspective, we finished 2020 strongly in the residential market and we’ve picked up where we left off in the new year. We’ve focused heavily on design in recent years, and we now have a diverse range of styles, colours and finishes, which has accelerated our growth in the market.” As an Australian-made product, Zip Water is insulated from global uncertainty and unlike many of its competitors, hasn’t experienced stock shortages. “We manufacture our product to order out of our factory in Condell Park in Sydney, which has meant we have experienced very few delays in delivering product.”. AR

WHATS HOT AR

Intelligent cookware that does the cooking for you

Designed by the team behind the Magic Bullet, Zega Intelligent Cookware takes care of the cooking for you. Featuring a patented, double wall thermal insulated design and SmartControl technology, the clever cookware heats in minutes and continues to cook safely for hours off the stove. Simply turn on the stove, add the ingredients and when it reaches the required temperature, switch off the stove and walk away. The food will continue to cook and the Zega app will notify you when the meal is ready. Ideal for hearty soups, stews, curries and more, users can choose from a range of recipes on the Zega app or use one of their own. Developed in Australia, Zega’s cookware is available in both analogue and digital models and can function as conventional cookware when required.

RRP: $249 (Analogue) / $299 (Digital)

Make perfect waffles every time

Create perfectly crisp Belgian waffles without the mess with this stylish compact benchtop waffle maker from Sunbeam. The vertical design evenly distributes heat for perfect browning, is easy to clean with no overflow and can be easily stored. The included measuring cup delivers the perfect amount of batter each time, while the high-contrast LCD screen display with timer and instructions guides users through the process. Thanks to an auto-detection feature, the timer will automatically start when batter is poured into the funnel and users can choose one of five waffle shades, from light and fluffy to dark and crispy. A Waffle Recipe ebook is available to download with over 25 recipes.

RRP: $129

Wrinkle-free elegance everyday

Remove wrinkles and fluff from your clothes with this everyday garment steamer from Morphy Richards, ready to use in 40 seconds. The hand-held garment steamer is practical and designed with a touch of elegance, available in black with chrome trim or white with rose gold trim for a style that best suits you. The compact size of the garment steamer makes it portable and a perfect companion when travelling. The two water tanks, 70ml and 1L capacity, make steaming easy, avoiding the need to refill them frequently. Complete with a detachable fabric brush accessory to remove lint and dust from garments whilst steaming temperature up to 165 degrees Celsius will smooth out creases quickly.

RRP: From $99.95

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR WHATS HOT

Washability, flexibility, stackability

To celebrate 50 years of dishwashing excellence, Smeg is offering consumers a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty and 90-day money back satisfaction guarantee across the entire dishwasher collection until the end of June. Beginning with the Niagara, the world’s first 14 place setting dishwasher, Smeg has continued to cement its position at the forefront of dishwasher technology. The patented orbital wash system (single arm with rotating spray arm) and the planetary wash system (single arm on a rotating axis) for the ultimate wash coverage and SmartDry (Enersave) for a perfect drying result with less energy, are just three innovations. Along with the wash and dry systems, Smeg has also championed basket design and adjustability with the flexi-duo cutlery tray, adding another dimension of convenience, folding and sliding ingeniously to free space for tall glassware and house cutlery and utensils.

RRP: From $1,490

Hassle-free food prep

The new Kenwood MultiPro Express+ is the effortless way of preparing fresh food. It includes all of the essentials to prepare meals and with the new Express Serve and Express Dice, users can slice, grate and dice direct to their plate, cooking or food storage. The MultiPro Express+ features a 1.5L blender, precision cutting system, micro-serrated blades, SpeedSelect dial with two speeds and pulse function, duo feed tube and powerful 1000W motor. Its space-saving design maximises workspace and minimises storage requirements. All parts are dishwasher safe and can be kept together in the SmartStore case.

RRP: $269

Enjoy a healthy and hygienic home

The Electrolux Well Q7 cleans all types of surfaces in no time. The vacuum cleaners’ ultra-low weight ensures comfortable cleaning with easier manoeuvrability. The highly efficient, sealed five-step filtration system removes up to 99.9% of dust particles to help keep the home hygienic and healthy. Perfect for households with pets, the patented BrushRollClean technology looks after tangled hairs and fibres when users press the pedal for 5 to 10 seconds whilst the vacuum is on. The internal blade cuts the hair and fibres which are then sucked into the dust container to maintain performance without manual cleaning.

RRP: $499

Appliance Retailer April / May 2021

COMPANY INDEX AR COMPANY

PAGE #

READERSHIP GROUPS

Amazon..........................................................................................................14 Arisit........................................................................................................39, 49 Aqipa.............................................................................................................11 Bosch...........................................................................................31, 32, 33, 35 Breville..........................................................................................................24 Camberwell Electrics......................................................................................10 Canstar Blue...................................................................................................53 CHiQ..............................................................................................................10 David Jones...................................................................................................10 De’Longhi........................................................................19, 20, 21, 23, 51, 58 Domestic & General.............................................................................8, 12, 13 Electrolux Home Products..................................................................37, 44, 58 Eurolinx...........................................................................................................8 Euromonitor.................................................................................20, 28, 32, 42 Fackelmann Housewares...............................................................................26 Fisher & Paykel.........................................................................7, 41, 42, 43, 45 GfK.....................................................................................................20, 28, 50 Glem Gas.......................................................................................................39 Glen Dimplex.................................................................................7, 27, 30, 57 Groupe SEB....................................................................................9, 22, 28, 50 Harris Scarfe.......................................................................................16, 17, 18 Hisense...................................................................................................IFC, 44 Hitachi...........................................................................................................49 LG.......................................................................................................38, 47, 52 Magimix..................................................................................................22, 25 Miele.......................................................................................................34, 46 Mitsubishi Electric.......................................................................................OBC Newell Brands..............................................................................26, 29, 51, 57 Nextbase........................................................................................................15 Panasonic.......................................................................................................30 Samsung............................................................................................42, 48, 52 Sennheiser.....................................................................................................11 Shriro...........................................................................................37, 53, 54, 55 Smeg.............................................................................................6, 24, 36, 58 Snaffle............................................................................................................14 Sound United.................................................................................................15 Spartan Electrical...........................................................................................40 Speed Queen.................................................................................................47 Tempo..............................................................................................................9 Zega.........................................................................................................29, 57 Zip Water.................................................................................................53, 56 Winning Group..........................................................................................6, 27

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LN Series

EF Series

Multi Split Systems

A Single Outdoor Unit for up to 6 Rooms The air conditioning needs of an entire house or apartment (up to 6 rooms) can be met with one compact single-fan outdoor unit.

Smaller MXZ with 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 ports

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MSZ-EF

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MXZ-6F120VGD-A1

For more information on our products please visit www.mitsubishielectric.com.au

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