Appliance Retailer June-July 2021 by The Intermedia Group

APPLIANCE

SERVICING THE INDUSTRY FOR 25 YEARS

RETAILER

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

/// JUNE / JULY 2021

BBQ & ALFRESCO

OUTDOORS IS KEY WHEN ENTERTAINING AT HOME

HOME ENTERTAINMENT CONSUMERS INVEST IN BIG SCREEN TVS

SMART HOME

SECURITY STILL A PRIORITY IN THE SMART ECOSYSTEM

PERSONAL AUDIO

TRUE WIRELESS MAKES SIGNIFICANT GAINS

AIR PURIFICATION

AWARENESS OF AIR QUALITY ACCELERATES

FATHER’S DAY

TOP GIFTS ON DAD’S WISH LIST

Best split system air

THE

EXPERTS IN AIR

r conditioner of 2021

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia, Pty. Ltd.

AR EDITORʼS NOTE 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 Publisher James Wells james@intermedia.com.au Editor Emily Bencic ebencic@intermedia.com.au Features Editor Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au National Sales Manager Ben Curtis bcurtis@intermedia.com.au Art Director Chris Papaspiros Prepress Tony Willson Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Subscriptions 1800 651 422 subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Customer loyalty enters a new era taying relevant has always been an important asset for retailers but with increasing competition, heightened customer expectations and significant disruption from Covid-19, retailers have been forced to re-think customer engagement and how they can maintain brand trust, which can often come in the form of loyalty programs. Almost half of consumers (48%) tend to stay loyal to brands whose loyalty programs they are members of and even more so for Gen Z (63%), new research by customer loyalty consultancy, The Point of Loyalty has shown. Kitchen Warehouse has refreshed its loyalty program to connect with and reward customers in more meaningful and personalised ways, on the back of significant sales growth online and instore over the last year. Kitchen Warehouse co-owner and marketing director, Justine Murphy said the new program is about showing personal gratitude to the people who support the business and building a strong community. “Customer priorities have changed drastically, and experiences are now more important than possessions, so loyalty programs that focus on financial rewards only are quickly losing relevance.” Read more about the new Kitchen Warehouse loyalty program on page 20.

Personalised interactions have proven to increase lifetime customer value by driving loyalty and retention. More than 90% of consumers prefer to shop with brands that recognise and remember them, and which tailor their deals and recommendations to suit, according to recent Accenture research. Although it is easy to recognise customers online as they share their personal details at checkout, it is difficult for physical retailers to build a relationship with their customers unless they offer a loyalty program. Digital wallet provider, Stocard is helping bricks-and-mortar retailers overcome this challenge by telling them when customers visit a store, how frequently, for how long, and the product categories they are most interested in. This data can then be used to create more personalised offers to loyalty members and to sign up new members. How does your business leverage data to engage with customers on a more personal level and reward loyalty?

Editor Emily Bencic

MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM

James Wells 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.

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Emily Bencic

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON Clarification: Bosch Series 8 Dishwasher RRP

On page 33 of the Appliance Retailer April/ May print magazine, the RRP of the Bosch Series 8 Freestanding Dishwasher SMS88TI01A was incorrectly stated as $299. The correct RRP for the Bosch Dishwasher is $1,999. The Bosch Series 8 Dishwasher delivers optimum cleaning performance and hygiene with a

Kymberly Martin

Ben Curtis

CHECK OUT WWW.APPLIANCERETAILER.COM.AU 5-star water rating and 4-star energy rating. Offering ultimate flexibility with VarioDrawer Pro, the dishwashers are exceptionally quiet at 42dB. The range features eight programs and five special options to choose from including HalfLoad Plus, ExtraDry, VarioSpeed, IntensiveZone and HygienePlus. Appliance Retailer apologises for any inconvenience this error may have caused.

IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 27 / ISSUE #3

EDITOR’S NOTE

Customer loyalty enters a new era

INDUSTRY NEWS

06 08

Terry Smart named new JB Hi-Fi Group CEO; Jo Devery, Stephen Rorie leave the Winning Group

MHIAA reviews retail sales strategy; Shriro welcomes Tim Anderson as first ever chief marketing officer

Smeg launches e-learning interactive platform; Tefal partners with Myer for new retail kitchen installation

Kitchen Warehouse revives in-store shopping experience

CATEGORY FEATURES

23 35 42 48 54 60

Home Entertainment: 8K & 4K TVs, Ultra HD,

OLED & QLED TVs, Laser Projectors, Soundbars

BBQ & Alfresco: Gas & Charcoal BBQs, Bar Fridges, Outdoor Rangehoods

Smart Home: DIY Home Security Systems,

Cameras, Doorbells, Door Locks, Home Gateways

Personal Audio: In-Ear, On-Ear & Over-Ear Headphones, True Wireless Earbuds

Air Purification: Air Purifiers, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers

Father’s Day: Hair Clippers, Shavers, Massage Products, Dash Cams

WHAT’S HOT

Pick of the crop: TCL Soundbar, Smeg

E-Learning Platform, Magimix Cook Expert and more

[ON THE COVER]

THE FIRST HISENSE 8K TV ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA If your customer is looking to futureproof their home entertainment setup, then look no further than Hisense’s ULED 8K TV. Armed with Hisense’s proprietary Hi-View Engine Pro, customers can watch live TV, enjoy video content and experience next-gen gaming with HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), upscaled to 8K resolution using the Hi-View Engine Pro 8K chipset. All Hisense 2021 ULED TVs feature far-field microphone technology with sophisticated voice recognition, making it a ‘hands-free’ experience. As Hisense’s first 8K TV for the Australian market, the U80G is 8K Ultra HD Certified and packed with leading technologies, including Quantum Dot Colour, Full Array Local Dimming Pro, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos Audio.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

TERRY SMART NAMED NEW JB HI-FI GROUP CEO, BIAG CAPASSO PROMOTED TO MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE GOOD GUYS JB Hi-Fi group CEO, Richard Murray has made the decision to leave the company at the end of August 2021. He will join Premier Retail as CEO and executive director, effective October 2021. The Good Guys CEO, Terry Smart has been appointed to succeed Murray. Smart joined the group in 2000 as chief operating officer and was promoted to JB Hi-Fi CEO in May 2010, before leaving the company June 2014. He returned to the group in April 2017 as managing director of The Good Guys and has led the repositioning and significant improvement in performance of The Good Guys business. Commenting on his departure, Murray said the decision to leave was a very difficult one to make. “After 18 years with the company, it is time for me to take on a new challenge. I am proud to leave the business in such a strong position and the group will continue to go from strength to strength under Terry’s leadership.” Commenting on his appointment, Smart said he is excited to take on the role of group CEO. “In JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, we have two of Australia’s most loved, respected and successful retail brands. Both businesses continue to be well positioned to maximise the opportunities ahead of them and I look forward to working with the two best retail management teams in the business.” The Good Guys merchandise director, Biag Capasso has been promoted to managing director of the The Good Guys business, succeeding Smart.

The Good Guys CEO, Terry Smart has been promoted to JB Hi-Fi group CEO. Capasso joined the The Good Guys in November 2011 and has held several roles in the merchandise department including merchandise director since May 2018. Prior to this, he was marketing and merchandise manager for Retravision for six years. Commenting on Capasso’s promotion, Smart said, “Biag has done an outstanding job as merchandise director over the past three years. He has played a key role in the transformation of the business post-acquisition and developed a first-class merchandise buying team. We look forward to Biag taking on his new role and leading the experienced The Good Guys executive team to continue the business’ strong performance.” AR

Winning Group CEO Jo Devery departs for second time as Ceresa replaces Rorie Winning Group chief executive officer (CEO) for Winning Retail, Jo Devery and chief financial officer (CFO), Stephen Rorie have both departed the company. Winning Group financial controller, John Ceresa, who has been with the company since January 2020, has been appointed chief financial offer. A search is underway to replace Jo Devery. Devery joined the Winning Group in 2013 as chief buying and merchandise officer, a role she held for almost four years before a short stint at Lux Group. She returned to the Winning Group in late 2017 as group chief operating officer (COO) and was promoted to CEO for Winning Retail in July 2020 to oversee Winning Appliances, Winning Appliances Commercial, Rogerseller and Customer Experience. Rorie was appointed Winning Group CFO in November 2019 bringing extensive retail experience, most recently as CEO of John Cootes Furniture. Prior to that, he was CEO of Home Appliances, a division of McPhersons Limited for almost three years, COO at Amart Furniture and COO at Barbeques Galore. “We thank Stephen and Jo for their contribution to the group and wish them well for the future,” a Winning Group spokesperson said. AR

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Winning Retail CEO, Jo Devery.

Winning Group CFO, Stephen Rorie.

CES NEWS AR

ELECTROLUX BRINGS IN FORMER SAMSUNG EXECUTIVE, HASS MAHDI Samsung Electronics Australia director of audio visual, Hass Mahdi has departed the business after five years and joined Electrolux as product line director – taste for Australia and New Zealand. Mahdi fills the role of product line director – taste previously held by Chris Coen before he was appointed sales director in August 2020, following the departure of Michael Doyle. Electrolux Australia and New Zealand managing director, John Featherstone said, “We are very excited to have Hass join the Electrolux group. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be a great addition to our product line team.” Commenting on his departure from Samsung Australia, the company said: “We thank Hass for his contribution over the last five years.” Mahdi joined Samsung in 2016 as head of product for audio visual before being promoted to the director role in 2018. Prior to Samsung, he was trade marketing manager for Nespresso for 18 months, after more than seven years with Sony Electronics in various roles, including as TV category head for Australia and New Zealand. AR

BSH Australia managing director Philipp Walter fills new global position

BSH Australia managing director, Philipp Walter will commence a new global role as operations manager for dish care. He will relocate to Germany in the coming months. In the interim, he will continue as BSH managing director for Australia until a successor has been appointed. Walter joined BSH Australia in 2015 as managing director. He succeeded Volker Thaens who remains with the business. He is currently vice president management and marketing for Europe based in Germany. AR

BSH Australia managing director, Philipp Walter will take on a new global role as operations manager for dish care. Electrolux product line director - taste, Hass Mahdi.

TANYA MUDGE LEAVES ELECTROLUX TO TAKE ON NEW ROLE AT SMEG

Smeg divisional product manager for cooking, Tanya Mudge.

Former Electrolux product line director — care and wellbeing, Tanya Mudge has left the company to join Smeg. Mudge was at Electrolux for almost four years, joining the company in 2017 as national key account manager. In a statement shared with Appliance Retailer, Electrolux Home Products managing director for Australia and New Zealand, John Featherstone said, “Although I only had the opportunity to work with Tanya for a little over a year, she has made a significant and positive impact on the Electrolux business for which I am grateful. I would like to thank Tanya for her hard work and commitment to growing our business and wish her all the very best in the future.” Prior to her time with Electrolux, Mudge was at Narta for six years, working as operations and marketing manager, after spending more than five years with Panasonic in product and account management roles. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

MHIAA reviews retail sales strategy Mitsubishi Heavy Industries AirConditioners Australia (MHIAA) has announced a change in sales strategy, designed to enhance the availability and focus of its product range. In an exclusive interview with Appliance Retailer, MHIAA general manager for sales and planning, Adrian Brown shares the company’s evolving strategy which responds to changing consumer behaviour. “Over the years, the air conditioning market has continued to grow but the retail segment has contracted. This has been driven by the rise of digital sales platforms embraced by consumers across all product categories, including air conditioning,” he said. “While consumers may visit a retail store to have a look at an air conditioning unit on display, they mostly want a professional installer to correctly size, quote and install, resulting in a shift towards our dealer networks. This has been happening for quite some time but has been accelerated by Covid-19. “We believe online research will continue to be important in the path to purchase as consumers seek information on product quality – demonstrated by MHIAA’s recognition by Choice, Canstar Blue, Finder and Product Review – but more importantly, to find their preferred installer. “Our change in distribution strategy is based on an evolution over time where we have seen air conditioning sales gradually

decline in the retail segment, while our Air+ dealer network and wholesale/trade network has grown exponentially. “As a result of the change in our sales approach, MHIAA products will no longer be available at our current retail partner, The Good Guys, effective from July 2021 but customers will still be able to find wholesalers, trade partners and Air+ dealers via our website which is regularly updated. “We have had a strong relationship with The Good Guys over the last 15 years and they have been excellent retail partners. We thank them for their support and the significant part they played in growing our brand in Australia,” Brown concluded.

MHIAA DEVELOPS VIRTUAL SHOWROOM FOR ITS CUSTOMERS

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries AirConditioners Australia (MHIAA) is providing customers with a new and intuitive way to get up close and personal with the latest products, technical information, features and functions, via its virtual showroom. Virtual Innovation Park allows customers to experience product offerings from small residential solutions through to large commercial solutions. MHIAA managing director, Mr. Yuji Ito said, “Through this tool, customers can not only explore our product range, but find up-to-date product images, as well as key features and functions on each product.”

MHIAA general manager for sales and planning, Adrian Brown. The tool also gives customers the opportunity to experience new features including Wi-Fi technology and its integration in the smart home. “At MHIAA we recognise the importance of moving towards the smart home and developing ways that our products can be integrated. Through Virtual Innovation Park, users will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how our Wi-Fi system works with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Customers can select from prebuilt commands that would be standard and see how they would be used to operate their own unit,” Ito said. With Virtual Innovation Park, users have the chance to find out more information through enquiries or brochures and request a quote for any selected unit. AR

Shriro welcomes Tim Anderson as first ever chief marketing officer Shriro Australia and Monaco Corporation has appointed Tim Anderson as the company’s first ever chief marketing officer. Anderson will focus on developing a deeper consumer understanding and connection that will drive the strategy and execution of marketing initiatives across the entire brand portfolio including Omega, Blanco, Everdure, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Robinhood, Omega Altise and Casio. He brings over 20 years of experience having worked with domestic and global consumer brands including Newell Brands in Australia/ New Zealand and the US, Nestle, Australian Vintage and SunRice. 8

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Anderson recently returned from the US where he was Newell Brands director of marketing for appliances and cookware for more than three years. He led a team to develop and execute insight driven brand, category and product strategies for brands including Calphalon, Oster, Crockpot and Sunbeam. Commenting on his appointment, Anderson said he is excited to join Shriro. “I look forward to working with the entire team and our retail partners to unlock consumer driven opportunities for growth. As a marketer, I am passionate about consumers and brands so it is immensely rewarding to know that our brands and products can make a positive impact on people’s everyday lives.” AR

Shriro Australia and Monaco Corporation chief marketing officer, Tim Anderson.

CES NEWS AR

Lee Scott returns to Leading Edge Retail Leading Edge Retail has welcomed Lee Scott back into the business as general manager of strategic procurement. Scott was with Leading Edge Retail for 14 years across various roles, most recently as group general manager, before leaving the company at the end of 2018. He returns to the business after more than one year as general manager for merchandise and marketing at Auto One Australia. In his new role, Scott will initially assist Leading Edge’s four technology-based categories and its membership by continuing to build new and existing supplier relationships. He is also responsible for seeking out and negotiating improved pricing and stock deals for Leading Edge members and working with the executive team to increase the size of the Leading Edge marketplace offering. Scott will have authority to make purchases on specific or exclusive deals for members due to his proven negotiation skills and history of successful supplier relationship management. Leading Edge Retail group CEO, Simon Lane said having Lee re-join the team is a major coup for Leading Edge, who have long regarded him as one of the leaders of the Australian retail technology industry. “Lee’s return coincides with a major resurgence in the group and its offerings. We have had a great 2020 despite the pandemic and are performing even better this year. With several new initiatives being launched this half, Lee’s arrival couldn’t be better timed.” Commenting on his return, Scott acknowledged that “everything seemed oddly familiar yet completely different”, welcoming system changes and a renewed commitment to small family businesses. Scott is based in the Leading Edge head office at Chatswood in Sydney’s north, and reports directly to Lane. AR

Leading Edge Retail general manager of strategic procurement, Lee Scott.

Hisense named official sponsor of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hisense has partnered with FIFA to become an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup Qatar scheduled for 21 November to 18 December 2022. By joining the roster of commercial affiliates, Hisense will be involved in a program that will range from onsite engagement opportunities to logo visibility across various platforms to global advertising campaigns. The collaboration, which began in 2017 ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, also includes the opportunity for Hisense to present specially created, video-on-demand programming to customers using past FIFA World Cup content, delivered through its integrated VIDAA smart TV platform. Hisense Group CEO, Jia Shaoqian said continued investment in world-class sporting events represents Hisense’s

determination to become a global brand. “It helps Hisense build stronger relationships with its consumers and accelerates the company’s globalisation process. It also creates a solid foundation for Hisense to compete with the world’s most innovative and leading brands to become a premier global brand.” FIFA secretary general, Fatma Samoura said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Hisense on board as an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup, and we are delighted to partner with this internationally respected brand, which also has a growing presence in the sports market. “FIFA and Hisense are both focused on technology, innovation and giving people the best possible experience. I am confident that this collaboration will support the global objectives of

both organisations and contribute to the success of what is sure to be an amazing event next year.” AR

Hisense will be the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022. www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Miele opens new Victorian Experience Centre inside Westfield Doncaster The Centre also showcases a range of Miele laundry appliances, dishwashers including the Gen 7000 range featuring PowerDisk, and

Miele Experience

Cen tre

er VIC. cast on ,D

Miele has opened a new Miele Experience Centre in Westfield Doncaster in Melbourne’s north-east, showcasing the brand’s premium appliances, including the newly launched Dialog Oven. The latest of Miele’s 10 Experience Centres measures 270 square metres and features a ‘future kitchen’ with all M Touch ArtLine appliances, multiple interactive screens for built-in appliances and cooktops, interactive headphones for rangehood noise comparison and visual representation of downdraft ducting installation. Consumers can also trial the Miele@mobile app via iPads in store, which allows users to connect with their appliances remotely to check in on the status of their dishwasher program or receive up to date images of food as it cooks.

Uniden expands retail distribution with two home security products for Bunnings Uniden has expanded its retail distribution, developing two home security cameras, the App Cam Home and App Cam Solo Pro in Black, exclusive to Bunnings. Uniden security cameras are currently sold in all leading Australian retailers and the expansion into Bunnings is off the back of market share growth, according to national marketing and communications manager, Brad Hales. “We are excited to be selling our range in Bunnings, a leader in the smart home market. With our easy to use and highly regarded security products, it was a logical fit for our range to be available in Bunnings’ smart home assortment of products,” Hales told Appliance Retailer. The App Cam Home is a cloud-based 2K Super HD home security camera designed for indoor use with a 355-degree pan and 50-degree tilt rotation. Easy to set up, the device simply plugs into power and connects to dual band Wi-Fi. The App Cam Solo Pro in Black is a 100% wire free, rechargeable solar power compatible, spotlight and security camera for the outdoors. It features a full HD 1080p resolution, Starlight CMOS sensor, together with the built-in spotlight for colour night vision, and 120-degree wide viewing angle. An optional Uniden Solar Panel can be purchased for use alongside the camera for non-stop power during daylight hours. Both cameras offer pre-motion recording, capturing footage four seconds before motion is detected. They are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can be operated remotely via the dedicated Uniden Solo app. Footage can be stored directly to SD card or the Uniden Cloud for replay when required. Privacy masking will black out areas within the camera’s view that users do not want recorded. Uniden provides seven days of free rolling cloud backup for the lifetime of the products. AR

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

floorcare including the recently launched Triflex cordless stick vacuum. Free live cooking and appliance demonstrations are hosted in the Centre for customers to experience and interact with Miele technology and learn from Miele experts. Miele head of own retail, Ben Curmi said with the increase in online shopping, it is important to offer consumers an immersive and interactive in-store experience. “The new Miele Experience Centre is designed to surprise and delight, and truly represents the future of in-store retail experiences. Customers have the opportunity to see, touch and taste what Miele has to offer.” The Miele Experience Centre Doncaster is now open seven days a week in line with Westfield Doncaster opening hours. AR

Uniden is now selling products exclusive to Bunnings.

NEWS AR

Tempo welcomes former Harvey Norman executive Gary Brown Tempo Appliances has appointed former Harvey Norman senior brand marketing manager, Gary Brown to the role of development manager for its appliance brands, with a specific focus on the Hoover brand. Earlier this year, Brown was made redundant from Harvey Norman after almost 20 years with the company, due to a business restructure. Tempo general manager of appliances, Craig Handley said Gary is a valuable addition to the team, bringing decades of experience in the appliance and consumer electronics industry, both in product and market knowledge. “He will be an integral part of us delivering a renewed Hoover brand offer focused on exceeding expectations for both retailer and consumer. Having an iconic and loved brand is only part of the story – we are committed to delivering the total package,” he said. “Gary brings real world experience from the retail front line and has observed success and failure. His experience will directly shape our brand and product development.” Hoover brand and product development is ongoing with the first release of new Hoover products expected later this year. AR

Tempo development manager for appliances, Gary Brown.

New Videopro CEO, Cameron Douglas.

Videopro names Cameron Douglas as new CEO replacing Ian Wright Videopro has promoted executive director and co-owner, Cameron Douglas to the role of CEO, after more than 15 years with the business. Douglas replaces current CEO, Ian Wright who will shift his focus to the day-to-day internal operations of the business as chief operating officer, while continuing to provide strategic direction as co-owner. “I am thrilled to hand the CEO baton over to Cameron and look forward to seeing his continued growth in the business as the leader,” Wright said. “Cameron’s deep knowledge of the technology industry and passion for pushing the boundaries through innovation will drive our growth and expansion plans over the coming years.” Commenting on his new role, Douglas said, “I can confidently say there is no more exciting time than right now for the technology industry and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the business through this next phase. “Videopro has a unique ability to connect with younger people who are underserviced by the aging bigger players. We are also the only AV company in Australia that provides the full spectrum from entry level consumer through to high end professional equipment. “Videopro has been an integral partner to organisations with application from remote learning and court hearings to streamed events and religious services. Video and the technology surrounding it has shined through the pandemic, keeping people connected, and that’s what we do well.” AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Smeg launches new interactive e-learning training program

Tefal has partnered with Myer to create an innovative and interactive space for customers.

Tefal partners with Myer for new retail installation

Tefal has partnered with Myer to develop an interactive branded kitchen at its Sydney city store, designed for cooking inspiration among shoppers. The full working space that measures 9 square metres will hold regular demonstrations with Tefal representatives and brand ambassadors such as Justine Schofield. Tefal sales director, Jason Borg said there has been a noticeable spike in people reconnecting with food and looking to invest more in home cooking. “Online sales boomed during lockdowns, yet as retail opened up and we continue to regain a sense of normality, consumers are again looking for tactile inspiration in store,” he said. The partnership aims to build on the revival of home cooking and offer customers a place not only to shop, but a place to be inspired and to discover more about Tefal. “Partnering with Myer on our instore kitchen, we wanted to create an innovative and interactive space where our customers can enjoy the full Tefal experience, finding inspiration for cooking, and also developing a true desire to learn more about cooking fresh,” Borg said. “Having a full working Tefal kitchen right in the heart of Sydney presents the opportunity for our customers to experience both our cookware and our kitchen appliances in a new way as we strive to support their cooking enthusiasm and encourage even more people to discover the joy of home cooking.” The uniquely designed instore display is a perfect blend of real-world product experience, product demonstration, live cooking and retail display. Tefal plans to build on the success of this concept in other stores and retail environments in the future. AR 12

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Smeg has rolled out a new multi-use platform with training modules and resources designed for retail sales staff. The web-based platform, with mobile and tablet capability, features a user-friendly dashboard interface with gamified training modules; resource library of product and technical information; training points history; and sales promotion information. The training modules, which focus on key features and benefits, can be completed in under five minutes. While this style of micro-learning is beneficial for time-poor sales staff, in-depth and hands-on training will continue to be delivered at Smeg showrooms. The platform is beneficial for Smeg retailers and account managers alike, providing product knowledge to sales staff in a timely and targeted way. The training will initially cover major appliances with plans to extend to small appliances in the future. “Smeg’s interactive platform sets a new standard in the industry and will help us continue to improve how we support our retail partners by accelerating the knowledge and confidence of sales staff,” Smeg Australia managing director, Wayne Campbell said. AR

The platform is beneficial for Smeg retailers and account managers alike, providing product knowledge to sales staff in a timely and targeted way.

CES NEWS AR

Franke merges with PRKS to become Franke Home Solutions At the end of 2020, Franke acquired PR Kitchen & Washroom Systems (PRKS) to enable further market growth and development and effective July 2021, PRKS will officially be named Franke Home Solutions. In addition to the business itself, Franke has acquired the experience and knowhow that form part of PRKS’ DNA to improve and expand its business in other regions and markets. For PRKS, Franke’s international presence will help accelerate its growth in Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, Phillip Ross founded PRKS and purchased the Franke distribution business, which was under pressure from strong competition and exposure to the unprofitable DIY channel. He re-evaluated the Franke distribution model with a focus on profitable distribution channels such as the retail and commercial sectors and re-positioned the Franke brand in the premium segment.

The acquisition of PR Kitchen & Washroom Systems by Franke will officially be named Franke Home Solutions, effective July 2021. “It gives me and the team great satisfaction that we have been able to position the company so strongly. We now look forward to contributing our experience and knowhow on an international stage within Franke Home Solutions,” Ross said. Franke CEO Kitchen Systems, Barbara Borra said the company is determined to prioritise the seamless integration of PRKS. “Over the past few years, it has proven to possess the right mix of drive and strategic acumen to succeed in our business, even in a highly competitive environment. We look forward to continuing and expanding on this experience in Australia and beyond,” she said. PRKS is headquartered in Dandenong South, Victoria with 43 employees and 32 office spaces including its showroom. Its brand portfolio consists of Franke, KWC, Duravit and Falmec. AR

Electrolux starts construction on 6-star Melbourne distribution centre

Electrolux managing director for Australia and New Zealand, John Featherstone has turned the first sod in the construction of the 6 Green Star energy rated Victorian distribution centre at Ravenhall in Melbourne’s western suburbs. “As we launch our Better Living Program for 2030, the 19,500 square metre distribution centre is a great example of our ongoing commitment to the future,” he said.

Electrolux Home Home Products Products (EHP) (EHP) operations operations manager manager for for Electrolux Victoria,David David Mair, Mair,EHP EHP director director of of operations operations for forAustralia Australia Victoria, and New New Zealand, Zealand,Derek Derek Haley, Haley,Mayor Mayor Melton Melton Council Council and Councillor Kathy Majdlik and EHP managing director for Councillor Kathy Majdlik and EHP managing director for Australia and and New New Zealand, Zealand,John John Featherstone. Featherstone. Australia

Electrolux has a goal for its factories to reach zero carbon emissions by 2030 and is taking the opportunity to adopt the same approach and lead the operations in the same direction to be circular across the entire business. The motivation in Australia and New Zealand is to drive warehouse design towards sustainable outcomes, of which installation of solar panels is one. “Through extensive use of solar electricity generated by an array of solar panels, the building will be capable of 80% electrical independence from the grid. This will see benefits such as our entire forklift fleet being powered by solar, in addition to many other sustainable options.” The initial development and construction stages will deliver a 6-star energy rating facility with future actions to be implemented. The suburb of Ravenhall is approximately 25 minutes from the Melbourne CBD in the Melton Council LGA and is already well-serviced by road and rail connections. It is predicted to accommodate 40% of metropolitan Melbourne’s population growth over the next 40 years. “Ravenhall signifies a long-term commitment by Electrolux to ensuring our operations in Victoria are able to support both our business growth and our sustainability commitment into the future,” Featherstone said. The facility is due for completion in late 2021 and will replace the current Heatherton facility in early 2022. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR NEWS

Philips finds buyer for home appliance division Philips will sell its domestic appliance business to global investment firm, Hillhouse Capital, for 3.7 billion Euro (AUD$5.7 billion) with the transaction expected to be completed in Q3 2021. The announcement comes more than 12 months after Philips shared initial plans to sell the business, encompassing kitchen, coffee, garment care and home care products. With offices in Beijing and China, Hillhouse Capital has deep experience in integrating technology and datadriven architectures to drive digital innovation and business expansion. The firm has worked with a range of global consumer and retail businesses to deepen consumer engagement and introduce innovative direct-to-consumer models, growing new customer segments and markets. Royal Philips CEO, Frans van Houten said it was pleasing to find a new home for the domestic appliance business to further expand its market leadership, strong brand and pipeline of new innovation. “Going forward, our focus is on extending our leadership in health technology and continuing our transformation into a solutions company supporting professional healthcare customers and consumers with their personal health,” he said. Hillhouse Capital CEO and founder, Lei Zhang added, “We look forward to joining forces with Philips to expand into new markets and capture more growth opportunities globally, We are aligned with Philips’ mission to bring high quality products to support healthy and fulfilling lifestyles for consumers across the globe.” Philips Domestic Appliances CEO, Henk de Jong concluded: “I am convinced that together with Hillhouse

Aqipa Australia welcomes former LG account manager Former LG Electronics key account manager, Darren Flood has joined Aqipa Australia as senior key account manager for the premium lifestyle gear and audio distributor. He brings almost two decades of consumer electronics experience, encompassing channel management and development, product lifecycle management and strategic development and planning. Flood most recently held various key sales roles at LG Electronics. He has also worked at Brightstar Corp as business development manager responsible for The Good Guys, Officeworks, Australia Post and Coles. Prior to that, he was national account manager at Virgin Mobile. 14

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Philips will sell its appliance business to Hillhouse Capital. Capital’s deep e-commerce, supply chain and digital expertise, we will be in a great position to continue bringing meaningful innovations to the consumer’s homes. “Based on our market leading product portfolio, broad customer and consumer base and R&D capabilities, we are keen to keep supporting families and individuals to lead healthier and happier lives. We look forward to working with Hillhouse to capture additional growth opportunities.” The Domestic Appliances business will remain headquartered in The Netherlands and is now active in more than 100 countries. AR

Aqipa Australia senior key account manager, Darren Flood.

When asked about his new role, Flood said, “I am excited for this new adventure in the consumer electronics industry. I look forward to building on what the Aqipa Australia team has already achieved with their portfolio of brands.” Aqipa New Zealand has welcomed Mark Bishop as country manager with extensive experience in the consumer electronics industry.

Bringing nearly two decades of software and technology experience, Bishop was most recently channel sales manager at Samsung Electronics, forming close relationships with retail partners and growing the business. He has also held various product and account management roles at Microsoft in New Zealand and the US. His experience encompasses channel management and development, technology strategy and solutions as well as a strong business acumen. Commenting on his new role, Bishop said, “Aqipa New Zealand hosts a number of brands with great potential, and I am excited to be involved in the growth story of these brands and also a distributor that understands premium lifestyle consumer electronics and appliances”. Aqipa New Zealand is currently the distributor for brands including Devialet, Marshall Headphones, Audio Pro, Aarke, Nextbase and Pure, among others. AR

CES NEWS AR

Woolworths Group prepares to launch marketplace Woolworths has confirmed plans to launch a marketplace offering on woolworths.com.au in partnership with Australian e-commerce technology platform, Marketplacer, to broaden its everyday needs range. A pilot of the extended range will be rolled out with Big W later in the year, incorporating small appliances, cookware and kitchenware, to gauge customer demand and test delivery logistics with another retailer in the group. Woolworths director of new business, Faye Ilhan said as more customers start their shopping journey digitally and buy groceries online, their expectations will only continue to rise. “Together with Marketplacer, we are building a marketplace which will help extend our range of everyday needs products for online customers. It will also provide existing and new suppliers with fresh opportunities to partner with us to grow their business.”

Marketplacer executive chairman and co-founder, Jason Wyatt and W23 managing director, Ingrid Maes (Photo credit: Esteban La Tessa). Marketplacer has secured funding from Woolworths Group’s venture capital arm W23. The

multi-million-dollar investment will help Marketplacer enhance its platform and grow into new markets. W23 managing director, Ingrid Maes said the company invests in innovative startups that accelerate its ecosystem strategy and provide long-term win-win partnerships. “Marketplacer is a leading platform for an increasing number of global retailers exploring thirdparty marketplace strategies and will play a key role powering our own digital improvements.” Marketplacer co-founder and executive chairman, Jason Wyatt said strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships are key to the platform’s growth trajectory. This collaborative partnership will see our team and technology drive a monumental digital transformation, while supporting our ability to expand, simplifying growth for businesses.” AR

Shriro relocates to new Sydney office in Chatswood Shriro Australia has moved into new state-of-the-art headquarters at Chatswood in Sydney’s lower north shore. The former Kingsgrove showroom, office and warehouse was merged with existing capacity at the large-scale warehouse in Chullora NSW, allowing the HQ to relocate to a new location that could attract leading talent, provide ample public transport options, and enable a flexible working environment. Shriro partnered with award-winning architectural and design firm, Gray Puksand, challenging them with a brief to rethink collaboration spaces and provide inspirational interior design to showcase Omega, Blanco, Everdure, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Robinhood, Omega Altise and Casio. Visitors are welcomed into the experience centre, which has been described by the company as “a cross between designer kitchen and high-end bar”, with timber and matte black joinery, powder coated steel ceilings, milled steel accents and stone benchtops. Visitors are encouraged to touch and feel products with any other items not on display available to be viewed on large LED screens. The area can also be configured as an event space for after hours. The workspaces for staff are contemporary and flexible, featuring the latest technology including high-definition TV screens for online meetings, touch screen meeting room booking platforms and high-speed internet. There is also an internal café zone utilising the brand’s own appliances.

Shriro has relocated to new headquarters in Sydney's Chatswood. Shriro Australia CEO, Tim Hargreaves said the opening of this showroom marks a new direction in the company’s 38-year history. “Chatswood was our first home, so it is fitting to return here. The area is dynamic and flourishing, a perfect fit for our company. The office has been buzzing with our employees enjoying their new surrounds and we look forward to leveraging the benefits of this space for many years to come. I can’t wait for our valued trade partners and suppliers to experience this world class office space,” he said. The new office address is Level 7, 67 Albert Avenue, Chatswood, NSW. All existing contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged. AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR RETAIL PROFILE

Kogan.com founder Ruslan Kogan.

Ruslan Kogan reflects on 15 years in ecommerce

t has been 15 years since Kogan.com was founded. In first half FY21, gross sales hit $638 million, an increase of 97% on the prior corresponding period, and active customers exceeded three million for the first time. To mark 15 years in ecommerce, Kogan.com founder, Ruslan Kogan has reflected on the journey from begging manufacturers to work with him to one-day Black Friday sales far outweighing the sales achieved in the retailer’s entire first year. “It has been quite a journey for us because 15 years ago, I had to beg our manufacturers to make our very first order,” Kogan said. “They told me the number of TVs I wanted to order wasn’t enough because they deal with mass markets and need to set up production lines. So, to convince them to work with us, I helped them by redoing user manuals and sales documentation. “Today we are a huge contract manufacturer out of Asia, and we dictate the supplier terms. We

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

can tell them if a product needs to be a certain way, if they need to add functionality, or rewrite software for new features. “Now when we speak, our partners listen, and they make products to our specification. That’s not something we were able to do 15 years ago. At that time, we were finding good quality products and begging factories to work with us promising that we were going to be bigger in the future. Thankfully, we have been able to fulfil that promise.” When asked about the biggest lesson he has learnt along the way, Kogan said it was the nature of negotiation – it’s not about which party is stronger, firmer or who needs who more, it’s about finding a win-win outcome. “Looking at that situation with factories telling me that my order wasn’t big enough for them to care about, there was no win-win there. I would love to have the product and it’s of huge benefit to me, so how do I make them more interested in working with me?” he said.

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Kogan.com expanded into whitegoods and built-in home appliances in 2018. “That’s when I came up with the idea to redo their user manuals and marketing material. You just need to find and understand what each business wants, what each customer wants, how to delight those customers and engineer solutions that create that win-win.” Kogan acknowledged that he hasn’t had the marketing budgets like most of his competitors but has always focused on being lean and passing the cost savings onto customers. “Our customers know if they visit Kogan.com, they will get a decent price and if they buy one of our exclusive brands, it’s going to be a value-based product,” he said.

“Our business is growing fast but there’s still a lot of people who wouldn’t have heard of us and those who have heard of us would probably say, ‘that’s the place that makes TVs’ because that’s our flagship product from 15 years ago. “Brand trust takes a long time to build and while 15 years is a long time in the scope of ecommerce, we were one of the first companies to say that ecommerce is the future and online shopping has a lot of potential. “In that sense, we are a grandfather of ecommerce but in retail and brand trust, we are just a baby. Trust takes decades to build and if you look at some of the most trusted brands in the world, they are 50, 60 or 70 years old. We look up to brands like that and we hope to get there one day,” he said. Kogan.com now has over 10 million items on the website and more than three million customers shopped on the platform over the last year. The business has expanded into various verticals including mobile and internet services, insurance, credit, energy and more.

“

We knew we could make it a success as a digital only business, and we were the first ones to make a digital play in an acquisition. It was a huge success for us and it’s now bigger than it’s ever been.

”

TVs are the flagship product of Kogan.com. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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Kogan.com was crowned Australia’s favourite large online retailer at the Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAs).

“It’s a very different business to when we started. One of our first employees in the business was joking about how one of our early goals and milestones as a business was to reach $50,000 of sales a day and now that’s something that happens by 12.02am. “On Black Friday, the sales we were doing every few minutes amounted to the sales the business did in its entire first year and that put things into perspective. I remember having our first employee doing pick and pack on the kitchen table of my parents’ place and after a few months, my mum told us it would a good idea to find an office. Now we have a team of several hundred people with the greatest ecommerce minds in the country constantly challenging each other and thinking of new ways to delight customers. “For me personally, I will sometimes read emails around the time the business started and it makes me realise how much I have developed as a person. When you’re working in a business that’s growing at 100% year on year, you have to try and keep up with that. You need to constantly develop your management skills to keep everyone happy and driven. It is a tremendous journey and when you compare one day to any other it seems like it is business as usual. So, it’s only when you read old emails and realise how much things have changed.” 18

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

ACQUIRING DICK SMITH

Dick Smith was the first major acquisition by Kogan.com, and that decision came down to brand trust, which Kogan reiterated often takes decades to build. “You just need to deliver on your promise day in, day out. As a little boy, I would spend hours in Dick Smith to see what was out there,” he said. “When Dick Smith was going out of business, there was a lot of negative press. But whenever I would get into a taxi, I would ask the driver where the closest Dick Smith was and what time it would close, and they would say it’s just up the road and it’s open until 6pm. “This made me realise that although businesspeople were monitoring the trouble Dick Smith ran into, most people would just associate Dick Smtih with the place they would go to get a decent deal on electronics and they didn’t even know the stores were shutting down. “So, we knew we could make it a success as a digital only business, and we were the first ones to make a digital play in an acquisition. It was a huge success for us and it’s now bigger than it’s ever been. We’ve successfully rescued and grown the brand. The problem is that because we are public and everyone got to see the success of Dick Smith, any time any similar opportunity came along, it started to be 10 times the price. But it was a proud moment for the team to be pioneers of such an acquisition.

RETAIL PROFILE AR “More recently, during Covid-19, we acquired Matt Blatt – the pioneer of selling furniture online in Australia. The acquisitions in our businesses have been few and far between but when we do see something we like or know we can add value to, we are not shy to pull the trigger.”

GERRY HARVEY

In 2010, Kogan appeared on Today Tonight for a story on TV price wars. When the cameras weren’t rolling, Kogan said to the reporter, “if you showed these prices to Gerry Harvey, he would go nuts”. On the back of that comment, the reporter decided to also interview Harvey for his take on the situation. “I watched the story go to air and Gerry was there with a print-out of our website saying our prices weren’t that cheap, ‘we’re only 100 bucks more on that model’. It was a treat for our business,” Kogan said. “Gerry is a brilliant entrepreneur who has been at the forefront for so long; he takes things personally and he is always up for a challenge. His response generated a lot of publicity for our business and at the time, we were doing around $10 million of sales a year and Harvey Norman was doing about $5 billion of sales. “Thinking about it in a broader context, every challenger brand needs an enemy; otherwise, there is no need for that challenger brand. Because Gerry responded, we were able to get fame out of that and

get people to see what we do and tell their friends about us. So, it is an important part of our history and without that mini battle, we would not be where we are today.”

GOING PUBLIC

Kogan said listing on the Australian share market back in June 2016 was a big decision to make, but the positives outweighed the negatives. “We just put a plan in place to tackle the negatives because you want the company to remain with an entrepreneurial culture,” he said. “In business, it’s not so much about hard decisions – we make lots of decisions – but we have built a culture of making decisions quickly, evaluate the outcome using real data and decide where you go to from there. You get some decisions right and you get some decisions wrong but don’t be scared to admit it, fix it and move on. I often tell our teams we are not building aircraft systems so if we stuff something up, we’re not putting peoples’ lives at risk. We are a retailer so people are coming to us to find products that will make their life a little bit better. Our approach is fail quickly, keep innovating, fix it and make things better.” This interview with Ruslan Kogan first appeared as a conversation with Seamus Byrne on "Jetpacks Are Overrated", a podcast about technology from the Byteside podcast network. It has been reproduced in written form with permission. AR

Kogan.com was the first retailer to make a digital play in an acquisition when it acquired Dick Smith in 2016. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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Kitchen Warehouse in Cockburn, Western Australia had undergone a major renovation.

Kitchen Warehouse revives in-store shopping experience

ustralia’s leading kitchenware retailer, Kitchen Warehouse enjoyed continued growth last year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, which it attributes to an agile approach to change. Following this growth, the retailer plans to give some of its Western Australian stores a makeover to mirror the look and feel of newer Kitchen Warehouse stores on the east coast. The pandemic opened a new demographic for Kitchen Warehouse, as younger audiences developed a more serious interest in cooking while others took a renewed interest and looked to upskill, according to marketing director and coowner, Justine Murphy. “This has given us the opportunity to extend and revive our brand shopping experience to all stores, particularly in WA,” she said. “We have worked hard to find ways to keep customers engaged despite disruptions to retail opportunities. With more people finding time to get busy in the kitchen, it was important to find a way to nurture the new-found enthusiasm despite having fewer opportunities to connect with customers in person, in store.” Kitchen Warehouse Cannington, which has relocated from William Street to Albany Highway, opened with a new look in late May with most other Kitchen Warehouse stores across WA scheduled for completion by October 2021. Murphy said Kitchen Warehouse was eager to give back to its loyal and growing community and extend a warm welcome to new shoppers. “We’ve been extremely fortunate to see extensive growth over the past year with a 150% increase in online sales and 60% increase in store revenue. To show customers just how much their support means to us, we’ve created an innovative 20

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

loyalty program, which aims to connect and reward them in more meaningful and personalised ways.”

UPDATED LOYALTY PROGRAM OFFERS INCREASED PERSONALISATION

Kitchen Warehouse wanted to create a loyalty program that aligned with its vision and long-term strategic initiatives, designed to build and foster long-term customer relationships. “In the past year, we have come to value relationships and community more than ever and we know many Australians agree,” Murphy said. “To reflect our evolving priorities, we’ve decided to upgrade our loyalty program, Our Family Table, so that we can do more to reward customers in meaningful ways and hopefully build lasting bonds. Our new program is all about showing personal gratitude to the people who support our business and building a strong community.” Murphy believes the retail market is oversaturated with traditional loyalty programs with a ‘spend and earn’ model, resulting in decreased interest from customers, while points programs can be hard to understand and not motivating enough. Unused points are often accumulated because customers don’t understand how to redeem them and don’t see their value. “Customer priorities have changed drastically over the years and experiences are now more important than possessions, so loyalty programs that focus on financial rewards only are quickly losing relevance. Personalisation and curation are becoming more important to customers,” she said. When customers sign up and join the Our Family Table club, they will receive a special gift and their birthday or anniversaries will be remembered on each occasion.

An extensive bakeware range in the Cockburn store.

“

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The pandemic opened a new demographic for Kitchen Warehouse, as younger audiences developed a more serious interest in cooking while others took a renewed interest and looked to upskill.

”

Club members will receive perks reserved for family and friends including product offers, free shipping, vouchers and more. They will also get new product information, trends and promotions, in addition to exclusive invitations to special events such as launches, workshops and intimate gatherings. Each week, at each Kitchen Warehouse location, select customers will be surprised with a wrapped gift and handwritten thank you note, a product to test or another thoughtful offer, depending on their level of loyalty. To build excitement, new members will be offered a welcome reward of $20 off when they spend over $50, which will be unlocked after they make their first purchase as a member. Our Family Table was developed with the company's values front of mind. The four content pillars have been created using the following values: Family, Quality, Authenticity and Customer.

1 . Family: Putting our people first T his is about getting to know the extended Kitchen Warehouse Family including team members, family, customers, and community. A new series, ‘13 questions’ is a dynamic and candid short video collection designed to provide exclusive insight into the extended family. 2. Quality: Standards that can be trusted with exceptional products T his content is all about the most loved products. A large focus will be on Kitchen Warehouse’s own brands but also other products accompanied by an exclusive offer, such as a 35% discount. 3 . Authenticity: Genuine experience and service To showcase the retailer’s expertise, cooking techniques, skills and product reviews will be shared. The content will be supported by an exclusive offer such as 20% off pasta makers and pasta making tools. 4 . Customer: Always at the heart of what we do T his is about engaging customers on a personal level by nurturing a forum seeking feedback to actively engage with customers through surveys, product testing, competitions and more.

A wide selection of cookware from brands including Le Creuset. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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ONLINE BUSINESS RECORDS TRIPLEDIGIT GROWTH

Earlier this year, Kitchen Warehouse reported 150% online sales growth year-on-year, supported by a faster website and increased protection against cyberattacks enabled by emerging Australian technology start-up, Peakhour. Kitchen Warehouse leveraged content delivery network (CDN) services from the web acceleration and cloud security company, allowing its website to run almost 80% faster by reducing page load times to just three seconds. As a result, user engagement and sales conversions for online orders increased dramatically. Kitchen Warehouse’s online business now accounts for around 50% of total revenue and every month since Covid-19 has been bigger than Christmas and Black Friday in previous years, according to technology consultant, Luke Matthews. “We have been seeing unprecedented monthly web traffic with more than six million page views and growth in orders of over 150% year-on-year. Our ecommerce platform would never have been able to withstand the sudden influx of traffic, if it wasn’t for Peakhour’s CDN+ solution,” he said. Around 10,000 targeted cyberattacks are blocked each day by the CDN+ solution, while blocking competitor bots from scraping proprietary data.

Kitchen Warehouse Cockburn has the complete range of Weber barbecues and barbecue accessories on display.

Customers are spoilt for choice in the tableware section.

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

The essentials range incorporates espresso makers and coffee glasses.

“Peakhour helps us block malicious scraping by bots, which prevents them not only stealing our pricing data but also slowing down our platform in those attempts,” Matthews said. Peakhour co-founder, Adam Cassar said as the pandemic spread across the world, global internet traffic grew exponentially with almost all businesses shifting online and retail traffic going through the roof. “Like many other businesses, Kitchen Warehouse had to close their physical stores but by using our service, they were able to not only survive, but thrive during the Covid era.” AR

FEATURE

Home Entertainment

8K & 4K TVs / Ultra HD, OLED & QLED TVs / Laser Projectors / Soundbars / Blu-Ray Players

AR HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Consumers seek ultimate home cinema experience BY EMILY BENCIC

he home entertainment market experienced a 13% uplift in units and 18% increase in value for the year to February 2021, the latest GfK data has shown. The TV market grew rapidly in 2020 with small screens in demand, although 65-inch remains the most popular size with 22% sales share, closely followed by 55-inch with 20% share. 8K TV is still niche accounting for just 1% in unit share and 2% in value share with QLED driving growth as sales more than doubled. Soundbars performed strongly, fuelled by the growth in TVs. Stand-alone soundbars and soundbars with subwoofer grew by double-digits, 27% and 18% respectively, although soundbars with subwoofer account for the majority of value. Euromonitor data recorded 13% growth for TVs in 2020, with the market remaining competitive and slated for further growth due to new technologies and product innovation. “Firstly, Micro LED could soon replace OLED screens as it enables consumers to configure models to fit their environment due to the modular nature. Secondly, the launch of 8K TVs in Australia will disrupt the market. Sophisticated upscaling technology will support sales and growth is expected to be more rapid compared to that of 4K TVs, due to the amount of information available,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said. Home cinema and speaker systems saw 5% growth in 2020

with improved product quality associated with increasing demand. “As Australians shift to big screen TVs, they are purchasing external speaker systems to get the full home cinema experience, supported by the rise of streaming services,” she said. According to Telsyte’s Digital Consumer Study 2021, 60% of Australian households owned a smart TV at the end of 2020. “Home entertainment has become more important than ever since the pandemic, driving demand for smart TVs in 2020,” Telsyte senior analyst, Alvin Lee told Appliance Retailer. “Wider availability of 4K content and competitively priced 4K TVs have helped lift adoption of 4K TVs with one in four households now having one.” Telsyte research shows Australians are spending more time on their TV screens for video entertainment and gaming, especially demand for native smart TV apps such as subscription video on-demand (SVOD) or broadcast video on-demand (BVOD) services. Nearly two in three Australians say having apps for the video streaming services they use is important when choosing a smart TV. “The TV category is expected to evolve with continued improvement of image quality, wider availability of affordable 8K TVs, HDMI 2.1 to better support next-gen devices including gaming consoles, as well as better wireless connectivity support, working seamlessly with other connected devices such as smart speakers and smart security cameras.” AR

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE AR

SONY

Emma Van Vliet Product Manager – Soundbar & Hi-Fi Components With people spending more time at home, there has been greater demand for home entertainment products with increased momentum for soundbars and home video sales, Sony’s Emma Van Vliet said.

SONY

Rob Barakat Senior Product Manager TV Demand has been growing across all TV size segments from 32-inch to 80-inch as people work from home. By comparison, pre-Covid, growth was predominantly within the 65-inch and above segment, Sony’s Rob Barakat has observed. “In addition, there has been a greater focus on smart TVs in line with growing popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Stan,” he said. “Despite the end of government stimulus measures, TV demand continues to be stable, and we are forecasting strong sales growth in large screen sizes from 65-inch and above.”

Sony XRA90J Series OLED Bravia XR

`Google TV `Seamless edge design `Acoustic Audio surface+ `Available in 83-inch and 65-inch RRP: TBC

Sony has delivered regular online training for retail staff since restrictions were put in place. “These have been successful and allowed us to continue to educate staff on the benefits of selling Sony TVs.”

Sony continues to drive online training via livestreams and pre-recorded content for sales staff. “Supplying these valuable assets to encourage sales staff to stay up to date with the latest products and technology has been well received,” she said. “It’s evident that online is growing exponentially with customer expectations for products, services and information on demand. We see opportunities to grow in this area that benefits our retail partners and customers. “As we have seen the worst of the pandemic ease, Sony has been committed to achieving strong stock positions across all channels and we are excited for the opportunity that this creates for 2021.”

In 2021, Sony will launch its Bravia XR lineup with the world’s first cognitive intelligence TV, built around the new Cognitive Processor XR designed to replicate the way we think and respond.

Dolby Atmos will continue to have a strong presence within Sony’s soundbar line up to embrace immersive, cinema style audio from home. Sony’s HT-G700 soundbar features proprietary advanced surround technology, Vertical Surround Engine, to enjoy audio formats like Dolby Atmos/DTS:X in a single slim unit. Its three front speakers are combined with unique Sony signal processing. AR

”OLED continues to be a key part of offering the best TV experience which we have expanded in 2021 by offering the Bravia XR 83inch A90J OLED.” After the initial impact of the pandemic, Barakat said Sony has been able to offer a stable level of stock in the Australian market. “Our stock will be ready for the launch of our new 2021 products.” AR

The world’s first

Cognitive Intelligence TV

“TV demand was previously strong in 55-inch and above models, but now more consumers are stepping up into 75-inch and 85-inch where bigger and better sound is more important. Demand for in-home audio continues to drive interest so we’re forecasting growth in the soundbar range, especially in the premium segment.”

TV that understands how you see and hear the world *Including a processor that cross-analyses multiple picture elements combined with focal points; recreating human perspective. As of November 2020 no other brand has specifically claimed such cognitive intelligence for their TV processor. Verified by Strategy Analytics.

AR HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

HISENSE

Andre Iannuzzi Head of Marketing Hisense has seen a significant sales increase in the home entertainment category, an uptick that follows the wider rise in DIY spending and stay-athome orders. “Whether it’s bringing the family together around a new TV or creating the perfect home cinema experience with short-throw projectors, consumers chose to invest in making improvements to enhance their quality of life, spending money on tech upgrades that might have otherwise gone towards things such as holidays,” Andre Iannuzzi said. For Hisense, this has been supported by substantial consumer interest in its latest Laser TV offering, with the 100-inch L5F all-in-one home cinema solution performing “incredibly well” since first becoming available in October last year. “We’ve also seen consumers more strongly gravitate towards 8K TVs. Even though 8K content is not yet widely available, consumers are beginning to recognise the benefits of 8K upscaling technology and how this can enhance everyday viewing. “Artificial Intelligence has helped improve upscaling and, in turn, picture quality. This is particularly important in the Australian market where demand for large TVs is growing exponentially. The bigger the TV, the more valuable 8K resolution is with its millions of additional pixels.” Buoyed by positive news around the labour market and a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Hisense is confident sales momentum will maintain this year, although with many consumers having already purchased their new home entertainment products, sales may steady and return to a slightly more regular pace. “We’re in the midst of the annual TV season with retailers clearing 2020 stock to make way for incoming models, so prices are competitive and many consumers are taking advantage of this,” Iannuzzi said. To help support sales staff in light of Covid-19 restrictions, Hisense launched its online retail training platform, Hisense Online Learning, last year. Optimised for mobile devices, the new platform enables sales staff to learn about the latest product offerings on-the-go. 26

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Hisense ULED 8K Series 75U80G

`Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos Audio `Google Assistant built-in with hands-free voice control `Quantum Dot Colour and Full Array Local Dimming Pro `Game Mode Pro, including HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and eARC RRP: $6,999

“A variety of training modules are available, encompassing ULED TV, Laser TV, soundbars, refrigeration, air conditioning and laundry, with additional modules to be made available as new products are launched,” Iannuzzi said. “While Hisense Online Learning has been positively received, after a period of virtual-only engagements, we are looking forward to having more in-person interactions to launch our 2021 products and educate our retail partners.” As for educating end consumers on new innovations, Iannuzzi acknowledged a strong reliance on being able to see and experience a product to feel assured that it is the right choice. “Using Augmented Reality, our Hisense Home AR app allows customers to view our products and imagine how they will fit into their home in realistic, true-to-scale detail.” However, the pandemic has provoked supply chain challenges and the consumer electronics industry was not immune to this. “That said, Hisense Australia is part of a large and robust global group and we have been fortunate to work closely with our partners to ensure stock is inmarket and replenished as regularly as possible,” Iannuzzi said. AR

The world’s first

Cognitive Intelligence TV

TV that understands how you see and hear the world Complete immersion in an experience that thrills and moves you and feels just like the world around us. That was the goal driving the development of BRAVIA XR TVs—built around the brand new Cognitive Processor XR™, designed to replicate the way our brains think and respond.

*Including a processor that cross-analyses multiple picture elements combined with focal points; recreating human perspective. As of November 2020 no other brand has specifically claimed such cognitive intelligence for their TV processor. Verified by Strategy Analytics.

AR HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

TCL

Jason Carrick General Manager – Sales QLED has been the success story for TCL over the last 12 months, with ASPs growing as consumers spend more time at home and are willing to invest in a premium TV. 65-inch appears to be the most popular size, but 75-inch and above is the fastest growing segment in the market, according to Jason Carrick. “There was also huge growth in 32-inch and below TVs. With more people working from home, dedicated monitors quickly became in short supply,” he said. TCL remains confident about continued sales growth in 2021, driven by its strong offering of premium products that provide great value. “With the uncertainty of virus outbreaks and border closures, consumers are happy to stay local and spend their money on things they can enjoy in the home. As a result, TCL expects double digit year-on-year growth supported by new technologies such as Mini LED,” Carrick said. For a few years pre-pandemic, TCL was already engaging with retail staff via video training so there was minimal disruption during the shift 28

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

TCL Mini LED X925 Series

`Mini LED technology `Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for gamers `Onkyo sound system with built-in subwoofers `TCL’s latest AiPQ colour processing technology RRP: From $4,999

to remote working. “We will continue with this platform to support our dedicated account management team on the road to reiterate the TCL story in person.” TCL has a digital launch plan to support new innovations for the year, with retailer marketing online and in print, as well as consumer incentives to grow awareness of the latest technologies. Although Carrick acknowledged the challenge of stock shortages, he said TCL has the benefit of being the manufacturer of the raw product which has been a huge advantage. “One thing Covid-19 has highlighted is the globalisation of all businesses. We are all impacted by supply and demand from global markets but the key to our success is locking away the right quantity of key sizes and specs to suit our local market. “Our success was good access to QLED products. Every business has had to find different ways to deal with supply issues, cost increases and product shortages, whether that be by finding unique sizes, focus marketing on what you have to sell, buying more of what could be allocated, or new categories to help fill the gaps.” AR

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE AR

which limited the ability to run in-person training sessions with retail sales staff, and to date, some restrictions remain in place.

Tony Brown Marketing Manager – Home Entertainment Australians have been staying home more and spending less on experiences such as travel; so instead they have been looking inward on their homes and investing in products that cater to their lifestyle demands. “We have continued to see that Australians want bigger, better and smarter TVs that offer an array of content at their fingertips,” LG’s Tony Brown said.

“As a solution, our trainers have become flexible in the ways they deliver their training sessions, pivoting to online content and virtual training to show sales staff how to communicate LG product features to consumers. We’re continuing to monitor the situation and work with our retail partners, and we hope that as Covid-19 restrictions ease, our trainers can get back in-store for face-to-face training.”

To cater to this demand, in 2021, LG will be offering screen sizes from 48- to 86-inch and various TV technologies including OLED, NanoCell, QNED Mini LED and UHD, available in 8K and 4K variants.

LG has a comprehensive marketing campaign planned for its 2021 TV range that will focus on the OLED offering, covering the technology’s benefits and availability of more sizes from 48-inch to 83-inch.

“We have also introduced new TV technologies, such as LG QNED Mini LED and OLED evo, offering consumers the chance to upgrade to the latest and greatest. Matched with intelligent upgrades, the TVs make it easy for consumers to access content and connect to other smart home devices via LG ThinQ AI integration.” As travel restrictions remain in place for the most part of 2021, LG expects the trend of entertaining and being entertained in the home will continue. “As such, consumers will ensure they have access to the wide range of content available in Australia,” Brown said. Throughout 2020, Australian retailers introduced restrictions on the number of people in-store,

LG G1 Gallery Series OLED TV

`Can be mounted flush to the wall or used with the new Gallery Stand `LG Alpha 9 Gen 4 AI processor leverages deep learning to enhance upscaling `New OLED evo manufacturing process delivers brighter and sharper colours `LG webOS 6.0 provides an updated home screen and faster access to the most frequently used apps RRP: From $3,799

“We will also talk about our LG OLED evo and highlight our new premium LED TV range, LG QNED Mini LED. We understand the importance and value of our key retail partner relationships and as such will be looking at comarketing activities to bring our campaigns to life,” Brown said. There was a huge surge in demand for home entertainment products as Australians moved the loungeroom TV into the bedroom and upgraded to a newer, bigger TV. “Demand has remained quite high throughout the pandemic, which has caused disruption to availability of various home entertainment products; however, we continue to work with our overseas factories and retailers to help meet demand.” AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

SAMSUNG

Jeremy Senior Vice President – Consumer Electronics Australians are buying bigger TVs and picture quality remains the number one consideration for many customers when upgrading, according to Samsung’s Jeremy Senior. “What we watch and how we watch it has changed, and as we enter our 15th year as market leader, it is our role to continue to provide industry pioneering innovations that is designed for the way we live,” he said. “Neo QLED technology is a game-changer for big screen TVs in Australia. We’ve reengineered how the picture comes to life, offering incredible contrast, colour and brightness to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience.” Neo QLED utilises a completely new light source, Quantum Mini LED, controlled by Quantum Matrix technology and powered by the Neo Quantum Processor, to deliver deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The picture is supported by premium sound with Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro that corresponds to object movement on the screen 30

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

and SpaceFit Sound which analyses the TV’s physical environment and output to deliver sound tailored specifically to the space. Samsung has also released its most extensive range of soundbars to date, featuring an extended Dolby Atmos line-up and new innovations for a true cinematic surround sound experience at home. The introduction of True Dolby Atmos & DTS:X with 11.1.4ch surround sound to the flagship Q-Series soundbars is a first of its kind, incorporating 11 channels, one subwoofer channel and four up-firing channels. “Australians appreciate high quality audio as part of their visual experience and the 2021 line-up showcases Samsung’s commitment to innovation with new audio advancements that raise the bar in sound quality,” Senior said. “Following the 2020 introduction of the revolutionary Q-Symphony feature, in 2021 Samsung will redefine the sound experience by surrounding users with sound from TV and soundbar orchestrated in harmony. Q-Symphony uniquely allows TV and soundbar speakers to operate simultaneously for better surround effect without muting TV speakers.” AR

Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900

`Slim and sleek design `Samsung Infinity Design `Slim One Connect box assists with cable management `Claims to deliver best picture quality seen on a Samsung TV RRP: From $7,579

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE AR

Yamaha Soundbar SR-B20A

`Built-in dual subwoofers for powerful bass `Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming `Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue `Accompanied by soundbar remote app RRP: $329

“

While international borders remain closed, there is money to be spent on big-ticket items including home entertainment set ups.

”

YAMAHA MUSIC

Dale Moore Marketing Manager – AV Division In addition to increased demand for home entertainment products, consistent with the overall market, Yamaha has witnessed a significant resurgence in AV receivers. “These are more versatile and higher-end home audio solutions to a soundbar, suggesting that consumers are investing in higher quality products,” Dale Moore said. “Australians have more money in their bank accounts, which bodes well for the consumer electronics market. While international borders remain closed, there is money to be spent on big-ticket items including home entertainment set ups.”

Where possible, Yamaha sales managers consistently visit stores. Alternatively, training is being conducted online. “We plan to make retail training a priority for 2021 to make sure Yamaha’s brand remains relevant and top of mind for sales staff.” As for supporting new product launches, Moore said it is a combination of awareness marketing to end consumers and providing the appropriate tools to retail sales staff. “This includes access to information on our range along with access to our team to provide additional support as required.” According to Moore, most of the stock shortages faced during 2020 no longer present a problem. “Our factories are back with regular reliable supply, so we don’t see any ongoing issues.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

PREMIUM AUDIO COMPANY

Daniel Troy National Marketing & Training Manager Consumers are opting to invest in higher ASP products in the soundbar market, particularly those investing for a second time in this space, according to Premium Audio Company’s (PAC) Daniel Troy. “Many of these consumers upgraded initially from their previous audio system that was more component orientated or a 5.1 channel home theatre in a box with integrated Blu-ray players, prevalent in the mid-2000s,” he said.

Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector EH-LS300B `Smart Media Player built-in `Chromecast supported `Yamaha speakers with total 20W sound `Project up to 120-inch from only 40cm away from the wall

While the convenience and appearance of a soundbar is desirable, many find the sound quality to be a step backwards, so the investment in more premium product is driven by demand for better sound quality. “Also driving the market are smart soundbars as consumers embrace streaming services, voice platforms and app control capabilities.” PAC expects sales momentum to continue despite the end of government support measures, as Australians have shown a keen interest in investing in their homes and personal entertainment over the last 12 months. “With continued uncertainty globally, there are no immediate signs of a drastic change to current market activity.” Like most, PAC is continually looking to educate sales staff through modern facilities such as webinars and virtual meetings. However, Troy believes this method is overused and not succinct. “We will be making considerable changes to our training platforms over the coming weeks and months to enable sales staff to be educated through convenient platforms, with specific and relevant content.” AR

RRP: $3,999

EPSON

Bruce Bealby General Manager – Marketing

Klipsch Cinema 1200 Soundbar

`8K passthrough with HDCP2.3, HDR, HDMI, and eARC `12-inch wireless subwoofer with option of adding a second wired subwoofer `Dialogue mode increases centre channel volume and frequency range `Universal Wi-Fi with Spotify Connect, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa RRP: $2,599

Home theatre and projection is in huge demand as consumers reinvent their home environment for working and learning, according to Epson’s Bruce Bealby. “Products that can adapt and transform to the changing nature of the environment is at the forefront for most consumers,” he said. “While there may be some impact from the end of government stimulus, we expect demand for technology and home entertainment to remain strong.” With the relaxation of restrictions in most states, Epson is returning to more ‘normal’ business operations. “However, there are a few retailers that still have some Covid restrictions in place.” Epson has continued with product launches via virtual events but is looking forward to physical events and trade shows returning in the coming months. “We are trying to bring in more stock that caters to customer requirements. To ensure those models run out quickly, we have a separate task force team in place to address stock challenges which have been more frequent than ever. The challenges might not go away in the immediate future due to the complex nature of the supply chain.” AR

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE AR

PANASONIC

Aaron Waters Product Marketing Manager – Audio & Video Australian consumers have increased their investment in their home theatre set-up as they spend more time at home, Panasonic’s Aaron Waters said. “With consumers demanding high-quality AV in the lounge room, UHD Blu-ray players like Panasonic’s UB9000, produce precise colours in ultra-high definition to deliver the highest quality viewing experience. “Adding to this, Australians are in a sportsentertainment frenzy, and this trend will no doubt remain throughout 2021 with events like the Tokyo Olympic Games ensuring continued demand for home entertainment products.” Waters said demand is also being driven by restrictions on interstate and overseas holidays, with consumers investing in home entertainment systems instead. “The importance of digital channels has grown for both traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and pureplay retailers over the past few years but dramatically increased since the start of the pandemic.”

Panasonic Ultra HD BluRay Player UB9000GN1

`HCX Processor with original imaging technologies `Supports HDR10+ and offers compatibility with Dolby Vision `THX-certified to reproduce detailed images the film creator intended `Drive base with threedimensional, thick steel plate to reduce vibration and noise

“

The importance of digital channels has grown for both traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and pureplay retailers over the past few years but dramatically increased since the start of the pandemic.

”

RRP: $1,799

Waters acknowledged that many retailers have faced multiple disruptions to their logistical operations and supply chains over the past 12 months, while simultaneously seeing sharp increases in consumer demand for just-intime delivery. AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

FROM THE FLOOR

Todd’s Hi-Fi ALAN TODD

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

here has been a significant increase in demand for TVs during the Covid period. According to Todd’s Hi-Fi director, Alan Todd, demand has been driven by a shortage of computer monitors to meet working from home requirements, as well as an increased number of people at home, influencing the purchase of a second or third TV. “Consumers have been chasing size for many years now and I see that trend continuing but more recently, the major consideration has been availability of stock. TVs can be an emotional purchase and having stock ready to go has been one of the keys to our success,” Todd said. Todd’s Hi-Fi is an audio specialist member of Bi-Rite, which has forecast stock for the group to help ensure good supply. “Forecasting and forward orders has never been more important. Moving forward, we are hearing of more stock issues due to shipping, manufacturing and componentry issues, so the months ahead will continue to be challenging.” Speaking on new technology, Todd said the latest TV ranges incorporate some exciting features, including an updated user interface and panel design from Samsung and enhanced picture quality from LG’s new OLED evo. “There has been an increasing focus on the way we interact with our TVs whether it is the use of a multi-screen display on one panel or the new ways of sharing via NFC,” he said. When asked about the shift to online shopping, Todd acknowledged the significant role of online, particularly during lockdowns, with the retailer growing its own online sales. “But the TV category is one that needs to be experienced and something that we strive to offer in our showrooms and experience centres.” On a final note, Todd said he is not overly optimistic that TV sales will remain as strong as they were in 2020, although “equalling last year’s sales may be a challenge but not entirely out of the question”. AR

FEATURE

BBQ & Alfresco Gas BBQs / Charcoal BBQs / Alfresco Refrigeration / Outdoor Rangehoods

Dine in luxury with Steel's range of handcrafted outdoor kitchens.

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO FEATURE

Gas BBQs remain king although charcoal CONTINUES TO GROW BY EMILY BENCIC

harcoal barbecues saw the strongest growth in 2020, supported by strong activity around education and promotional activity, according to Euromonitor data. “Charcoal is considered to provide a better cooking result and enhance the flavour of foods with several cooking shows promoting charcoal cooking and smoking,” research analyst Angeliki Sfikas said. However, gas barbecues still have the highest penetration rate, with innovation remaining a key area when

it comes to Australians upgrading their existing barbecues. “Electric barbecue options remain limited in Australia with only a few brands starting to launch versatile options for both indoor and outdoor use, also suitable for apartment living. Consumers are spending more time cooking and entertaining at home which has supported overall spending on barbecues.” A positive move for the alfresco industry is the introduction of more requirements from councils and state building legislation, including flame failure as standard across all BBQs and safety switches to rangehoods and gas lines. AR

BUILT FOR THE AUSSIE SUMMER

www.huskybrand.com.au 36

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

TROPICAL RATED

RATED IPX4 WATER RESISTANT

LED 304-GRADE LIGHTING STAINLESS STEEL

BBQ & ALFRESCO FEATURE AR

ARISIT

Rachael Williams National Sales and Marketing Manager – Specialist Brands Consumers are spending more time online researching products prior to purchase and as a result, are more knowledgeable on what is available on the market, according to Arisit’s Rachael Williams. “Black remains a growing trend in BBQs, fridges and rangehoods, and one that is here to stay as more options are introduced. Arisit already offers fridges and hoods in black finishes with a range of BBQs available soon,” she said. Sales remain strong as people place more value on entertaining at home, although Williams expects sales to level out as government support is reduced and removed. “We have been fortunate as an industry during this pandemic. People spending more time at home has been fantastic for sales of products like BBQs and fridges.”

Husky Alfresco Black Back Bar Fridge ALF-C2BLK-840

`Anti-condensation glass `Sealed vermin-proof condenser `0 to 10 degrees Celsius `Available in one, two or three-door models RRP: From $1,599

“

Black remains a growing trend in BBQs, fridges and rangehoods, and one that is here to stay as more options are introduced. Arisit already offers fridges and hoods in black finishes with a range of BBQs available soon.

”

The Arisit team has been focusing on delivering one-on-one training with sales staff and has found direct training to be more advantageous than group training, with Williams suggesting that brands receive “more honest feedback”. Arisit will be launching new product later in the year with features “not usually seen on BBQs”, leveraging online videos to educate end consumers. Although product orders are coming through at a steady pace, shipping costs are unprecedented, Williams said. “It’s almost at a bidding stage to get a container shipped with whoever is willing to pay the most. Also, the inconsistent information being supplied, and delays throughout the supply chain is making the situation worse. The end user has a bit of understanding, but the retail staff need to better manage customer expectations.” AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO FEATURE

EUROLINX

Daniel Bertuccio Marketing Manager Growth in the BBQ and alfresco category has continued into 2021 for Artusi with momentum gained in 2020 showing no signs of slowing down. “The popularity of home entertaining is not going away and outdoor remains a key space and collective part of today’s new home design and renovation planning,” Eurolinx’s Daniel Bertuccio said. “Consumers are getting more creative and designing a functional space within the home. Appliances in demand are in-line with the kind of professional equipment that they would seek for their kitchens.” Despite the end of JobKeeper and other government support measures, Eurolinx has not experienced any definitive signs of a sales slowdown. “The people that are lucky enough to have the budget to create these outdoor spaces in their home will continue to do so,” he said. 38

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Artusi 80cm BBQ ABBQM2

`Three gas burners `Flat and ribbed cooking surface `Single piece seamless marine stainless steel `Flame failure and removable burners RRP: $2,449

“

The popularity of home entertaining is not going away and outdoor remains a key space and collective part of today’s new home design.

”

Amid restrictions on in-store demonstrations . and in-person retail training, Bertuccio said it is a different way of doing business, but “Eurolinx will continue to work closely with its retail partners and their own internal training systems to ensure that information is being fed through as often possible”. As for supply chain disruptions, the company is focusing on what can be controlled and adapting on the go. “Open lines of communication with our customers is the best solution here.” Artusi recently launched its new AOF2B back bar beverage centre in black and will launch two new built-in BBQ additions in 80cm and 60cm options later in 2021. AR

Sirius SL920 FRESCO 1200 model rangehood shown Capital ACG52RBI.1 model barbecue shown

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Make a statement with Sirius. Alfresco hood solution specialists 1. World leader in technology & design. 2. No-drip induction safe filtration system. (Tested to CEU/IEC 61591)

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4. Designer lighting: 40% more light, up to 6500 Kelvin. 5. European parts and craftsmanship since 1996.

Year Warranty when Sirius Ducting is used*.

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AR BBQ & ALFRESCO FEATURE

Traeger Grills Timberline Series

`Three tiers of stainless steel grates `Super Smoke mode to enhance the flavour at the touch of a button `D2 Timberline controller maintains precise temperature for consistent results `WiFire technology to control the grill remotely using the Traeger app to adjust temperature, monitor food, browse recipes and more RRP: From $899.95

TRAEGER GRILLS David Chegwyn Director

Traeger Grills has seen increased consumer interest over the last 12 months, driven by heightened awareness of pellet grilling.

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

With restrictions easing, people are now able to host gatherings at home with family and friends around the BBQ, Shriro’s Bruce Elder said. “People have become accustomed to entertaining in the safety of their own backyards and are looking to update and upgrade their BBQs and alfresco areas as a result. We’re also seeing more people conducting research online with an increase in BBQ search terms and growth in our website visitors.” Elder said it is difficult to predict how the end of government stimulus such as JobKeeper will impact the category but remains positive that sales will continue to be strong, given that overseas travel isn’t likely to open up in the near future. “This will extend the trend of people spending money in their own home, entertainment areas and gardens.”

Shriro plans to continue the use of digital marketing to convey its brand message on innovation and design through quality content and working with local influential talent. “Consumer promotions are planned with key brand partners around core selling periods within the season.”

Traeger Grills has conducted several Traeger Cooking Experiences across the country with demonstration teams in most areas. “We have also hosted cooking demonstrations online and built an array of digital tools to support our retail partners.”

When asked about stock shortages and increased logistics costs, Chegwyn said Traeger Grills has regular meetings with its local retailers to discuss sales momentum and ensure they forecast accordingly. “We also have strong insights into US trends that has helped us boost inventory in a timely manner.” AR

Bruce Elder National Accounts Manager – Seasonal Division

With restrictions on sales training, Shriro has focused on developing its own digital assets including a series of how-to videos available to customers and retail partners for training and sales development. “Where possible, small socially distanced training sessions are taking place with retailers at their request, working with current restrictions,” he said.

“With people spending more time researching online, they have found a new way to BBQ with pellet grilling. The enhanced taste from cooking with wood elevates the experience and I expect sales to continue to grow as users share their experiences about how easy it is to cook and achieve perfect results every time,” David Chegwyn said.

The company has a strong customer following with people sharing their cooking experiences and recipes, which forms a significant part of the Traeger Grills online content. “The recipes tend to highlight new product technologies and cooking with a WiFi enabled grill via the app.”

SHRIRO

In light of disruptions to logistics, Shriro has increased production with its factories after extensive planning and discussions with retail partners to forecast stock. AR

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal HUB II

`Fast Flame ignition `Easy to clean with seamless firebox `Motorised rotisserie poles for easy height adjustment `Titanium steel finishings and stylish matte black colour RRP: $2,699

BBQ & ALFRESCO FEATURE AR

FROM THE FLOOR

Outdoors Domain NICK SIMPFENDORFER

utdoors Domain has reported strong sales throughout the 20-21 financial year. From freestanding BBQs to smokers, outdoor furniture, outdoor heating and alfresco kitchens, all categories have experienced good growth, according to director, Nick Simpfendorfer. “Our growth has been driven by solid consumer brand recognition, good availability and a strong online presence which played a role in surviving the challenges Of Covid-19,” he told Appliance Retailer. From Easter onwards, sales have stabilised with seasonality returning to sales trends. “Naturally as the weather cools, heating sales pick up and outdoor kitchen sales remain consistent as a considered purchase.” Most new home builds in the past 10 years include an alfresco area so it has quicky become another room to utilise and entertain when maximising space. “From the day our Melbourne store opened over 10 years ago, Outdoors Domain has specialised in alfresco kitchen solutions to fit many shapes and budgets, and we continue to see improvements in category performance.”

When considering upgrades to the alfresco area, a good BBQ is at the top of the list with several considerations including the type of food customers plan to cook, how many people they host and how much space they have. “An outdoor refrigerator is also high on the list as it provides an option to keep drinks cool outdoors. Even when summer is long gone, backyard entertaining doesn’t stop, which means outdoor heaters are ideal to extend the use of the space in cooler weather.” Outdoors Domain is an Australian owned and operated business established in 2008 and later launched its website in 2010, with retail outlets and offices in Mount Waverley, Victoria and North Lakes, Queensland, which opened in 2019. “We aim to provide a seamless and secure online shopping experience, with access to a massive range of products at great prices. We dispatch 99% of orders within 24 hours and offer exceptional customer service that does not stop once we receive payment,” Simpfendorfer said. Outdoors Domain is a leading stockist of brands including Gasmate, Artusi, Beefeater, Hark, GMG, Gasmaster, Fontana, Infratech, Exacalibur Outdoor Living, Cabinex and more. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR SMART HOME FEATURE

Security a top priority in smart home ecosystem BY EMILY BENCIC

he smart home market experienced a 39% increase in units and 37% rise in value for the year to February 2021, according to GfK data. Indoor/outdoor security cameras saw unit sales grow by 52% in 2020 as consumers spent more time on DIY projects at home. Wi-Fi routers was another growth category with a sales uplift of 29% as more people worked and studied from home, driving replacement units to ensure a stable connection for increased internet usage. Smart voice speakers are growing 4% year-on-year, led by models with a display screen, which now account for almost three out of every 10 units sold. Smart speakers without a display are declining by 6% but still account for just over 70% of total sales. Telsyte’s IoT@Home Market Study 2020 has shown that more than one-third (36%) of Australians have made changes to their homes since the pandemic, making it more comfortable for living. “Home security has been one of the top priorities for Australians when it comes to looking for smart home devices. Across a wide range of energy, security and lifestyle IoT@

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Home devices measured by Telsyte, video doorbells and locks, as well as smart monitoring cameras, were the top performing categories for sales in 2020,” Telsyte senior analyst, Alvin Lee told Appliance Retailer. The research also found a growing interest in security automation, especially more advanced features enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI). “Smart monitoring cameras for other than security purposes are also gaining popularity, such as pet monitoring cameras.” Looking ahead, Lee expects migration from traditional security surveillance services to IoT@Home smart security subscriptions. “There is also potential for more inclusion of mobile connectivity such as eSIMs and 5G to accommodate provisioning of monitoring services over cellular networks.” Demand for intelligent and automated monitoring services is predicted to increase as more consumers adopt smart monitoring cameras. However, as part of the long-term trends monitored by Telsyte, online privacy and cybersecurity concerns remain high. “We believe better data management, transparency and continued improvement in cybersecurity will help to win the trust of consumers,” he said. AR

SMART HOME FEATURE AR

BRILLIANT LIGHTING

Brilliant Lighting is investing in digital marketing initiatives and media advertising including the use of influencers. “We are also building a strategy around transformative marketing which will focus on customer buying journeys.”

Norman Levin Founder

The key trend in the home security market is interconnectivity of smart devices with exponential growth of Wi-Fi connected products, Brilliant Lighting’s Norman Levin said. “The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more important in the workplace and the home as it impacts how we work and how we live. This connectivity has extended to include lighting, audio-visual, security, ventilation, energy consumption and cost reduction and other appliances in the home,” he said. Brilliant Lighting is not expecting any slowdown on the current momentum and is optimistic for the year ahead. “Australia appears to be continuing its impressive V-shaped recovery with GDP rebounding.” The company has produced e-learning modules and YouTube videos accessible on its website that assist the consumer with ‘how-to’ and training assets. “We also offer virtual tours of our fully ‘smart’ functional showroom that is being used for demonstrations.”

Nexus Ultimate Home Gateway

`Manage and control energy devices using one single app `Supports over 500 brands and 200,000 devices `Supports all prominent protocol standards including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and Infrared `Works with old and new devices including new smart models RRP: $359

On a final note about product availability, Levin said: “Our forward planning has been very successful. Our customers have not suffered any significant impact of stock outage as a result of increased demand.” AR

“

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more important in the workplace and the home as it impacts how we work and how we live.

”

www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR SMART HOME FEATURE

“

UNIDEN

Brad Hales National Marketing & Communications Manager

Consumers are demanding more from smart home technology, preferring feature-packed products that serve multiple functions.

Demand for smart technology and home automation has increased dramatically, as Australians concentrate on finding products that improve their home environment, communication, and sense of security, according to Uniden’s Brad Hales.

”

“Smart home technology is more affordable and accessible than ever, allowing consumers to effortlessly integrate everyday products and devices seamlessly,” he said. “As the market starts to mature, users are getting used to each brand ecosystem with apps and will tend to stick with the brands they trust. The customisable combinations can create a personalised smart home setup without the need for professional installation and ongoing costs.” Hales acknowledged that it’s difficult to predict the effects the vaccine rollout and changing government support measures will have on sales but does see the adoption and upgrade of smart home security continuing to grow. “With hybrid work arrangements creating more flexibility for many, there is a rise in the value of personal assets and remote-working equipment, such as phones and laptops, kept at home. “Further, people want to easily facilitate contactless delivery with online purchases and delivery services gaining further momentum. Surveillance products such as the Uniden App Cam Solo Pro can provide visual verification of items arriving at the door, with the added benefit of two-way talk to provide further instruction to couriers, trades and other visitors when away from home.” Consumers are demanding more from smart home technology, preferring feature-packed products that serve multiple functions, so sales staff must be familiar with the many integrated features of each product, to be able to sell the wider lifestyle benefits of smart home cameras. “We ensure investment in strong packaging that helps floor staff quickly compare and explain the benefits of our home security range, supported by eye-catching displays and video content. Product videos for social media and stand displays tailored for certain retailers enrich the research process when purchasing a smart home product.” 44

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Uniden App Cam HOME+

`2.5K (4MP) indoor pan and tilt camera `Three times optical zoom `355-degree pan and 50-degree tilt `Free seven days of rolling cloud backup and Micro SD card backup RRP: $149.95

Cloud-based storage solutions continue to grow in popularity, providing convenient storage that’s easily accessed by anyone in the household. “From a consumer benefit perspective, it is important to highlight that Uniden security cameras have no hidden subscription costs with free seven days of cloud backup. This ensures low cost of ownership and on-demand scalability for consumers," Hales said. The Uniden App Cam Solo Pro and the App Cam Solo 4G PT are the latest additions to the App Cam Solo range. The App Cam Solo PRO features a wire-free spotlight and camera, Full HD 1080p resolution and Starlight CMOS sensor. The App Cam Solo 4G PT is ideal for rural homes, farms, construction sites, marinas or holidays homes where the camera is unable to connect to the home Wi-Fi and instead uses cellular 4G connectivity. AR

One control for all your appliances and smart devices

Controls over 500 brands and 200,000+ models

The BrilliantSmart Nexus Universal Gateway is the most advanced, powerful and intuitive home automation system that allows control of your Lighting, Electrical, Audio Visual and Security smart devices and many branded household appliances – all from your smart phone or tablet.

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Connect and operate 200,000 appliances and other smart products using one App

Infrared technology

Replaces your remote controls

WiFi devices

Can operate and control from remote locations

Allows you to program many actions and set schedules

Bluetooth technology

Able to use voice commands to control actions

Zigbee wireless technology

Make your home a smart home with Brilliant For more information visit brilliantlighting.com.au/nexusgateway

AR SMART HOME FEATURE

ARLO TECHNOLOGIES

Brad Little Vice President & Managing Director – Asia Pacific The home security market has seen a sharp increase in online purchases of smart solutions, reaching its peak during Q3 in 2020, according to Arlo’s Brad Little. “Even with the lifting of restrictions, and consumers able to return to physical stores, convenience and safety remain major factors in the path-to-purchase. This has demonstrated how important it is for retailers to have an omnichannel presence,” he said. While there is always potential for sales momentum to be affected by government announcements, such as the end of JobKeeper, Arlo anticipates category growth and demand to remain strong.

Connect Smarthome Smart Deadbolt with Fingerprint CSH-DEDBLTBIO

`Four unique access methods including passcode, fingerprint, smart card and physical key `New or retrofit Installation with 60mm standard bolt that can fit existing holes `Generate temporary passcodes remotely for time limited access `Powered by four AA batteries RRP: $249.95

“We have positioned ourselves well by having product ranges with multiple price points, such as our Essentials range, which provides an entry point for new consumers.”

Arlo Pro 4 WireFree Spotlight Camera

`2K video with HDR `Colour night vision `160-degree viewing angle and integrated spotlight `Connects directly to Wi-Fi for simple setup, eliminating the need for a separate base station RRP: From $369 for a single camera

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

There has been increased interest and investment in comfort, convenience and safety for the home, which has supported the smart home category throughout the pandemic, according to Laser’s Chris Lau.

Laser does not see government support measures, including JobKeeper as a key driver for the sales spike. Instead, this has been driven by people spending more time at home and with technology.

Arlo has been exploring a variety of communication channels and tactics to support new innovations; most notably TV advertising campaigns during the KFC Big Bash League in January 2021 and start of the NRL season in March 2021.

Chris Lau Managing Director

“Consumers remain most interested in the basics looking to expand their smart home systems rather than advance to more complicated technology. This is the case especially with affordable smart bulbs, smart switches, and cameras,” he said.

Prior to Covid-19, Arlo had processes and tools in place to communicate with retailers in remote and hard-to-reach locations, so when restrictions were introduced, the company applied those tactics to communicate with all retail partners. “We are working closely with them within their guidelines to ensure safe communication.”

“Our desire to raise awareness of the smart home category, and showcase the synergies between technologies, has led us to collaborate with other smart home brands.” AR

LASER

“Our focus has always been on affordability to drive adoption, and based on retailer discussions and forecasts, we are confident that category growth will continue. Our sales data showed numbers were three to four times higher in most categories, and smart home is right in the thick of this with Google Home and Amazon Alexa taking off during this period,” Lau said. “We believe sales momentum won’t drop post-Covid but return to a steadier rate of sustained ongoing growth. Various lockdowns have helped customers become more familiar with the category and we expect them to be more eager to embrace smart technology and continue to use it.” Given many stores have changed their requirements about when and how brands can support in store, Laser has had to pivot to ensure they are still providing the best possible support to retail partners. AR

SMART HOME FEATURE AR

SWANN

Jeremy Stewart Vice President Global Marketing Swann’s Jeremy Stewart said it has been interesting to observe the implications of working from home on the smart home category, as technology becomes more fundamental to daily life. “As consumers shift their spending priorities away from holidays and eating out towards adding more comfort and convenience to their home, there is a greater investment in Internet of Things (IoT) technology. “As a result, there has been a rise in smart home security. From smart cameras to smart doorbells, consumers want devices that have it all, but also seek options that seamlessly integrate with their smart home platform.”

D-Link DCS8300LHV2 Full HD Wi-Fi Camera

Ènhanced sound and motion detection ÀI-based person detection intelligently identifies human motion ÌR night vision up to five metres to see what’s happening even in total darkness `Two-way audio with built-in microphone and speaker RRP: $129.95

As people settle into the next stage of the ‘new normal’, Swann is preparing for an initial phase of conservative spending, before consumer confidence starts to improve.

D-LINK

Graeme Reardon Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand

“We know consumers desire an engaging and tactile retail experience. To ensure we deliver this, we have transitioned to doing more online and virtual training sessions, coupled with our return to in-store training and visits.”

D-Link witnessed a slowdown in smart security cameras as people worked from home and adhered to social restrictions; however, with more people returning to the workplace, there has been a resurgence in the category.

Looking further into 2021, Stewart expects the retail landscape to be increasingly omnichannel.

“The opposite is somewhat true for Wi-Fi routers with a huge influx of customers looking to upgrade and refresh their home network to support video calls, and now the category is moving back towards pre-pandemic levels,” Graeme Reardon said.

“We have expanded our reach across multiple platforms, including investing in targeted social campaigns. As restrictions ease and consumers return to visiting physical retail, we plan to utilise more of our retail partners’ platforms and provide virtual training sessions to elevate new product launches.” AR

“However, with Wi-Fi 6 now becoming more prevalent in the market, there is a swing in sales volume from Wi-Fi 5 towards this newer technology.”

Swann Xtreem Security Camera

`Full HD video and two-way talk `100% wireless design with easy DIY setup `Battery life up to six months `Swann’s True Detect heat and motionsensing technology RRP: $249.95

Early in the pandemic, D-Link quickly moved to virtual training and there was strong attendance from retail partners with over 100 people across each of the 15 events from March to November 2020. “Sales staff were eager to learn more about the underlying technology of our products that each virtual training event focused on.” On the back of ongoing investments in local warehousing and logistics over many years, D-Link claims it was able to handle stock shortages during 2020. “While various products went in and out of stock on occasion, overall, we were able to work with our partners, and ensure forecasts and requirements were met.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE

Headphones become must-have item for remote working

SONY

Julien Goyet Product Manager – Headphones The headphone market was described as “dynamic” by Sony’s Julien Goyet, with the mass shift to remote working leading to strong interest in headphones, particularly those with noise cancelling functionality. “While the travel segment was initially affected, the headphones category is so diverse. Different form factors and specifications saw Sony able to respond with the right products based on customer demand,” he said. Despite the end of government stimulus, Sony continues to see stable growth and interest in the headphone category, driven by its wide range of products from entry-level to premium. 48

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Sony Headphones WH-1000XM4

`Noise Cancelling functionality `Up to 30 hours battery life `Adjust ambient sound with the Sony Headphones Connect app `Dual noise sensor technology featuring two microphones on each earcup RRP: $499

Headphones remain one of the strongest performing categories in consumer electronics, according to GfK data for the year to February 2021, with units up 13% and value increasing 27%. This was driven almost solely by the true wireless segment as other headphone types either stagnate or decline. True wireless headphone sales more than doubled during the period and for the first time, eclipsed wired in-ear models. Wired in-ear remains sizeable in unit terms, though sales are declining 4% year-on-year.

Sony quickly adapted to an online world during the height of the pandemic by engaging with most retail partners through online training and livestreams amid restrictions. Many businesses including Sony saw their own digital transformation expedited. “Whilst our messaging hasn’t diverted, our method of communicating has with our awareness of evolving online activities vital to our strategy.” With regard to product availability, Sony has seen little to no impact in the headphone category over the last 12 months. “Working closely with our retail partners, we were focused on choosing the products to support consumer needs,” he said. AR

PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE AR

PANASONIC

Aaron Waters Product Marketing Manager – Audio & Video Wireless personal audio technology has risen in popularity, allowing Australians to study, work and play in their own home, Panasonic’s Aaron Waters said. “With working from home now part of the new ‘normal’, we have seen an increase in virtual meetings and calls, and in turn, market demand for high-quality wireless earphones has grown.” Further, physical and mental wellbeing is front of mind in 2021, with many consumers replacing their daily commute with outdoor exercise. “In turn, demand is strong for comfortable, tanglefree and durable earphones for listeners on the go. This is supported by the adoption of wireless earphones that pair with fitness trackers, delivering an all-in-one, seamless workout experience,” he said. While the reduction of government support has meant consumers may spend less on ‘big ticket’ items, sales of ‘little luxuries’ have seen an increase.

Panasonic True Wireless Earphones RZS300W

`Compact and lightweight design is splash-proof equivalent to IPX4 `Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity delivers an uninterrupted listening experience even in high-traffic areas `Three highperformance MicroElectro-Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones in each earpiece contribute to superior noise cancelling performance `Compatibility with the Panasonic Audio Connect app to control settings and customise listening modes via smartphone RRP: $169

“Consumers will likely continue to spend money on products they deem to be important for dayto-day activities like exercise or work, as well as products that offer convenience and value for money.” Panasonic’s digital competencies has positioned the company well to address many of the challenges posed by Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, while also evolving its in-person sales activities to adhere to official Covidsafe guidelines. “Training of retail staff is still key to assist the consumer buying process – be it socially distanced in-person or via digital means with the likes of instructional videos or online training.” Diversification and protection of supply chains will be a significant focus for many companies in 2021 and beyond, including Panasonic. “With many learnings from last year and the start of this year informing strategy, we are actively forward-planning with our retail partners well in advance to manage supply in line with consumer demand.” AR

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AR PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE

Tony Brown Marketing Manager – Home Entertainment

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During the pandemic, personal audio moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have as several people worked in shared spaces of the household, LG’s Tony Brown said.

In the last six to 12 months, we have seen a trend of Australians using headphones more at home due to the freedom offered to accompany daily tasks like work calls, household chores, at-home workouts and even connecting to the big screen TV.

“Headphones and earbuds were previously used to stream audio on the morning and afternoon commute, which quickly changed when almost all of Australia moved inside. In the last six to 12 months, we have seen a trend of Australians using headphones more at home due to the freedom offered to accompany daily tasks like work calls, household chores, at-home workouts and even connecting to the big screen TV.”

”

LG consumer research in 2020 showed that almost six in 10 (59%) of Australians were using earbuds most in the home and 40% during daily tasks to support the new demands of everyday life. LG expects consumers will rely on products that adapt to the constant shifts both inside and outside the home, and as many workplaces adapt to a hybrid working arrangement, personal audio has a major role to play, according to Brown. “With Bluetooth connectivity, features including Echo Cancellation and Passive Noise Cancellation, the LG TONE FN6 earbuds are an ideal hybrid working companion. The close in-ear fit provides a seal that helps block out surrounding noise while the high-performance dual microphones work simultaneously to detect and minimise unwanted noise. The microphone positioned at the end of the stem picks up and amplifies vocals, ideal when on video conference calls,” he said. As retailers introduced restrictions on sales representatives, LG product trainers shifted to deliver online content and virtual training. “We hope they can return to stores to provide face-to-face training to our retail partners with the easing of restrictions.” With ongoing disruption to product availability, LG is working with its retail partners and overseas factories to help meet heightened demand. “More time spent at home during the pandemic meant increased consumer awareness around whether products met the needs of their everyday life.” AR 50

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

LG Tone Free Wireless Earbuds FN6

`Ambient Sound mode `Compatibility with Google Assistant and Siri `Meridian Audio technology to deliver an immersive experience `Industry-first UV nano case which kills 99.9% of bacteria after 10 minutes of charging RRP: $259

PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE AR

JABRA

Rishi Chawla Director for Retail & Online – Australia and New Zealand There has been a significant market shift with consumers rapidly moving towards true wireless products from the traditional over-ear or on-ear headphones, Jabra’s Rishi Chawla said. “Consumers are looking for increased connectivity and flexibility. Premium devices like the Jabra Elite series allow consumers to have an all-in-one device with great fit, sound quality and the ability to make work calls on the go.”

JBL Live Free NC+ TWS

Jabra has been engaging with floor sales staff through retailer training and communication portals, while regularly supplying training content to ensure new and existing staff have the latest information available.

`JBL Signature Sound `Waterproof and sweatproof with IPX7 rating `Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient `Seven hours of playback or 14 hours in the case plus wireless charging compatible

“We are also investing in new product displays to help consumers seamlessly navigate our products and the broader category. We hope to see the gradual easing of restrictions, so we can again engage floor sales staff in person and provide valuable one-on-one training,” Chawla said.

RRP: $249.95

HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES

Amrit Lall Product Manager Consumer Audio – Australia and New Zealand

Jabra’s new product pipeline is the result of a collaboration between the engineering team under its parent company, GN Group, medical device team, enterprise team and consumer team.

Harman has seen a huge shift towards the true wireless headphone category and sports headphones are becoming more popular as people seek products for the gym and outdoor use.

“Although the pandemic has been challenging, it has provided us with unique opportunities to be creative in demonstrating how our products integrate with everyday life. We are looking to apply more of this creative thinking in launching our new pipeline.” AR

“

We are also investing in new product displays to help consumers seamlessly navigate our products and the broader category. We hope to see the gradual easing of restrictions, so we can again engage floor sales staff in person and provide valuable one-on-one training.

”

“Consumers want products that allow them to work from home and on the go,” Amrit Lall said. He believes the end of JobKeeper may cause some market softness, although younger people who have lost casual employment may be affected the most.

Jabra Elite 85t

Àdjustable Active Noise Cancellation and HearThrough `12mm speakers for big sound and powerful bass Ùp to 5.5 hours battery or 25 hours with case (ANC on) ÌPX4-rated with twoyear warranty against dust and water RRP: $299

“We have increased our use of online portals for staff training and interactions with retail head offices more frequently to support staff and communicate product information. With regard to stock, we are forecasting further out to secure stock from factories and working with local distributors to hold higher stock levels.” Harman is supporting new product innovations with social media campaigns across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. “We are working with our retailer partners for print and digital exposure, as well as local and global brand ambassadors to support consumer awareness, in addition to sponsoring key events to drive engagement at a grass roots level.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE

SONOS Sonos Roam

`Waterproof and dustproof with IP67 rating `Up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge `New Sound Swap feature to switch the music from room to room `Automatic Trueplay means the speaker is always tuned for the best listening experience in any environment RRP: $279

Richard O’Carroll Senior Manager – AV/IS ANZ & Business Development APAC Sonos has observed several trends that have emerged from the pandemic, supporting significant growth in the consumer electronics category. “Consumers reinvested their discretionary income into their homes and people started to see the value of upgrading their home entertainment systems. Increased demand for larger TVs was met by heightened demand for all-in-one speakers, which was great for our brand,” Richard O’Carroll said. Working and learning from home placed a huge focus, and in some cases strain, on the household set-up with people using different rooms for multiple functions. “For example, a living room might be a classroom by day, a home gym in the afternoon and a home theatre at night. As a multi-room sound system that supports multiple voice assistants, Sonos Radio and hundreds of music and content services, plays nicely to our strengths.” Looking ahead to the remainder of 2021, O’Carroll said there aren’t any signs of a slowdown in spending on consumer electronics. “As travel remains limited, people continue to invest carefully in quality for their home.” When it comes to retail sales training, Sonos believes it doesn’t have to be ‘on the ground’ to provide support and training. “Instead, we offer regular training modules via video, team briefings and regular catch ups.” As for communicating new product launches, Sonos works with its partners to develop the goto-market strategy. “The level of support depends on the partner, the product and the campaign but we’re open to working with retailers on getting the best sales result.” Sonos has adopted a multi-faceted approach to supply issues, working to efficiently allocate existing stock across all channel partners, while fine-tuning forecast requirements and increasing capacity with manufacturing and logistics teams and partners. “While the immediate supply situation has improved over the previous months, it is still a dynamic situation that requires constant monitoring,” he said. AR

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

“

Increased demand for larger TVs was met by heightened demand for allin-one speakers, which was great for our brand.

”

PERSONAL AUDIO FEATURE AR

AMBER TECHNOLOGY Alberto Zamudio General Manager

True Wireless Stereo (TWS) expansion has been one of the major trends in the personal audio category with an emphasis on noise cancelling functionality, according to Amber Technology’s Alberto Zamudio. “Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones are no longer for exclusive use when traveling on planes and public transport. They are now for general use, with an emphasis on other features including audio quality, design, comfort, battery life and ambient noise pass through,” he said.

Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC

`Dual-mic noise cancellation `Seven hours of battery life or 21 hours in the case `Bragi Operating System with embedded artificial intelligence `Integrated Dirac HD sound technology to optimise sound performance digitally RRP: $429

Referring to initial employment figures released by the ABS for February 2021, Zamudio said the impact of the end of JobKeeper is not expected to cause any major concern to the personal audio sector from 2019 trends.

PREMIUM AUDIO COMPANY

Daniel Troy National Marketing and Training Manager

“We see 2020 as a special year. While it did yield positive results, it is not a foundation to reflect growth in this category for 2021 onwards.”

The obvious boom segment in the personal audio category is true wireless earbuds due to their flexibility, long battery life and improved sound performance in a compact form factor, Premium Audio Company’s (PAC) Daniel Troy said.

Amber Technology has supported retail partners with extensive point-of-sale material and project installations, in combination with enhanced digital content to further enhance the brand’s offering. “Omnichannel retailing has become a critical strategy that cannot be ignored. It is essential for both suppliers and retailers to be consistently present in both physical and online retail space. Although digital will be important moving forward, the power of traditional bricks-andmortar must be recognised.” AR

“Much like the overall headphone market, the competition is fierce with hundreds of options for consumers, and every brand has an offering in each category,” he said.

Jays t-Seven True Wireless

`Active Noise Cancelling eliminates up to 25dB of background noise `Five hours playtime and up to 25 hours total playtime with the charging case `Auto ear detection stops playback when earphones are removed from the ears `Hear-Through mode to check on surroundings or engage in conversations without removing the earphones RRP: $249.95

“The challenge for the consumer, especially with an increased focus around health and sanitisation, is feeling the fit, comfort and performance of an earbud. As consumers return to daily commuting, I expect this category to continue to grow at pace.” Klipsch is the McLaren F1 Team Official Audio Partner, so a significant amount of focus will be around leveraging this brand opportunity, including the recent launch of the Klipsch McLaren T5 II True Wireless Sport Earphones. “This is not just a license agreement, but a technology partnership, utilising materials from both parties to craft these products, with more Klipsch McLaren products set to launch shortly,” Troy said. “The brand exposure from the Formula 1 season, with Australian Daniel Riccardo driving for McLaren, and the popularity of the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’, sees the Klipsch name featured on the McLaren team headphones across all platforms.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE

Keeping close to home placing more importance on air purity BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

ir purifiers saw 19% volume growth in 2020 with doubledigit growth predicted throughout 2021. “Consumers are more aware than ever when it comes to quality of air ever since the pandemic outbreak, with an increasing number of Australians purchasing air purifiers for their home offices while they spent more time indoors,” Euromonitor analyst Angeliki Sfikas said. “Increasing education around the benefits of air purifiers for respiratory conditions such as asthma has also been supporting sales.” More brands have launched into this space in 2020 as both Kmart and Aldi release private

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

label air purifiers due to increased demand, she said. According to GfK, air purifiers are aligned with two broad trends driving the small appliance market. This is automation/ simplification and health and wellbeing, leading to strong rates of category growth, up 42% in units and 26% in value. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are also contributing to the lower-priced air cleaner category, which are solely designed to purify a dwelling and are driving volume. Demand peaked during the east-coast bushfires but has remained consistently high over the following 12 months, the research firm said. AR

AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE AR

HoMedics TotalClean Tower Air Purifier AP-T30WT

`True HEPA filtration and Carbon Odour filtration `Essential oil aroma tray and three oils pads (essential oils not included) `Nightlight display turns off in night mode `Three speeds RRP: $299.95

HOMEDICS

Yashinta Hynes Digital Marketing Coordinator “In the last 12 months, there has been a growing desire for air purification, although we know it’s important to regularly clean your home, clean air is often overlooked. With Covid-19 being the key topic of conversation, consumer behaviour has changed,” Yashinta Hynes said. “With the ability to work from home, teach your children from home and be surrounded by pets, it’s easy to underestimate what comes and goes throughout the household and we have been able to create a simple solution where consumers can breathe in clean, unpolluted air and that’s through an air purifier.” She said while retail sales have been volatile over the past 12 months, cutting through this volatility seems to have produced strong momentum, particularly for the health and wellness category. “Despite snap lockdowns and sudden changes, retail remains strong with the support of low interest rates, improving labour market conditions and elevated consumer confidence. However, there is definitely some weight on expenditure given the unwind of income support measures like JobKeeper. The company has needed to make precise changes to in-store demonstrations and staff training and these have been integrated into future plans. “As a family run business, we’re all about supporting our customers. In our most recent campaign for World Health Day, we worked with one of our partners, Sensitive Choice, to bring awareness for a healthier world.

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As a family run business, we’re all about supporting our customers. In our most recent campaign for World Health Day, we worked with one of our partners, Sensitive Choice, to bring awareness for a healthier world.

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“For us, our biggest focus is bringing customers the best products we can when they need it most and so far we’ve been able to do that.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE

DYSON

James Dyson Founder and Chief Engineer As our homes increasingly become spaces where we work and exercise as well as sleep and play, the quality of the air we breathe in all aspects of our routine is non-negotiable, according to Dyson. There are indoor pollution sources, which release pollutants including formaldehyde into the air. According to James Dyson, the company’s latest technology helps make homes more hygienic at a time when 90% of our time is spent indoors. “We are all cleaning more frequently and unknowingly surrounding ourselves with pollution sources like formaldehyde which can be released from paint, pressed wood and new furnishings. We have developed a purifier which senses particulate matter and VOCs, working to capture them, destroying formaldehyde for a lifetime,” Dyson said.

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

“Cleaner homes are healthier homes. Removing visible dust is not enough so we’ve pioneered intelligent air purifiers which detect and remove microscopic particles, reporting results back in real time. We are empowering people to breathe cleaner air and enjoy hygienic homes, taking back control of their indoor environment.” Dyson vice president of environmental care, Alex Knox said the off-gassing tendency of formaldehyde means it can go undetected in a home for years. “Dyson has engineered a machine that provides accurate and successful sensing, capture and destruction of the pollutant. Our solid-state sensor does not dry out overtime, lasting the lifetime of the machine. The Covid-19 pandemic has raised global awareness about the air that we breathe and Dyson’s commitment to providing cleaner air through innovation and technology remains at the forefront of our mission,” he said. AR

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde

`Formaldehyde sensor ensures precise sensing of the pollutant for the lifetime of the machine `Formaldehyde sensor does not dry out and cross-checks data every second `Selective Catalytic Oxidisation filter continuously destroys formaldehyde at a molecular level `Whole-machine HEPA filtration captures 99.95% of particles RRP: $999

AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE AR

DE’LONGHI

Dunya Abdurahmanovic Category Manager De’Longhi is launching a new range of dehumidifiers to help Australians combat indoor moisture levels, including the Tasciugo AriaDry models that feature a range of performance levels to suit any room with high levels of humidity. The models will be available through major retailers nationally. The range is being promoted in-store with premium display stands highlighting De’Longhi’s refreshed brand identity with a weather-targeted digital campaign.

De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry Pure DDSX220WF `2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier `Four-action filtration with HEPA E12 filter `Removes up to 21 litres of excess moisture in 24 hours `Can be monitored via smartphone app RRP: $649

De’Longhi has been engaging with sales staff with trainers offering Zoom training sessions with retailers throughout Covid. “The virtual engagement has been well received,” Dunya Abdurahmanovic said.

BREVILLE

Kathleen Chan Category Manager

According to De’Longhi, it is important to keep the temperature and humidity the same throughout the home to prevent moisture buildup which can lead to health complications from running and itchy noses through to asthma and eczema. AR

“Air purifiers have experienced a surge in growth in Australia as consumers become more aware of the air quality they breathe, driven by the bushfires of late 2019 and the air within their home environment,” Kathleen Chan said. Retailers have responded quickly to market demand and improved the overall category instore with increased space and merchandising, she said.

Breville Air Rounder Plus Connect LPH708

`Year-round purification with heating and cooling functions `Displays real-time visual readings `PM2.5 display and four-colour sensor light indicates harmful air particles `Recommended for medium rooms up to 40m² RRP: $599.95

“Products have also evolved with purifying performance now centered strongly around True HEPA filtration plus additional purifying technology such as ultraviolet light like Breville’s Microbe Shield that tackles airborne germs and bacteria. Importantly, within this category consumer education has featured highly, educating purchasers on air quality terminology such as PM2.5 particle size and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate),” Chan said. “At the same time, purifiers are moving toward automatic regulating, such as Breville’s SensAir Live Purity Control, which automatically monitors and maintains good air quality and features easyto-see visual air quality indicators. Connectivity is also the latest must-have, controlling the air quality of your home by smartphone, even when you are not there.” Breville markets five products in the category including the new Air Rounder Plus Connect and Air Rounder Connect, in addition to Smart Air Plus, Smart Air Connect and Easy Air Connect models. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE

SAMSUNG

Jeremy Senior Head of Consumer Electronics “Air purifiers are designed to make air in the home as pure and healthy as possible,” Jeremy Senior said. “Australians are conscious of the air we breathe and at Samsung we are committed to bringing meaningful innovation into homes that help make our lives easier, which is especially true of air purifiers especially as we approach hay fever season.”

Beurer Air Humidifier/ Aroma Diffuser LB37TOFFEE

`Aromatherapy capability infuses room with fragrance `Optional night mode `Two output levels `Suitable for rooms up to 20m² RRP: $139.95

Samsung has five air purifier products in a design the company said merges modern aesthetics, innovative features and smart technologies. Two models suited to large rooms utilise a threeway air flow and dual power fan. The HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of ultrafine dust and bacteria and the Activated Carbon Deodorising filter removes gases and odours. Selected models are WiFi enabled for monitoring and controlling indoor air quality via the SmartThings app. Available from selected retailers and online. AR

FITZONE SOLUTIONS Maria Russo Director

The air purification category has become “somewhat saturated with options”, Maria Russo said, “leaving consumers confused with too much choice”. According to Russo, the same can be said for retail store staff who face an ongoing education challenge as the category continues to build. As far as the industry moving forward was concerned the initial shock of the pandemic sent people into ‘cocooning’ and ensuring their home environment was comfortable, protected and nurtured, she said.

Samsung Air Purifier AX7500

`Front Air Inflow reaches all areas of the room `Numeric air quality display with fourcolour indicator `Wi-Fi connectivity `Child lock and timer RRP: $999

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

“There is certainly a feeling of liberation as we inch closer to the old-world normality and that is probably reflected in consumer’s confidence in spending on things that they can do again, like going out for dinner or short travel breaks.” Her response to stock shortages and logistic cost increases was confirmation that they were happening. “It felt like we were all held to ransom with a reliance on carriers to provide freight solutions and significant price hikes. Most of the cost increases have been absorbed and deflected by a reasonable exchange rate, however, increases in the cost of materials will start to play out over the next few months.” AR

AIR PURIFIERS FEATURE AR

MILNERS

Kirsten Pride Brand Manager Towards the end of 2020, Milners experienced a drastic spike in people’s interest in air purifiers following the bushfires, and this year interest has strengthened. “Increasing airborne diseases and growing health consciousness among consumers has driven strong interest. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) technology continues to dominate the market and Vornado’s AC350 Air Purifier is meeting consumer demand,” Kirsten Pride said. People are recognising that just like the outdoors, indoor air pollution is also hazardous. “Air purifiers are slowly emerging as a requirement to survive toxic air and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Where there is a need for something, specifically a product that is health and lifestyle related, consumers will find a way to protect their families.”

Vornado AC350 Whole Room Air Purifier

`True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of contaminants `Activated carbon prefilter captures odours `Covers up to 20 square metres of space `Five year replacement warranty RRP: $349

Pride said in an ever-increasing digital world, in-store restrictions have been a speed bump that has led to an increase in online education and awareness campaigns. “Vornado continues to be a leading voice in the air treatment industry via social media, blogs, and retailer partnerships, which ensures we have brand advocates Australia wide.” Moving through 2021, Vornado has increased communication to consumers and continues to focus on retail partnerships both online and instore. “By creating demand with the end consumer, sales are strong and moreover education and category awareness has been heightened.” The Vornado AC350 Air Purifier, launched in Spring 2020, actively circulates and filters the air throughout a room. Precision engineering allows the radial blower to operate quietly, despite its powerful air flow. The AC350 uses a combination of HEPA and carbon filtration to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, mould spores, dust mites and more. It features three speed settings, push button electronic controls and filter replacement indicator. AR

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AR FATHER'S DAY FEATURE

PERSONAL GROOMING A HANDY OPTION DURING LOCKDOWN

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

ersonal grooming categories combined are quite stable, up 7% in units with quite a bit of fluctuation, the latest GfK data showed. An example of this was hair clippers that benefited from a huge uplift from the pandemic, with more consumers choosing to cut their hair from home, up 26%. Multifunctional grooming kits also followed this trend, rising 23%, however, traditional electric razors and beard trimmers suffered declines. While sales of beard trimmers were strong at the start of the pandemic,

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

they slipped into decline mode in the second half of 2020. The GfK data also revealed that in the dental care category rechargeable toothbrushes lost sales too, but product refills increased, and when combined with growth from water flosser types kept the category at a positive level, up 4%. Tracking from Euromonitor found personal grooming appliances comprising shavers, trimmers, oral care and massage products look set to experience a 7% volume growth in 2021

after a strong 2020 performance. “Most brands experienced share growth as most products sold out due to increased demand leading to supply chain disruptions in 2020,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said. “Longer battery life is a major selling point when it comes to body shavers with manufacturers launching products suitable for all budgets. Oral care continues to see year-on-year growth with half-price promotion activity supporting volume sales and increasing the penetration rate,” she said. AR

FATHER'S DAY FEATURE AR

REMINGTON

Elizabeth Lennie Assistant Brand Manager “The personal care category has seen growth emerge from the home isolation situation consumers have experienced over the last 12 months,” Elizabeth Lennie said. “Consumers have found a new confidence in ‘expressing themselves’ throughout lockdown situations as they experimented with tools like hair clippers and multi groomers more than ever,” reflecting a trend for men and women to experiment with their haircut styles, she said. “Androgynous looks merging masculine and feminine styles are becoming more prevalent while multiple, unique hair colours and shades are common and accepted now.”

Panasonic Rechargeable 5-Blade Shaver ES-LV9Q

`New multi-flex 5D head, suspension mechanism improves head movement `Three foil patterns capture and cut difficult parts of the beard `Five-blade cutting system for reduced friction `30-degree Nano polished inner blades for efficient cutting RRP: $649

PANASONIC

Chasnyn Ousmand Product Marketing Manager With Australians spending more time at home during Covid, there was a rise in demand for DIY personal grooming products that are easy to use and effective in delivering professional results, according to Panasonic. “While the reduction of government support has meant consumers are spending less on ‘big ticket’ items, sales of ‘little luxuries’ including personal grooming have seen increases,” Chasnyn Ousmand said.

According to Lennie, Covid has driven a premiumisation market shift to higher price points, with GfK data showing 60% of revenue came from hair clippers priced above $50 during the peak Covid period, evidence of consumers willing to pay more for a higher quality product.

“Men are in search of a precision and efficient shaving solution to improve the laborious daily task of personal grooming and products that look after their health at home, including their oral hygiene.

She said the current challenge is getting supply from a supply constrained industry in terms of materials and increased costs in freight. Following reviews and consumer feedback for a comb system re-design, Remington has reengineered a new hair clipper range. Just in time for Father’s Day, the Power X series provides anti-clogging benefits, the performance of a fixed comb and more comfort. Research also revealed men wanted more length settings in their hair clipper with the new clipper range said to deliver: “unmatched precision and professional barber results”. AR

“Products facilitating at-home care have the capacity to help consumers save on expenses such as trips to the barber or dentist, while still maintaining personal grooming and oral care. Consumers have also developed a growing understanding of the need for dental flossing to prevent gum disease and are spending more on products such as water flossers for preventative dental care in-between visits to the dentist,” she said.

Remington Power Series Hair Clipper Range

`Up to 72 length settings for versatile styling `Length adjustment system `Simple eject washable blade cartridges `Adjustable comfort glide combs RRP: From $49.95

In line with this Panasonic’s ‘#DontShaveItForLater – self-care starts today, online campaign encourages men to do something positive for themselves and not delay self-care. According to Ousmand, the importance of digital channels for sales has grown substantially in the past few years and radically increased since Covid. “Research indicates that sales leaders are, on average, rating digital channels around twice as important now as they were prior to the pandemic,” she said. “This has allowed us to alleviate some of the challenges associated with social distancing restrictions, while also evolving our in-person sales activities and events to adhere to Covidsafe guidelines.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR FATHER'S DAY FEATURE

UNIDEN

Brad Hales National Marketing & Communications Manager As most border restrictions are likely to remain for the second half of the year with continued emphasis on domestic holidays, travel and motoring technology is expected to be prominent on wish lists this Father’s Day, according to Uniden. “Typically, Father’s Day is very tech-focused, with gadgets and car accessories proving top sellers. As Australians look for alternative and affordable holiday options, camping and adventure items continue to grow in popularity and are priced well for gift-giving,” Brad Hales said.

Uniden iGO Cam 75R

`Full HD (1080P) camera resolution (Rear Camera) `3.16-inch-wide-angle LCD colour screen `Wi-Fi Enabled `Parking mode RRP: $299.95

Uniden invests heavily in video content for its product range utilising video for social media and video for store displays. The company is also planning a nationwide rollout of more advanced multimedia stands for its entire product ranges which is said to be a silent sales helper and assists with training. Hales said Uniden’s UH620 Adventure UHF Walkie Talkies will appeal to fathers wanting to stay in touch while exploring the outdoors. “Sales for these UHF radios are expected to perform strongly across the coming months, having already established a following and proving a robust and versatile choice for outdoor work or 4WD adventures.”

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

Online marketing efforts across social media including videos are being leveraged to connect with relevant outdoor and off-road audiences, in addition to related TV content and social media partnerships. When it comes to the topic of in-vehicle accessories, Uniden claims to have performed well with its iGO Cam smart dash camera range and high-end Dash View 30 series. “This year we are introducing new models to the iGO range, starting with the iGO Cam 75/75R series. These new dash cams include exceptional features including a stylish hybrid design with AI powered road and traffic sign recognition that enables safety alerts for drivers. Independent reviews from technology reviewers will help to generate strong awareness and interest from vehicle owners looking to upgrade their in-car accessories,” he said. The new dash cameras offer 2K front camera video resolution that captures license plates in an accident. AR

“

Typically, Father’s Day is very tech-focused, with gadgets and car accessories proving top sellers.

”

FATHER'S DAY FEATURE AR

FITZONE

Maria Russo Director According to Maria Russo, now that the ‘new world order’ has become commonplace and people have had a chance to recalibrate to new and often unexpected changes, they are feeling braver about venturing out again. “Given this new mindset, perhaps consumers will look for positive, nurturing and exciting experiences out of home, having maxed out on product purchases inside the home. Australians are keen travellers so with wallets accumulating unspent travel dollars, low interest rates, buoyant house prices and a concomitant feeling of wealth, on the most part, I think spending will soften initially but shift to a broader choice set of options to spend on,” she said. As for engaging with staff amid the restrictions on in-store demonstrations and in-person training she said technology has enabled retailers who want to stay in touch and ahead of the game, the ability to do so seamlessly and efficiently. AR

HoMedics Therapist SelectPlus Percussion Massager PGM-745

`Three speeds2200/2300/2400 RPM `LCD capacitive touch screen controls with digital readout `LCD battery percentage indicator `LCD battery indicator and rubber grip handle RRP: $149.95

HOMEDICS

Yashinta Hynes Digital Marketing Coordinator

Beurer Shiatsu Massage Cushion MG135

“The home health and wellness care category has never been so important or as easily accessible,” Yashinta Hynes said. “And there has been a huge increase in the HoMedics massage category across handheld, back and neck massagers in particular.”

RRP: $109.95

According to Hynes, consumers have become more aware of the easy solutions that are available to help problems such as a sore lower back from an uncomfortable office chair or a sore neck from looking down at a screen.

`Versatile relaxation massage for shoulders, neck, back and legs `Four massage heads for a true massage experience `Universal cushion shape that can be used with all standard cushion covers `Switchable light and heat function

One recently released new product, the massage gun, has successfully found its way into the category, she said. The Therapist SelectPlus Percussion Massager is described as high-tech percussion therapy that delivers a targeted deep tissue massage to help relieve common muscle pain and stiffness. The massage gun claims to provide fast and effective self-myofascial release with six intensities and six interchangeable attachments that can be customised for specific needs. More products are scheduled to follow into this category later this year, Hynes said. For Father’s Day, HoMedics will run a ‘brand video’ including the PGM-745 therapist gun as a hero product across its website, in social media including Facebook and Instagram and to all retailers as video asset on their website. The HoMedics Instagram page is running paid advertising from September 4 to 15 along with Father’s Day paid search, eDM send-outs with the massage guns as hero products. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR FATHER'S DAY FEATURE

FROM THE FLOOR

Shaver Shop CAMERON FOX

haver Shop CEO, Cameron Fox believes that from a retailer's perspective foot traffic in most shopping centres in Australia is still well down on the prior year, by 15% as a broad average.

“We have observed a significant decline in bricksand-mortar customer footfall between Monday and Thursday in particular. Customer footfall over Friday to Sunday appears to be bouncing back strongly which is an encouraging sign,” Fox said. “I suspect consumers are starting to feel relatively comfortable shopping again in a bricks-and-mortar environment as Covid-19 containment strategies appear to be quite effective to date. While customer shopping centre footfall is still well down on pre-Covid levels, customer conversion percentage is significantly up. The bottom line is we have less customers in our shopping centres today versus pre-Covid levels, but more customers buying or transacting in our stores. This is testimony to the strength of our business model and the outstanding team we have across our store network.”

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

He said the lion's share of personal care electrical sales in Australian and New Zealand is “without doubt” made up via the bricks-and-mortar channel. “If suppliers are solely focused on winning the online battle it may be a tad challenging for them over the next year or so as online sales could start to normalise and bricks-and-mortar sales rebound, given all the lockdowns and closures over the past year.” Store sales still account for an estimated 75% of total small electrical personal care sales across Australia and New Zealand. So, retailers such as Shaver Shop who are genuine omni-channel category leaders, appear to be well positioned for the future, regardless of whether the pendulum swings towards online channel or bricks-andmortar, Fox said. “Suppliers need to be comfortable that the strategies they deploy over the next 12 months achieves the right balance between recognising the growth of online channel versus the importance of the bricksand-mortar channel.” AR

WHAT'S HOT AR

TCL enhances the home cinema experience

Delivering 540 watts of peak power with an impressive wireless subwoofer, TCL Electronics’ new Ray Danz 3.1 channel Atmos Soundbar offers a dramatic leap forward in audio quality and power. Enjoy every beat with the clarity, precision tuning and immersive audio that comes with Dolby Atmos 360-degree surround sound and Acoustic Reflectors that optimise audio performance. The sleek soundbar works with Google Assistant and Apple Airplay to provide wireless connectivity while a multidimensional sound brings depth and excitement for a more cinematic experience.

RRP: $799

Arlo puts privacy first on new indoor camera

Arlo has launched an all-new Essential Indoor Camera featuring an automated privacy shield for users to automatically activate if they want the camera lens open or closed. When in disarm mode, recording, motion and audio detection is disabled and won’t be enabled until the shield is opened by the user via the Arlo app. The Essential Indoor Camera offers 1080p HD video with enhanced night vision, 130-degree diagonal field-of-view, motion and audio detection and full-duplex audio for two-way conversations with built-in microphone and speaker. A built-in siren can be triggered automatically or manually upon motion or audio detection. The camera works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and If This Then That (IFTTT).

RRP: $159

Smeg provides training on the go for sales staff

Smeg’s revolutionary multi-use training platform is gaining momentum, receiving favourable reviews across the retail network. The simple to use web-based platform, with mobile and tablet capability, features a user-friendly dashboard interface with gamified training modules; resource library of product and technical information; training points history; and sales promotion information. The platform is beneficial for both retailers and account managers, providing invaluable insights into the knowledge needs of salespeople and to assist in closing knowledge gaps in a timely and targeted way. www.applianceretailer.com.au

AR WHAT'S HOT

Magimix Cook Expert makes cooking easy

The cooking food processor has been a fast-growing category, and the Cook Expert is Magimix’s answer. Designed to make cooking simple, the award-winning Magimix Cook Expert can replace up to 15 kitchen appliances. This versatile machine can chop, cook, mix, steam, whisk and make dough. It also comes with their best-in-class food processor attachment, alone valued at $999 enabling it to slice, grate, mince and more. Hearty soups, risottos, stir-fry or even frozen desserts are only a push of a button away. Key features include 13 automatic programs and a manual mode, induction heating technology, a large-capacity double-walled bowl, and free software upgrades among others. It also comes with a beautiful hard bound recipe book as well as a free app with even more recipes. Made in France, the Cook Expert also comes with Magimix’s 30-year motor guarantee.

RRP: $2,299

Ecovacs Robotics introduces industry-first air freshener on latest robotic vacuum

Ecovacs Robotics has launched the first smart robotic vacuum cleaner that combines dual vacuuming and mopping functions with a built-in mobile air freshener and auto-empty station. In addition to the all-new air freshener functionality, the DEEBOT T9+ offers a range of new and upgraded features including a redesigned Ecovacs Home app with a simpler and more seamless interface. The enhanced suction power of 3000 Pa is Ecovacs’ strongest suction yet. The air freshener releases fragrance directly onto the floor to remove odours, while the fan at the bottom of the unit spreads the fragrance evenly for full home coverage. Using replaceable capsules available in three variants, that can last up to 60 days, the air freshener can be switched on or off in the app.

RRP: $1,299

New TCL Mini LED TV offers nextgen gaming for consumers

TCL Electronics’ new 65-inch Mini LED 4K Android TV gives gamers a competitive edge with pioneering audio, picture, and connectivity technologies. As the top-of-the-line offering in 4K resolution, TCL’s C825 Series builds the foundation for cinematic quality viewing with an innovative Mini LED backlight panel delivering exceptional brightness, colour and uniformity. VRR provides automatic adjustment of panel refresh rates, resulting in reduced on-screen tearing and stutter for a smoother, more responsive gameplay experience. The TV also boasts smart capabilities including hands-free voice control and built-in Google Assistant that works with Alexa, enabling you to control compatible smart devices around the home (sold separately).

RRP: $3,499 66

Appliance Retailer June / July 2021

COMPANY INDEX AR COMPANY

PAGE #

Amber Technology.........................................................................................53 Arisit..................................................................................................35, 37, 39 Arlo..........................................................................................................46, 65 Aqipa.............................................................................................................14 BSH..................................................................................................................7 Breville..........................................................................................................57 Brilliant Lighting......................................................................................43, 45 D-Link............................................................................................................47 De’Longhi......................................................................................................57 Dyson.............................................................................................................56 Ecovacs Robotics............................................................................................66 Electrolux...................................................................................................7, 13 Epson.............................................................................................................32 Eurolinx.........................................................................................................38 Euromonitor.................................................................................24, 36, 54, 60 FitZone.....................................................................................................58, 63 Franke............................................................................................................13 GfK...............................................................................................24, 42, 54, 60 Groupe SEB....................................................................................................12 Harman..........................................................................................................51 Hisense......................................................................................................9, 26 HoMedics.................................................................................................55, 63 Jabra..............................................................................................................51 JB Hi-Fi............................................................................................................6 Kitchen Warehouse............................................................................20, 21, 22 Kogan..........................................................................................16, 17, 18, 19 Laser..............................................................................................................46 Leading Edge Retail.........................................................................................9 LG.............................................................................................................29, 50 Magimix........................................................................................................66 Miele.............................................................................................................10 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.................................................................... 2, 3, 8 Outdoors Domain..........................................................................................41 Panasonic...........................................................................................33, 49, 61 Philips............................................................................................................14 Premium Audio Company........................................................................32, 53 Samsung..................................................................................................30, 58 Shaver Shop...................................................................................................64 Shriro...................................................................................................8, 15, 40 Smeg...................................................................................................7, 12, 65 Sonos.............................................................................................................52 Sony.............................................................................................23, 25, 27, 48 Spectrum Brands...........................................................................................61 Swann............................................................................................................47 TCL.....................................................................................................28, 65, 66 Telsyte......................................................................................................24, 42 Tempo............................................................................................................11 Todd’s Hi-Fi....................................................................................................34 Traeger Grills..................................................................................................40 Uniden...............................................................................................10, 44, 62 Videopro........................................................................................................11 Winning Group................................................................................................6 Woolworths....................................................................................................15 Yamaha..........................................................................................................31

READERSHIP GROUPS

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WHEN THE TEMPERATURE

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REWARD YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH FUJITSU FREE MONEY

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$250

REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEMS

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OUR FUJITSU FREE MONEY PROMO IS BACK WITH REWARDS UP TO $400 Whether your customers are shivering in the winter chill or sweltering in the heat and humidity, there’s only one thing we want them to remember ‘When the temperature hits you, just get a Fujitsu!’ Fujitsu General is excited to launch this year’s campaign alongside the popular Fujitsu Free Money Promotion. Customers who purchase an eligible Fujitsu air conditioner from a participating retailer from Saturday 1st May to Tuesday 31st August 2021, will receive a digital prepaid Mastercard valued up to $400 (via redemption). * Purchase by 4:59pm AEST 31/08/21. Claim by 4:59pm AEDT 29/10/21. Domestic and residential purchases only. Eligible models only, see website for list. Exclusions apply, see full terms and conditions. Proof of purchase and payment required. Customers will need their outdoor model and serial numbers and indoor model number to complete their claim. Full terms and conditions available at fujitsugeneral.com.au/promotions. Fujitsu Free Money Prepaid Mastercard is issued by EML Payment Solutions Limited ABN 30 131 436 532 AFSL 404131 pursuant to license by Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard prepaid cards can be used at all merchants that accept Mastercard prepaid cards. Terms and conditions apply. Promoter is Fujitsu General (Aust.) Pty Limited (ABN 55 001 229 554) of 1 Telopea Place, Eastern Creek NSW 2766.