APPLIANCE
NOW IN ITS 22ND YEAR
RETAILER
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
/// MAY 2018
Dishwashers
ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONTINUES TO BE KEY CONSIDERATION
+
FOOD PREPARATION STYLISH DESIGN MEETS TOP PERFORMANCE
WORLD CUP LARGER SCREENS, ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY IN HIGH DEMAND
SEE THE INCREDIBLE.
MILE JEDINAK I AUSTRALIAN CAPTAIN
HDR Plus
4K Ultra HD
Wide Colour Gamut
VIDAA U
Lifelike images with more contrast, brightness and colour than ever before.
4 x the resolution compared to standard HD, for clarity you’ll want to reach out and touch.
Expanded wide colour gamut that provides true-to-life precisely tuned colours and hues.
The future of smart TV. Our interface offers an intuitive viewing experience that’s personal and fast.
See the incredible with the Hisense ULED TV range. Bringing you spectacular colour, contrast and motion, the ULED range combines the best in LED TV technology to enhance your at-home viewing experience. The Hisense ULED series comes equipped with jaw-dropping features, including 4K Ultra HD, HDR Plus, Wide Colour Gamut, Local Dimming, Ultra Smooth Motion Rate, Ultra HD Premium Certification, Quantum Dot technology and our patented smart TV interface VIDAA U in select models. Whether you’re a picture purist or a gaming fanatic, ULED is as good as it gets. *Hisense ULED TVs utilise LCD screens with LED backlighting.
EDITORʼS NOTE AR Appliance Retailer is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 940 025 836 82 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 Australia P 02 9660 2113 | F 02 9660 4419 E appliance@intermedia.com.au W www.intermedia.com.au ISSN: 1328-1852 Managing Director Simon Grover Editorial Director James Wells james@intermedia.com.au Deputy Editor Emily Bencic ebencic@intermedia.com.au Features Editor Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au General Manager – Sales Rod Riley rod@intermedia.com.au Art Director Alyssa Coundouris Prepress Tony Willson Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Head of Circulation Chris Blacklock Subscriptions Ph 1800 651 422
Average Net Distribution per Issue: 5,374 AMAA/CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30 Sept 2017.
A ‘REVOLUTION’ IN VOICE CONTROL
T
he World Cup is about to kick off. A-one-in-fouryear chance for retailers to capture tech hungry consumer sales. There is much more to look forward to than football matches alone. As you will discover in our World Cup Viewing report (see page 40), the audio visual category is getting switched on with new technology, seamless design, artificial intelligence (AI) and voice assist. The Cup is the ideal event to capitalise on the latest large screen TVs and accompanying soundbars that bring the cinematic experience into the home. Each technology is superior in its own right so the opportunity comes in the variety of product available that offers choice to the consumer for a model that is right for them. The average replacement cycle for televisions is just short of four years, but judging on the innovation being injected into the category in 2018, this could shrink, and retailers need to be ready. We could also see the television become more than just a screen for consuming content with Samsung at the forefront of this vision. Last year saw the launch of The Frame, which displays art work when the TV is not in use. Fast forward one year and the Samsung QLED TV range features Ambient Mode to create a chameleon-like effect that enables the TV to blend with the wall. The screen can also display the weather, time, date and photos. The way we navigate our viewing habits and operate our devices will also evolve with new models incorporating
AI to control the TV using voice, as well as control compatible devices from the TV. Samsung has launched SmartThings, LG has introduced its proprietary AI ThinQ technology and later this year, support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa will be integrated into all Panasonic OLED and 4K LED TVs. This month, Panasonic will also release its first smart speaker, the SC-GA10, with Google Assistant built-in. Amazon Alexa Skills country manager, Kate Burleigh believes we are on the cusp of a voice revolution. “We have taken advantage of the power and ubiquity of the Amazon Web Services cloud and advances in machine learning and voice recognition to create Alexa. We want to empower companies to give their vision a voice and develop solutions that can exist on Alexa. This is the biggest leap forward we have seen for a number of years and we can do it now because it is technically possible,” she said at the recent Amazon Innovation Day held in Sydney. If you decide not to embrace one of the biggest technological evolutions, you could face extinction in the wake of the survival of the fittest. The World Cup may be a good starting point on putting technology at the heart of what you do, if it isn’t already.
Deputy Editor Emily Bencic
MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM
James Wells
Emily Bencic
www.facebook.com/applianceretailer
Kymberly Martin
Rod Riley
www.linkedin.com/company/appliance-retailer
Alyssa Coundouris twitter.com/Applianceretail
www.applianceretailer.com.au
3
08
[ON THE COVER]
DE’LONGHI DELIVERS ULTIMATE COMFORT This new De’Longhi multifunctional product that is a heater, cooler and air purifier with 3DComfortZone technology, is the result of human centric design that mapped the body’s key receptors in 3D. Years of research were undertaken in conjunction with Italy’s oldest technical university, the University of Turin. The result is a device, which knows the optimal airflow distribution, velocity, and temperature for ultimate comfort. New and patented technology uses the curved surfaces of the product to precisely circulate filtered air, which envelops people and distributes the air for maximum effect and benefit. See page 11 for more details.
4
Appliance Retailer May 2018
32
40
VOLUME 24 / ISSUE #4
18 EDITORʼS NOTE
03
A revolution in voice control
Put technology at the heart of what you do
NEWS
06
Samsung farewells VP; Senate Inquiry into franchise sector As the company welcomes new CMO; Industry stakeholders encouraged to contribute
IN THIS ISSUE
14
Winning Appliances Kingston one year on
Store manager, Alexis Lovell talks trends, challenges, demonstrations and more
DISHWASHERS FEATURE
18 19
An outlook on the category Tapping into energy efficiency
Key trends in the market
Consumer appetite for premium appliances
40
28
42
31
44 45
Gains for extra features
Smeg Freestanding Dishwasher, LG QuadWash Dishwasher, De’Longhi Freestanding Dishwasher, among others
From a retail perspective
Dishwasher category cleans up
FOOD PREPARATION FEATURE
32
An outlook on the category
Stylish design and impressive functionality hit the mark
08
Euro Appliances opens new showroom; e&s promotes long-standing GM
First foray into Victoria; To be responsible for new business opportunities
10
KitchenAid debuts Colour of the Year; Philips Lighting refreshes name
Plans to unveil new colour annually; To express strategic vision
WORLD CUP FEATURE
24
Latest dishwashers on the shop floor A closer look at features and benefits
Samsung Panoramic Soundbar N650
Sunbeam MultiProcessor Plus LC6500
33
Key trends in the market
It must look good, be versatile and save time
36
Latest food preparation appliances on the shop floor
Mixers, blenders and food processors
38
A closer look at features and benefits
Smeg Hand Blender, Breville the Big Squeeze, among others
An outlook on the category
Major sporting event tipped to boost home entertainment sales
What’s new for 2018?
In technology, design and feature-set
From an analyst perspective TVs grow in size, shrink in price
A closer look at features and benefits
Samsung QLED Q9 TV, Hisense Series 9 ULED TV, among others
47
From a retail perspective
What consumers look to in the purchase decision
WHAT’S HOT
48
Pick of the crop
TCL X6 Series QLED TV, ILVE Versa Induction and Gas Cooktop, and more
FIVE MINUTES WITH…
50
Winning Group chief operating officer, Jo Devery
Rethink what your customers value www.applianceretailer.com.au
5
AR NEWS
Samsung farewells VP, welcomes new CMO
BY EMILY BENCIC LEFT: Former Samsung VP of CE, Carl Rose
Samsung Electronics Australia vice president of consumer electronics, Carl Rose has decided to pursue new opportunities outside the industry after two years with the company. In a statement shared with Appliance Retailer, Samsung Electronics Australia said, “During Carl’s time at Samsung, he has overseen a period of significant change for the CE business which has included many achievements. He has evolved the Samsung television category to a more lifestyle-centric business and category innovation for Samsung’s premium home appliances. In addition, Carl has supported a business focus on developing strong relationships with retail partners. Samsung Australia wishes Carl all the very best for the future and is thankful for the contribution he has made to the business and brand.” Following the departure of corporate VP and chief marketing officer, Philip Newton in August 2017, Josh Grace has taken on the role of CMO. He returns to Sydney from Singapore where he lived for six years and held the position of regional marketing officer for health company Abbott, and was managing director of Leo Burnett.
BELOW: Newly appointed Samsung CMO, Josh Grace
In his new role, Grace will oversee marketing and foster programs to drive innovation in brand communications, as well as campaigns for IT and Mobile (mobile and wearable products and services), Consumer Electronics (TV, audio and appliances), and pioneer programs to support emerging forms of connected technology and IoT. In addition to products, services and emerging technology, Grace will also spearhead the evolution of partnership programs, which currently includes Qantas, the Sydney Opera House as Principal Partner and Netball Australia as Innovation Partner.
SENATE INQUIRY INTO FRANCHISE SECTOR The Senate has agreed to a parliamentary inquiry into the franchise sector, after the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) asked Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, to instigate an objective and evidencebased inquiry. Moved by Nationals Senator, John Williams, the inquiry will be heard by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and will report by 30 September. FCA executive chairman, Bruce Billson said, “As the peak representative organisation of Australia's franchise community, we will continue to engage constructively and thoughtfully with any review into the sector.” However, according to Billson, it is unclear how the inquiry will discern between the unavoidable challenges
6
Appliance Retailer May 2018
all small business owners face and the implications for enterprise success, and those particularly relevant for the small franchise business owner. He also said the FCA was not consulted on the terms of reference or invited to contribute insights reflected in the submission to the Ombudsman. “The all-important mutually supporting and beneficial franchiseefranchisor collaborative relationship is not formed or deployed in its own bubble, but functions as part of a dynamic, competitive market economy,” he said. The FCA is encouraging all stakeholders in Australian franchising
BY EMILY BENCIC
Franchise Council of Australia executive chairman, Bruce Billson
to contribute to the inquiry to assist the Committee in identifying the causal factors, including third party conduct by parties outside the franchise relationship, the role of the franchise business model and its contribution to business viability, when considering cases of poor commercial outcomes. “This kind of informed and thoughtful examination will help identify any deficiencies or gaps in the current regulatory framework, unfair contract and fair trading protections and dispute resolution mechanisms,” Billson said.
Newly appointed Fujitsu General deputy MD, Koji Nakao
Fujitsu General welcomes deputy MD Koji Nakao has been appointed deputy managing director at Fujitsu General Australia. Nakao joins the local company from Fujitsu General Limited, Japan, where he held an auditing role for four years, overseeing the business’s corporate governance and overseas subsidiaries. Nakao joined Fujitsu General Limited in 1983 working in international business operations.
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
KOJI NAKAO BRINGS MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE COMPANY AND HAS HELD GLOBAL POSITIONS IN FINANCIAL PLANNING
ACCC to review competition law penalties The ACCC will re-think its approach to penalties for breaches of the competition law after an OECD report found that average Australian penalties are significantly lower than those imposed in other comparable OECD jurisdictions. The OECD report compared penalties for companies which breach competition laws in Australia with the EU, the UK, Germany, Japan, Korea and the USA. It found that in Australia, both the maximum and average penalties imposed by courts for competition law breaches are significantly lower than in the OECD jurisdictions considered, especially for large firms or for long-standing anticompetitive behaviour. An average Australian penalty based on a sample of cartel cases and estimated penalties would have to be increased by 12.6 times to be comparable with the level of the average penalty in these OECD countries.
He brings more than 30 years of experience within the company and has held positions in financial planning across the globe, including Japan, Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. “I am pleased to welcome Mr Nakao to the Fujitsu General Australia leadership team, where he will oversee the finance and credit division,” Fujitsu General Australia managing director, Philip Perham said. “He will play a pivotal role in steering the organisation towards future business goals and strategies, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Australian business. “With such a long tenure with Fujitsu General, including international experience, Nakao’s input will further strengthen Fujitsu General Australia’s position and continue to grow the business. I look forward to working with Mr Nakao and welcome him to the Australian team.” Koji Nakao will also hold the position of director, Fujitsu General New Zealand, a subsidiary of Fujitsu General Australia.
BY EMILY BENCIC
“The OECD report provides valuable insight and a vital point for debate and discussion about the future of penalties in the context of competition law enforcement in Australia,” ACCC chairman, Rod Sims said. The report said that in most OECD countries financial penalties
ACCC chairman, Rod Sims
are set according to a set methodology which includes sales of the infringing company’s product. In Australia the penalties are determined by the Federal Court following an “instinctive synthesis” of various factors. “The ACCC has been concerned that penalties in competition cases historically have not been sufficiently high to deter breaches, especially in cases involving large businesses. Whilst the OECD’s report focusses on penalties in competition cases, the ACCC is similarly concerned to ensure that penalties imposed in consumer cases are also high enough to achieve deterrence,” Sims said. “As I have said before, we do not want breaches of our competition law to be seen as an acceptable cost of doing business. We need penalties that will be large enough to be noticed by senior management and company boards, and also shareholders,” he added. www.applianceretailer.com.au
7
AR NEWS
EURO APPLIANCES OPENS NEW SHOWROOM BY EMILY BENCIC
Euro Appliances has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art showroom on Burwood Road, Hawthorn in Melbourne’s east. It is the company’s first foray into Victoria and adds to its existing head office and showroom in Adelaide, South Australia. The new showroom showcases a complete range of products and
Euro Appliances showroom entry
is positioned as a one-stop outdoor kitchen modular solution, complete with joinery and compact laminates, personalised engineered stone colours, alfresco appliances with an integrated delivery and assembly system, with six pre-design kitchens. It measures approximately 400 square metres across two levels. There will be three staff on
e&s promotes long-standing GM e&s has promoted Greg Lake to executive director, following his 15 year tenure as general manager of the Victorian retailer. Lake will be responsible for the planning, development, implementation and bedding down of new business opportunities. He is also responsible for the recruitment and oversight of the new GM. In a letter shared with Appliance Retailer, e&s directors, Rob and Mike Sinclair said the company continues to be presented with growth opportunities. “Greg has been, and continues to be, a highly trusted manager of our people and our business, and a person that the Sinclair family entrusts to oversee the business on a daily basis.” The letter continued, “We have had to constantly review and restructure 8
Appliance Retailer May 2018
hand, in addition to three Melbournebased business development managers. EuroStyle Group director, Mario Boffa said, “As a national wholesale brand, we are excited and thrilled to open our new showroom galleria in Melbourne and offer all our customers and partners the full Euro brand quality experience, hospitality and passion.”
BY EMILY BENCIC Greg Lake has been promoted to e&s executive director
our management team to enable us to grow in a well-managed and financially sound way. We also have to look at our succession planning to ensure stability and strength in our team. “As a family business, we look at all opportunities in a balanced way to ensure that all of our employees have ongoing security, our suppliers enjoy consistent growth and that the e&s brand remains true to its roots and to our customers for decades to come. “We congratule Greg on this appointment and wish him every success in his new role. We look forward with enthusiasm to the next phase of our business growth.”
GfK appoints new MD
GfK managing director, Morten Boyer
GfK has appointed Dr Morten Boyer to the role of managing director for Australia and New Zealand, in addition to his responsibility as head of digital media measurement for GfK in the APAC region. He replaces Catherine Eddy, who left to pursue other interests, after three years as MD. Boyer began his career at GfK in 2006, launching new client solutions which combined consumer research with GfK’s POS data and expertise. He was responsible for leading GfK ANZ’s entry into media measurement and winning the RAM contract in Australia, and again later in New Zealand in 2013 and 2015 respectively. Commenting on his appointment, Boyer said, “It is a great privilege for GfK to continue to serve all our
BY EMILY BENCIC
clients, and in particular those within the technology and consumer durables industries, whom we have been working with in ANZ for several decades. “What is especially exciting is that we are in the process of significantly evolving our services to better integrate different data sources and perform more sophisticated and automated analytics. As retailing grows increasingly more complex, our new offerings will help our clients better understand their performance and the levers they should pull to influence that performance. “On behalf of GfK ANZ, I’d like to sincerely thank Catherine for leading our business for the past three years, and spearheading a more client-centric integration of our various business units along with digital innovation initiatives.”
ARTUSI APPLIANCES NOW WITH FIVE YEAR WARRANTY BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
Artusi is offering a five year warranty, two years standard plus a free three year upgrade across its entire appliance range. The promotion will be ongoing with in-store point of sale as the main support channel, in addition to online activity via the company website and Narta retail partner websites. “We are excited about the new warranty and have complete confidence in the products that we do not see a need to have a promotion end date,” Eurolinx national retail sales manager, Tristan Peters told Appliance Retailer. “It reinforces the message that we are selling a quality product backed by an Australian family-owned company with a long history in the Australian appliance industry. “We have seen great success across many products in the Artusi range including the entry level built-in ovens and cooktops, 540mm and 900mm uprights. The addition of a complete
Artusi cooktop and built-in oven
alfresco range complements the offer and introduces the brand into new categories,” he said. Artusi Appliances, distributed by Eurolinx, was launched four years ago, incorporating function, sleek
lines and performance features. The range comprises built-in ovens, freestanding cookers, cooktops, rangehoods, microwaves, dishwashers, laundry products, sinks and outdoor refrigerators, as well as BBQs. www.applianceretailer.com.au
9
AR NEWS
KitchenAid Bird of Paradise Collection
KitchenAid debuts its annual Colour of the Year KitchenAid revealed its first ‘Colour of the Year’ at the International Home and Housewares Show held in Chicago. Bird of Paradise was unveiled as the inaugural Colour of the Year, with the intention to reveal a new colour each year across a select line of benchtop appliances. The company said Bird of Paradise embodies a tropical paradise, an escape from the everyday, and boasts a spirit of exploration inviting the consumer to take on any culinary adventure. Commenting on 2018 design trends, KitchenAid senior manager of colour, finish and material studio, global consumer design, Jessica McConnell said, “Bird of Paradise is an exotic getaway in a colour. The vibrant coral
hue is uplifting and fresh with just a touch of nostalgia. It looks great on its own, but also pairs beautifully with the deep, lush greens we are seeing everywhere in interior design.” KitchenAid Australia marketing director, Filiz Bensan, who was in attendance at the Housewares Show, added, “Whether it be a pop of colour to make a bold statement, or a subtle hue to complement the rest of the kitchen, countertop appliances make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. More Australians are embracing colour in their kitchens, which we witnessed firsthand last year with the successful introduction of our limited edition
Philips Lighting refreshes brand name The world leader in lighting is changing its name from Philips Lighting to Signify, although the company will continue to use the Philips brand for its products, under its existing licensing agreement with Royal Philips. Commenting on the decision, Philips Lighting CEO, Eric Rondolat said the new company name is a clear expression of its strategic vision. “It is an opportunity to introduce a new corporate look and feel that is uniquely our own and will serve to further unite our 32,000 employees. At the same time, we remain proud to continue to use the Philips brand on our products.” 10
Appliance Retailer May 2018
BY EMILY BENCIC
black tie and limited release copper versions of our stand mixer. “While KitchenAid’s empire red is iconic, we will also look to provide other colour varieties to fulfil the needs and desires of our customers and stay at the forefront of the latest design trends, so that the KitchenAid mixer will always maintain its pride-of-place on any countertop.” The Bird of Paradise colour will be offered on the Artisan stand mixer, Artisan Mini stand mixer, five-speed diamond blender, 3.5-cup Mini food processor, two-speed hand blender and five-speed Ultra Power hand mixer. Australian availability of the new hue is to be confirmed.
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
Philips Lighting has been at the forefront of many of the lighting industry’s major advancements. Today, it leads the industry worldwide in conventional, LED and connected lighting, with the largest connected lights network in the world. The new company name satisfies the company’s contractual requirements under the Company Name License Agreement with Royal Philips, which requires that it changes less than 18 months after Royal Philips no longer has a controlling interest.
Delivering a whole new comfort zone.
Better Everyday
De’Longhi is about to revolutionise the comfort category. This innovative new product uses patented 3D Comfort Airflow Technology to deliver a perfect balance of air flow, temperature and quality. For more information, contact your De’Longhi representative on 1800 126 659 or visit www.delonghi.com.au
Heats
Cools
Cleans
6 heat settings to envelop a zone of cosy warmth.
10 cooling settings for the perfect cool breeze.
Remove up to 99.9%* of airborne particles.
*Filter test results obtained by a third party organization in compliance with the European standard EN 1822:2010, using 5 μm particles at 60mc/h (fan speed n.5)
AR NEWS
Official opening of David Jones Mandurah, WA
DAVID JONES OPENS NEW LOOK STORE David Jones has unveiled its first new look store at Mandurah Forum, south of Perth, Western Australia. The store, which brings world-class shopping to the Peel Region, features a contemporary design and curated local and international brands across fashion, beauty, kids and home. The curated brand assortment in the home department includes appliances from Breville, Dyson,
KitchenAid and Smeg. Mandurah Forum offers David Jones’ signature one-on-one personalised services, in addition to a dedicated Concierge to assist with Click & Collect, gift wrapping, general instore information, David Jones Gift Cards and Card Member enquiries. David Jones CEO, David Thomas said, “This is an important and growing region and we are delighted to bring
P&G sales director steps into top role Procter & Gamble (P&G) has promoted sales director, Vivek Gupta, to managing director and vice president for Australia and New Zealand. He succeeds Antoine Brun, who will return to Europe to lead P&G’s South-East Europe business unit. “We aim to be the innovation leaders of our industry, and feel it’s our responsibility to market the most superior products that improve consumers’ lives, and work with our retailer partners to create total category growth,” Gupta said. “At P&G we have a team of highly dedicated, expert leaders with a strong momentum of results. I am honoured 12
Appliance Retailer May 2018
BY EMILY BENCIC
a world-class retail experience to the heart of Mandurah Forum. As part of this exciting redevelopment, David Jones brings an exceptional mix of brands in an offer designed specifically to suit the Mandurah customer. “We are very proud to have had a presence in Western Australia since 1954 and after almost 65 years, it continues to be a very important region to David Jones.”
BY EMILY BENCIC
to be leading this team and look forward to contributing to even greater future success.” Since beginning his career in 1998 as a management trainee in India, Gupta has established vast experience across various retail channels and product categories in both developed and developing markets. Most recently as sales director, he was instrumental in achieving strong business growth by partnering with retailers to deliver innovative category solutions, according to the company. P&G has Braun and Oral-B in its brand stable, among other consumer goods.
Procter & Gamble MD and VP, Vivek Gupta
Supercool Chilling Case? The Supercool chilling function is ideal for storing meat, fish, or other perishable food without freezing for up to 7 days*. This provides the convenience of food ready to cook without the need to defrost it.
*Recommended no. of days without freezing: » Meat up to 7 days » Fish up to 5 days » Sashimi up to 3 days.
Available for LX and WX Series Refrigerators.
For more information on our products Phone:1300 280 625
please visit www.mitsubishielectric.com.au
AR RETAIL PROFILE
WINNING APPLIANCES KINGSTON ONE YEAR ON
AEG display in Winning Appliances Kingston
James Wells spoke with store manager, Alexis Lovell, about the first 12 months running one of the largest kitchen appliance centres in Australia.
T
he site for Winning Appliances Kingston was the original department store site in Canberra, under the Youngs brand, and later Grace Bros and a haberdashery store before the 2,600 square metres was re-developed with over 30 brands showcased over two levels in 2017. According to Lovell, over the last 12 months since the store opened, the number of floor staff in the store has increased to 14 and the commercial team has grown from one to five staff members. “This reflects the changes in the Canberra market that is growing from the public service and defence sectors as well as from a lot of medium density housing with some districts developing up to 25,000 homes. There are also a lot of new homes that are being built on knockdown blocks as well as affluent consumers wanting the very best for their final renovation. “In addition to this we are also seeing a lot of customers from west and south of Canberra – everywhere from Orange, Griffith and Wagga Wagga in
14
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Winning Appliances Kingston store manager, Alexis Lovell
regional New South Wales, as well as in the far south of New South Wales, with deliveries as far as Eden and Batemans Bay, as well as Tasmania. “We see huge potential for premium and luxury brands as many of these were not available in Canberra before and everyone from builders, architects, designers, joiners, and cabinet makers are starting to recognise that.” One of the important points of difference, according to Lovell, is the use of the store’s dedicated demonstration area. “Our highly qualified culinary expert, Danielle, who has previously cooked for the Prime Minister and other international dignitaries – provides on the spot demonstrations or bookings by appointment for pre-purchase or post-purchase customers five days a week. She doesn’t promote products, but instead she promotes cooking and how to get the best out of products.”
Lovell says that customers are definitely becoming far more knowledgeable when it comes to researching products prior to purchase. “Being online now is just the way of the world. They may have one or two brands on their shopping list after researching online but then again we may have products in store they may not have been exposed to or found online such as Sub-Zero, Wolf or V-Zug for example. So when they come into the store and if we are doing our jobs properly, we will qualify what it is that they are looking for and in addition we can identify opportunities in other areas as well. The in-store experience can still deliver the touch and feel but it can also provide more experience on features and benefits. Everybody has heard about combi-steam – but they may not understand what the benefit is and why you need to pay more and the answer is the result – it is as simple as that. So for customers to experience something like that in-store makes the difference. “The ability to use Chromebooks provides us with a portable and flexible solution for our staff at their fingertips. Sales staff do not have to leave a customer at any stage of the process. It is a tablet that allows them to enlarge photos and everything is interactive and in real time including providing access to stock on hand. It has been a huge advantage – particularly in a large split-level store – it allows us to have
floor staff to be in the right areas at the right time to meet our customer needs and there is no waiting for a terminal or a desk to be free. In terms of trends, Lovell identified induction cooktops with built-in downdraft, combi-steam and sous vide drawers as well as outdoor appliance solutions, as key areas capturing the attention of customers. “Downdraft demonstration is important as it has to be explained – it is certainly a novelty and people become very interested – but it can depend on the design of the kitchen. Induction with built-in downdraft means there is no heat to draw and that is where it has a real advantage. Sous-vide demonstrates very well with combi-steam products for the high-end home chef or the person who likes to show-off. There is nothing wrong with showing-off something you are proud of – we wouldn’t have Rolls Royces otherwise. Lovell also explained that sinks receive high priority in the customer conversation for kitchen renovations and fit-out planning. “The days of looking at a sink as simply an add-on sale are over. To me a kitchen is just a room without a sink. We are doing very well with sinks – it is literally an ‘uptapped’ market. Sinks are now the second step in the selling process for us after the oven or cooktop. Once this has been worked out, then it is then a discussion round the size of pot that will be used in the oven as that also has to fit into the sink as it often won’t go in the dishwasher. Customers can spend a considerable amount of time choosing a sink though as it is so
Gaggenau display in Winning Appliances Kingston
Winning Appliances Kingston, ACT
Winning Appliances Kingston offers a wide range of sinks and taps
personal – and this can be exhausting for the sales staff. Complementing sinks are goose-necked taps which are definitely on-trend.” The Canberra consumer is not the typical Australian consumer with a high transient population and exposure to the ebbs and flows of the parliamentary cycle. This requires a different approach to marketing and promotions, but Lovell said that some traditional methods are still showing strong engagement. “Canberrans have very high expectations and are extremely critical,
so we are very pleased with the high Net Promoter Scores we have achieved in the 80% range. We don’t have to promote as heavily as other companies do as word of mouth is very strong in Canberra and good news and good service travels fast, but equally as fast as bad service. We are finding out how we can best target our market segments with this transient population. At Winnings we use a softer approach with our marketing, we don’t like to thump the airways too much and when we do have a sale we like to be sincere – as we don’t have a sale every week. Catalogue drops still work very well – and people are continuing to bring them in the door. We do television advertising and that works well, as does radio and outdoor advertising which we use on buses. “Overall when you look at our figures over the last 12 months, we are pleased and we are certainly heading in the right direction without question. We are not complaining or boastful about it – we are working hard and a lot of work goes into it and we have definitely more to achieve. Over the next 12 months, the main challenge will be to work on the growth of the business more than anything as well as to increase the number of events.” AR www.applianceretailer.com.au
15
AR NEWS
New Toshiba CEO hopes to revive company Nobuaki Kurumatani has become the first Toshiba chairman and CEO to be appointed from outside the company in over 50 years. He most recently served as president of CVC Asia Pacific Japan. Before joining CVC in May 2017, he was deputy president and a director of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, where his career was devoted to corporate planning, public relations and internal auditing. Commenting on his appointment, Kurumatani said, “I am honoured to be appointed CEO, and very much aware of the responsibilities I take on. Toshiba is not just any company. Its corporate DNA has realised countless Japanfirst and world-first technologies and products that made Toshiba a source of pride in Japan for nearly 145 years, and also made us a global leader. “I believe that helping Toshiba back on its feet is my true calling. I am here to support change and transformation,
"I BELIEVE THAT HELPING
TOSHIBA BACK ON ITS FEET IS
MY TRUE CALLING. I AM HERE TO SUPPORT CHANGE AND
TRANSFORMATION, AND I SEE
MY ROLE AS BUILDING ON THE COMPANY'S RESILIENCE AND LEADING ITS RECOVERY."
and I see my role as building on the company’s resilience and leading its recovery. To secure growth, we must radically improve our earning power and reinforce our finances. We must
AEG expands into China The Electrolux Group has entered into a joint venture with Midea Group, to introduce the premium AEG brand to Chinese consumers. The brand was officially launched at an event at the Appliance & Electronics World Expo in Shanghai in March. Combining the global brand expertise of Electrolux with the local market strength of Midea, the goal is to make AEG the most popular premium home appliances brand in China, by leveraging its 130-year heritage of German craftsmanship and innovation. The joint venture will explore the fast-growing high-end retail market in China, as well as real estate projects. “I am confident that AEG will be well received here. With a growing middle class and higher disposable incomes, we are seeing an upward trend in Chinese consumers choosing to pay a premium for quality and improved experiences,” Electrolux CEO, Jonas Samuelson said. “AEG, with its German heritage and top-quality offering, is perfectly poised to capture the fast-growing premium appliance opportunity in China.” 16
Appliance Retailer May 2018
BY EMILY BENCIC
move out of our comfort zone and promote fundamental reforms.” Satoshi Tsunakawa has taken on a new role in Toshiba as representative executive officer and president, and chief operations officer. Kurumatani and Tsunakawa will work together to execute the management of the Toshiba Group.
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
The first AEG store in China will open in June with other key milestones this year including the opening of its flagship store in Guangzhou in August and a second wave of product launches in October.
Electrolux also markets appliances in China under the Electrolux and Zanussi brands. The launch of AEG complements the company’s positioning in the Chinese market and supports the continued profitable growth in the country.
FEATURE
Diswashers OUTLOOK | TRENDS | RANGES | PRODUCT GALLERY | FROM THE FLOOR | PROMOTIONS
OUTLOOK
Tapping into energy efficiency BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
F
or many consumers the kitchen is the centre of the home and a space compatible with entertaining and a hub for family and friends. One of the most convenient and essential appliances is the dishwasher that has transformed the drudgery once associated with ‘cleaning the dishes’. Innovative technology combined with stylish design has converted the dishwasher into a desirable addition to the kitchen, a necessity and no longer a luxury. The pressure from escalating energy costs and saving water has led to manufacturers to move quickly to introduce features that appeal to consumers with functions that are not just time-saving, but energy and water efficient too. Smart appliance technology that gives users greater management options is another emerging feature.
Euromonitor International research analyst, Jorge Rosas said the housing market in Australia has historically helped boost sales of dishwashers. “Built-in dishwashers continue to gain popularity due to their sleek design and seamless integration to the kitchen.” He said the current simplistic or minimalist kitchen design trend and a ‘less is more’ way of thinking will continue to drive further growth and innovation in this sub-category. “Another key trend resonating among retailers and consumers is large place setting capacity as consumers look for versatility and convenience. Consumers are also highly interested in resource-efficient dishwashers due to rising costs of energy and water,” Rosas said. Dishwasher sales rose 9% in units and 6% in value according to the latest
data from GfK, although these rises were accompanied by a 3% decline in prices. Freestanding models were the key to sales growth and dominate the category with 76% unit share. The dishwasher market is highly competitive, according to Smeg head of brand, Tamara Buchanan, “With several brands competing in the same space on features, efficiency and quality”. “Consumers are paying more attention to the design of their kitchens and want their appliances to fit seamlessly into their homes and dishwashers are no exception,” LG Home Appliances, senior marketing manager, Brad Reed said. Glen Dimplex Australia product manager, Mark Geier made the point that low cost manufacturing regions have seen average selling prices drop over the last few years which seems to be continuing. AR
THE MOST CONCENTRATED, SMEG ‘DIAMOND’ SERIES PLANETARY ACTION DISHWASHER TECHNOLOGY IS HERE
DISHWASHERS AR
TRENDS
Consumer appetite for premium
C
onsumers are becoming increasingly technology driven with the expectation that premium brands will utilise this to deliver solutions to their most immediate concerns around water conservation, performance and hygiene, was the trend view put forward by Smeg’s Tamara Buchanan. “Smeg’s continued monitoring of trends and consumer demands revealed a progressive shift to a tech driven market, something the brand has been the first to respond to on numerous occasions,” Buchanan said. “In addition, there is increasing
embracing Smeg’s Victoria vintagestyle appliances in both built-in and freestanding ovens. LG launched a new range of dishwashers in March featuring QuadWash cleaning technology for enhanced cleaning capabilities matched with premium design. “This new range includes various features Australians expect from LG dishwashers, along with product reliability,” Brad Reed said. “Australians want a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and has top of the line functionality. Another trend we’re seeing is toward smart appliances, and many LG home
LG LAUNCHED A NEW RANGE
OF DISHWASHERS IN MARCH FEATURING QUADWASH
CLEANING TECHNOLOGY Tamara Buchanan – Smeg.
demand for choice in colour and an option for larger plates. “In the highly competitive market conditions of 2017, Smeg’s long-held belief that consumers crave choice saw the brand consolidate its market share and gain increased interest in its wide choice of design aesthetics,” she said. And while freestanding and fully integrated options are in demand, the semi-integrated retro style aesthetic of the DWIFAB built-in dishwasher is proving popular with consumers
FOR ENHANCED CLEANING
CAPABILITIES MATCHED WITH A PREMIUM DESIGN.
appliances come equipped with SmartThinQ technology, to make it easier for consumers to control and use their dishwashers,” he said. The new range carries options to suit the various décor choices of modern homes from black stainless steel to a traditional white finish, to complement consumers’ creative kitchen designs.
De’Longhi has enjoyed success in dishwasher sales year-on-year, category manager Jessica Hull said. “As a pillar for our major appliances,
Brad Reed – LG.
we will continue to motivate volume and provide consumers with a competitive dishwashing solution at accessible price points. “The strongest trend is the consistent increases in energy and water performance, driven by technology and innovation. Consumers have access to better washing performance, with tangible savings on their electricity and water bills.” Hull said the introduction of four new models, sporting higher energy and water efficiency ratings, improvements in washing performance and noise levels, and durable brushless motors, has reinvigorated the range. With the recent launch of its new ComfortLift models, Electrolux Home Products is expecting strong results in 2018, fabric care and dish care category manager, Mark Kampmann said. “Sales expectations have been met by the performance of each state.” He said extensive research and testing is the foundation of all its product innovations.
INTENSE AND DENSE PATTERN EVER SMA17044
AR DISHWASHERS
Jessica Hull – De’Longhi.
“Our new Electrolux and AEG ComfortLift dishwashers have impacted the way consumers interact with their kitchen appliances, streamlining their home cleaning routine and enabling them to tailor their washes around a busy work schedule, as well as providing a more environmentally sustainable and efficient operation,” he said. The dishwasher category is performing very well for Miele, and “sales continue to grow in a competitive market”, dishwashers and cooktops senior product manager, Elisha Malcolm said. “Built-in dishwashers, such as semi and fully integrated models, are driving growth as a desire to streamline the kitchen continues,” she said. “Queensland experienced good growth in 2017, with fully integrated dishwashers representing the biggest segment.” Home Appliances, now part of the Glen Dimplex Australia group, has maintained steady growth in what the company described as a slightly declining dishwasher category. “This comes from offering value for money within the range of models presented to the market,” product manager, Mark Geier said. “Exposure to the builder market has seen acceptance of the Home Appliances brands being used in development sites across the country. “The last few years have seen dishwashers with increased place settings taking sales from the traditional 12-place settings that have declined significantly. Electronically controlled dishwashers are becoming more popular and this feature is now available at lower price points. The importance of anti-flooding in the kitchen continues to grow with middle to high-end dishwashers including anti-flood devices to protect kitchen cabinets and floors. 20
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Streamlined kitchens are still the trend so flat controls, integrated machines and even all-glass models are being considered to keep clean linear lines throughout the kitchen,” he said. Omega, Blanco and Everdure have witnessed strong and positive sales performances over the last 12 months, senior product manager, Michael Sultana said. “Concerns about rising electricity pricing have resulted in an increased focus on efficiency with consumers purchasing a dishwasher. The importance of performance, quality and reliability are still at the forefront of the customers’ mind, although efficiency is becoming a more important requirement in the purchase
Mark Kampmann – Electrolux.
Elisha Malcolm – Miele.
decision. Last year we launched a range with this in mind across our three brands which are more energy and water efficient,” he said. Two models will be added to the Everdure range later this year. Bosch, the leading dishwasher brand in Australia, claims to design, develop and manufacture its dishwasher range specific to Australian consumer needs, based on market research. “Thanks to Bosch’s market leadership and tailored range, consumers will have confidence in buying a Bosch dishwasher that they will enjoy using for many years to come,” product manager, Martin Szymiczek said.
THE MOST CONCENTRATED, INTENSE AND DENSE PATTERN EVER
SMEG ‘DIAMOND’ SERIES PLANETARY ACTION DISHWASHER TECHNOLOGY IS HERE
SMA17043
smeg.com.au
AR DISHWASHERS “All Bosch ActiveWater dishwashers undergo 200 individual quality control checks before being released from the factory, and come with a 10 year rust-through warranty for the inner tub of the dishwasher and a lifetime anti-flood warranty, thanks to AquaStop Plus.” The dishwasher category is also performing well for Glem Gas with sales increases coming from Emilia and Glem brands. “We are under no illusion that we sell best at certain price points,” managing director, David Gilmore said. “We are now involved in a new product development program and ‘bang for buck’, our dishwashers offer great value at competitive prices, which has had the biggest impact on our sales.” He said design and styling are important along with good water and energy efficiency ratings. “Australian consumers are fairly discerning, no matter the price point, but there is always room for improvement. All states are performing well in dishwashers but it
Martin Szymiczek ‑ Bosch.
as much to do with the quality of our retailers as it is to do with anything we are doing.” The dishwasher category has proven to be a strong category for Teco over the past three years, as it complements the home appliance range, divisional manager, Dave Gray said. “Design, features and efficiency are clearly the main factors in the decision making process and we believe Teco has these bases covered with our dishwasher range.” He said all states enjoyed increased sales year-on-year as consumer acceptance of the brand rose along with retail partner support. “Teco expanded its dishwasher offering in 2017 introducing four, 15-place setting models at an affordable price with useable features, coupled with energy and water efficiency that consumers are looking for,” he said. Consumers want kitchen tools that are functional, stylish, or easily integrated, including their dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel product manager, Lan Nguyen said. “We are seeing a strong trend toward dishwashers that offer better design flexibility and improved ergonomics, as well being highly functional and providing exceptional hygiene. The kitchen continues to not only be the place where food is prepared and cooked, it is now also a home office, a meeting place for the family and a space to entertain friends, where appliances are used frequently and on display,” he said.
David Gilmore – Glem Gas.
“WE ARE NOW INVOLVED IN A NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND ‘BANG FOR BUCK’, OUR DISHWASHERS OFFER GREAT VALUE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES.” – Glem Gas, David Gilmore
“This is why the DishDrawer remains a favourite among customers, designers and architects. Able to be easily opened and closed, and conveniently positioned at bench height so loading and unloading requires minimal bending. Integrated models enable customers to match the façade of their DishDrawer to kitchen cabinetry for a seamless integrated look.” Traditionally Ariston performs extremely well in the dishwasher category, marketing coordinator, Caitlin Mazallo said. “Since 1930, the Ariston brand has continued to flourish with improvements in technology and design. Manufactured and designed in Italy, we ensure our dishwashers are reliable, quiet, efficient and easy to use.” When it comes to trends, V-ZUG trade marketing specialist, Siobhan Traficante said it is about addressing increasing demand for premium quality kitchen appliances that promote sustainability and reduce the household carbon footprint. AR
Michael Sultana – Everdure. 22
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Efficient cleaning for family kitchens. Making a mess in the kitchen is easily done, now De’Longhi makes cleaning up just as easy. De’Longhi’s stylish range of Dishwashers are both water and energy efficient, and offer a variety of programs and functions. Available in freestanding, semi-integrated or fully integrated, a De’Longhi dishwasher is sure to be a welcome addition to any family home. For more information, contact your De’Longhi representative on 1800 126 659 or visit www.delonghi.com.au. *Featured: Freestanding Dishwasher DEDW6015SI.
DEDW451OS
DEDW6015S
DEDW6015W
DEDW6015SI
DEDW650S
DEDW654FI
AR DISHWASHERS
Gains for extra
features RANGES
SMEG HAS 43 MODELS
ACROSS FOUR INSTALLATION OPTIONS, FREESTANDING, FULLY-INTEGRATED,
SEMI-INTEGRATED AND
UNDERBENCH, THREE SIZES,
90CM, 60CM AND 45CM AND COLOURS INCLUDING BLACK,
CREAM RED, SILVER, STAINLESS STEEL AND WHITE.
S
meg claims to offer the most extensive range of dishwashers on the Australian market in terms of advanced technology, aesthetics and colour with consumer interest throughout 2017 showing this to be a prime consideration in buying habits. Smeg has 43 models across four installation options, freestanding, fully-integrated, semi-integrated and underbench, three sizes, 90cm, 60cm and 45cm and colours ranging from black and cream to red, silver, stainless steel and white. The company said it has been attracting consumers from 24
Appliance Retailer May 2018
a broad demographic by delivering a highly efficient, water conserving solution for every domestic installation. Smeg has forged a reputation, globally, for leading the field in terms of ground-breaking technology and also recognising the importance of genuine innovation in terms of design, according to Tamara Buchanan. “The brand has always believed that the kitchen should be a place of beauty, not just domesticity,� she said. Improved cleaning technology from the new LG QuadWash dishwasher range is really going to up-level how Australians do the dishes, according to Brad Reed.
QuadWash is the latest innovation in dishwasher cleaning technology from LG. It features a bottom mount spray arm mechanism with four rotating blades, two incorporating an oscillating nozzle to deliver jets of water at multiple angles. The oscillating nozzles, located at the end of the arms, swing back and forth while the blade spins to increase water spray coverage compared to conventional wash arms with fixed nozzles. The inverter Direct Drive motor comes with a 10 year parts warranty and delivers reliable, efficient and quiet operation. The Dual Zone wash function cleans the middle rack and bottom rack separately, allowing for a variety of cutlery and crockery to be handled in a single wash. Another feature, EasyRack Plus, gives more options when loading dishes with easy adjustment of the middle rack and folding tines while a hidden handle, fingertip control touch panel and microLED display add to the minimalist design. For a smarter connected home, SmartThinQ allows users to download new wash cycles, personalise settings, diagnosis problems and be reminded to clean their dishwasher.
Grand designs deserve the perfect partner. Contemporary elegance to add a touch of style to your kitchen. The test of a brilliant dishwasher is in the things you don’t see. From the sleek, minimalistic design with no protruding buttons to the oscillating Quadwash spray arms that wash from multiple angles for a thorough clean LG dishwashers are designed to compliment your kitchen. They’re also quiet so your intimate conversations don’t get drowned out and loaded with clever adjustable racks to deal with everything from large pots and pans or all the items for up to 15 place settings. l g . c o m /a u /d i s h w a s h e r s
AR DISHWASHERS De’Longhi released four new models during 2017 delivering increased energy and water ratings, which the company said is particularly important for consumers in states where electricity prices are soaring. A brushless motor delivers durability and performance, while helping to reduce noise levels. Other additions, such as a re-designed spray arm for better wash performance, larger filtration catchment area, and redesigned detergent dispensers add the finishing touches to complete the experience. The DEDW6015 is the hero dishwasher in the De’Longhi range. Available in freestanding models, in stainless steel and white, as well as a semi-integrated version, its sleek design adds a touch of style to any kitchen. The eight-wash programs combined with three additional functions and delayed start is designed to give consumers more versatility when it comes to the dishwashing options. A large 15-place setting and child safety lock make this model ideal for families or large households. Electrolux and AEG ComfortLift dishwashers offer more functions than previously, for greater efficiency and a more convenient wash. Both machines are fitted with the ComfortLift drawer that raises the lower basket to a comfortable loading height. AirDry technology is a time and energy saving drying feature automatically opening the door by 10cm at the end of every cycle. The AEG ComfortLift model also features ComfortRails, which slides the basket smoothly into place without rattling the dishes. The two
1/ Ariston LFF 8M132 CX AUS Freestanding Dishwasher 2/ Miele G 6999 SCVi XXL K2O Fully Integrated Dishwasher 3/ Emilia EDW63SS Freestanding Dishwasher 4/ Fisher & Paykel DD60DCX9 Double DishDrawer
3 1
2
26
Appliance Retailer May 2018
4
built-under, 60cm hero products within these ranges are the AEG FFE72800PM and the Electrolux ESF8735ROX, the latter featuring 14 place settings and LED display. Miele’s latest dishwasher range, the innovative G 6000, has been designed to save time and resources. Features include a 58-minute QuickPowerWash program, even greater flexibility and loading convenience, and WLAN connectivity. Miele has developed UltraTabs Multi, formulated specifically for the new dishwashers which, unlike conventional multicomponent tablets, dissolve completely within two to three minutes, even with a short cycle. All G 6000 dishwasher models can be linked to the internet via a WLAN router without the need for additional modules. Using the free Miele@mobile app, machines can be monitored and controlled from a smartphone or tablet, giving a status indicator, program selection and program start. The hero product from Home Appliances is the Euromaid BG14BM black glass dishwasher with brushless motor technology for quieter operation and improved energy efficiency and eight wash programs including the auto program that senses water cleanliness by adjusting temperature and adding clean water if required. It accommodates 14-place settings and the addition of a third cutlery tray makes stacking easier. The top basket can be adjusted without removing any dishes by using a simple clip system. The machine is fitted with overflow and Aqua Safe anti-flood protection systems and comes with a half-load option, delay start and 30 minute wash cycle. Upgrade of the brushless motor models will see new aesthetics and additional functions to drive the mid to higher segment for the group. Everdure is launching two new models later this year, targeting the competitive price points of first time buyers and the replacement market by offering water and energy efficiencies, room for large plates and glasses as well as variety of washing programs. The hero product, the DWF126SC1 has 12 place settings, half load and delay start options and a child lock. Also available is the Omega ODW717X dishwasher fitted with a
third layer flexible cutlery tray and the option to slide half the tray on top of the other, allowing room for bigger plates and cups on the basket underneath. Blanco’s European made dishwashers include semi, integrated and freestanding models. Features common to each are 15 place settings, turbo drying and extra hygiene and extra rinse functions to assist with washing special items such as baby bottles. The Teco dishwasher range starts with the TDW06WA 6-place setting built-in or benchtop. The TDW15WCG and TDW15SCG 15-place models are available in white and stainless steel with an adjustable and removable cutlery tray, quiet operation, six wash options, Aqua Stop and 12.2 litre water usage for a normal wash with 5 Star WELS and 4 Star MEPS water and energy ratings. The hero product, in a choice of black or white glass door is available in two models, the TDW15WGAM and TDW15BGAM each with a brushless DC inverter motor, quiet operation at 47dB (A), eight wash programs, including auto sensor and Dual Zone alternative. These models are also water and energy efficient with 12.2L water usage on a normal wash cycle and carry 5 Star WELS and 4 Star MEPS ratings. The Bosch Series 4 range of dishwashers includes advanced energy and resource saving features, in addition to VarioFlex baskets with foldable racks in the upper and lower baskets. The patented Polinox inner tub, which is standard on Series 4 models, is durable, odourless and rust-free, engineered with robust materials to withstand dints, scratches and discolouration. Bosch dishwashers within each price class carry a standard feature set that includes the MachineCare program, 60 minute quick wash and dry program and the DosageAssist detergent system. MachineCare offers a comprehensive dishwasher clean by helping to eliminate built-up odours, but also provides a thorough dishwasher interior cleaning cycle that removes grease, grime and lime scale. DosageAssist maximises the effectiveness of the detergent tablet by dropping it into a specially engineered tray that is targeted by water jets, and dissolves evenly for superior cleaning performance and a quieter wash. www.applianceretailer.com.au
27
AR DISHWASHERS
Over at Glem Gas, where efficiency is always the big chase, retailers have benefited from improved models over the past 12 months. The company is also trialling new finishes and more loading options in addition to user-friendly product features which are also in the pipeline. The 14-place Glem GDW24SSE is a fully featured model with easy use controls, exclusive to Harvey Norman and Domayne. The 12-place Emilia EDW63SS with electronic touch controls and an extra drying option is available to Betta Stores and Appliances Online. Fisher & Paykel launched a freestanding dishwasher range last May. Comprising eight models in white or stainless steel, the range was designed to match the aesthetic of existing Fisher & Paykel kitchen appliances, with clean lines, cohesive material palette and matching design touchpoints. There is no plastic control panel with design features that includes a pocket handle and simple operational buttons with an easy lift upper basket, slide out cutlery tray and adjustable tines on selected models. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the DishDrawer is still a popular choice for consumers, utilising compact technologies to provide a space efficient dishwasher in a drawer, reducing the bending required to load 28
Appliance Retailer May 2018
THE HERO PRODUCT
FROM HOME APPLIANCES
IS THE EUROMAID BG14BM
BLACK GLASS DISHWASHER WITH BRUSHLESS MOTOR
TECHNOLOGY FOR QUIETER
OPERATION AND IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
and unload dishes, while also able to be placed where it will be most used and easily accessed. Ariston strives for efficiency and quality and dishwashers feature eco efficient functions, use less water and energy designed to appeal to the green consumer. “Carbon footprints are now part of the conversations and as a savvy manufacturer, Ariston listens to this new breed of consumer. “With people exploring many different styles of cooking, we have adapted to meet their needs by designing ultra-flexible baskets that will hold any sort of utensil, pot, pan or serving plate,” Caitlin Mazallo said. The V-ZUG Adora SLWP claims to set the standards for dishwashers in the Australian market. With a 6-star energy rating thanks to its world-first heat pump technology and water consumption levels as low as 11.2 litres per wash, using the economy program. V-ZUG has also recognised the needs of time poor consumers who need to get the job done quickly, with the recently launched Party Program, which completes a cycle for lightly soiled dishes in 11 minutes. For a deeper clean and an outstanding finish, customers can also select the SteamFinish program, which uses pure steam droplets for spot free, clean dishes every wash. AR
The latest innovation in advanced dishwasher cleaning capabilities is also equipped with SmartThin Q technology making it easier for consumers to control and use the dishwasher.
LG QuadWash XD3A15BS `` QuadWash technology for deeper clean `` EasyRack Plus for versatile loading options `` Inverter Direct Drive motor for quiet operation `` Micro-LED display
RRP: $1,549
LG: 1300 542 273
Smeg Freestanding Dishwasher DWA6314B `` 5.5 star WELS/3.5 MEPS rating `` Five programs/five quick time programs `` Five stage filtration system `` Natural condenser drying
RRP: $1,650
Smeg: 02 8667 4888 Designed in Italy, this freestanding dishwasher marries style with technology, especially when it comes to water efficiency, using just 9.7 litres per full wash.
PRODUCT GALLERY De’Longhi Freestanding Dishwasher DEDW6015S `` 5 star WELS/4 star MEPS rating `` Brushless motor for reduced noise `` Eight wash programs `` Delayed start option
RRP: $1,199
De’Longhi: 1800 126 659 With its 15-place settings and cutlery drawer, this competitively priced dishwasher has been designed to cater to the larger households and is also available in a semi-integrated version.
www.applianceretailer.com.au
29
AR DISHWASHERS
Everdure Dishwasher DWF126SC1 AEG ComfortLift Dishwasher FFE72800PM `` SoftGrip and SoftSpikes protects glassware `` AirDry opens door when cycle is complete `` ComfortRails slide baskets easily in place `` ExtraSilent program with inverter motor
`` Delay start option `` Half load option `` Child lock `` 4.5-star water rating
RRP: $449
Everdure: 1300 355 541
RRP: $1,999
EHP: 1300 363 640
As the name suggests this stainless steel model provides increased ease when loading and unloading with a unique lifting mechanism that positions the lower rack towards the user.
Euromaid Freestanding Dishwasher BG14BM `` 14-place settings `` Eight wash programs `` 30-minute wash option `` Half-load option
RRP: $999
Glen Dimplex: 1300 556 816 A fully featured dishwasher in black or white glass features a slim line control panel that takes minimalism into new territory when it comes to smart kitchen design.
30
Appliance Retailer May 2018
A sneak peek of a new stainless steel model with 12-place settings to be launched in July, priced to appeal to first home buyers and replacement markets.
PROMOTIONS
DE’LONGHI
A comprehensive promotional calendar includes dishwashers to encourage add-on sales and cross-category promotion.
FROM THE FLOOR
Mario Nobre – City Retravision, WA
T
he dishwasher category is sitting very much on “steady as it goes”, according to City Retravision proprietor, Mario Nobre. For this Western Australian retailer, which is now located at Osborne Park following a recent move from its Hay Street address to a bigger showroom, “dishwasher sales are always strong”, with replacement sales the biggest contributor to its dishwasher business. The store carries a full range of freestanding, built-in and drawer models and one of the biggest sellers is Bosch, which Nobre said offers a huge range that caters for every price point. Consumers definitely want quiet when it comes to feature preferences along with water and energy efficiency. “Consumers are increasingly concerned about water and energy use, especially as costs for both are on the rise. So these two features have
become important in the purchase decision,” he told Appliance Retailer. There is no trend to larger capacity models with the standard 14-place setting still the most popular, and Nobre is yet to see any evidence of customers interested in connected home features. When it comes to finishes, stainless steel still comes out on top while price is another key factor in the decision making process. Promotions however are clearly a big contributor to sales for the retailer with around 50% of customers said to be attracted to products from promotion activity. As for the elephant in the room, Amazon, Nobre was noncommittal, except to add that there has been no increase in online sales, particularly when it comes to white goods. The store has a wide age demographic from 25 to 65 years, and established for over 20 years. AR
GLEM GAS
Bonus gift with purchase promotions will be available on Glem and Emilia dishwashers to selected retail partners.
EUROMAID
As a sponsor at the Sydney Ryoal Easter Show, NSW country communities benefitted from Euromaid appliances following the Show.
V-ZUG
Consumers will receive savings of up to $4,600 on kitchen packages, including dishwashers, from May 7 until June 3, 2018.
www.applianceretailer.com.au
31
AR FOOD PREPARATION OUTLOOK
Stylish design and impressive functionality hit the mark BY EMILY BENCIC
T
he total food preparation market, categorised by blenders, mixers, processors and choppers, by GfK, declined 15% in units and 20% in value in the 2017 calendar year. Liquidisers remain the largest segment, accounting for 45% of sales, although the only segment which showed growth for the year was choppers, increasing 21% in units compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, juicers saw a 14% decline in units and 3% drop in value, although the average selling price increased by 13%. Current DIY and health trends, coupled with a strong renovation market, has stimulated growth of food preparation appliances, Euromonitor International research analyst, Jorge Rosas said. “Consumers are not only replacing their benchtop appliances as they become faulty, but whenever they renovate their kitchens. As consumers attempt to personalise their kitchens with stylish benchtop appliances, retailers are offering an increased range of colours, designs and finishes.� Since entering the food preparation category less than four years ago, Smeg claims to be a market leader not only in Australia, but in Europe, the UK and US. The company attributes its success to the distinctive styling, benchmark performance and breadth of colour of its appliances. 32
Appliance Retailer May 2018
The KitchenAid stand mixer remains at the core of the company’s food preparation offering and is the leader in the premium space with 78% share of the $600 and above price point. The company was recognised as the number one mixer brand in the world for 2017 by Euromonitor International, which was reinforced with an accolade for best food mixer by Product Review. Breville has experienced significant growth in the juicing and blending
categories over the past 12 months as consumers seek better solutions for consuming fresh juices and preparing whole food dishes, according to business manager for cooking and food prep, Sharon Lenzner. Despite the decline in the food processor segment, Sunbeam has seen positive growth with a 14% increase in unit sales with its LC6000 Multi-Processor Compact Duo leading the way. AR
TRENDS
S
It must look good, be versatile and save time
meg food preparation appliances are far more than efficient everyday tools with various style and colour options, according to national manager of small domestic appliances, Arthur Banbas. “Benchtop appliances are being used to update and enhance existing kitchens by injecting a sense of style and shot of colour,” he said. “Our customers are embracing both the look and performance of our products and continue to look at extending their collection,” he said. Kenwood reported a value increase for kitchen mixers for the first half of the year, following a market contraction in 2017, category manager for food preparation, Marcus Lo Russo said. He believes this has been driven by a shift from generalised products to personalised products. “With this in mind, we established promotions of choice, which has been essential in empowering floor staff to tailor the message to individual customers. We want our customers to create the perfect Kenwood chef then and there. No clunky redemption website, just take it home and get cooking instantly,” he said. The food processor category has been recognised as one to watch in 2018 as consumers' health needs continue to change, according to KitchenAid marketing director, Filiz
Arthur Banbas – Smeg.
“BENCHTOP APPLIANCES ARE BEING USED TO UPDATE AND ENHANCE EXISTING KITCHENS BY INJECTING A SENSE OF STYLE AND SHOT OF COLOUR.” – Smeg, Arthur Banbas
Bensan. “The category has been relatively stable over the past 12 months, but we see room for growth as consumers expand their healthy eating choices,” she said. “There is a growing trend to a more holistic health approach with respect to ingredients, as well as the preparation process. Food processors offer great versatility for healthy meals and make it easier to perform rather arduous tasks like chopping and dicing,” she added. KitchenAid also caters to consumers who want to do more with their cooking and add their own creative flair to dishes.
“We offer over 15 attachments and accessories with innovations including the vegetable sheet cutter, spiralizer and fresh prep slicer and shredder,” Bensan said. “Our ProLine blenders embody beautiful design and intuitive push button controls, truly reflective of
Marcus Lo Russo – Kenwood.
the KitchenAid design philosophy of making appliances that consumers can proudly showcase in the kitchen.” Versatility and time-saving features are two key factors driving the category, according to Breville’s Sharon Lenzner. www.applianceretailer.com.au
33
AR FOOD PREPARATION recipes and build a strong networking community on social media to support their experiences,” product manager for kitchen electrics, Tegan Bond said. Glen Dimplex has witnessed a trend toward multi-purpose products, suitable all year round. “This led to our decision to launch our Morphy Richards soup and smoothie maker, which has a made a positive impact on the category for us and we hope to continue to offer diverse products,” product and procurement manager, Douglas Yapp said. Amateur bakers, cooking fanatics and foodies have high baking
Douglas Yapp – Glen Dimplex.
Sharon Lenzner – Breville.
“Consumers with an interest in food waste, minimising processed sugar consumption and increasing intake of whole foods will lean toward appliances that deliver ease of use. Our research has shown that when consumers research juicers, they look for solutions to produce juice quickly, with minimal impact on ingredients and simple cleaning steps.” Sunbeam category manager, Jessica Roper noted that food preparation remains the largest small domestic appliance (SDA) category at $183 million, or 19% of the total SDA 34
Appliance Retailer May 2018
market. “Although the category is experiencing steep declines, Sunbeam has bucked the trend and continues to see positive growth,” she said. Tefal aims to offer a food preparation solution for all consumers, regardless of skill or expertise. The company is seeing consumers utilise their appliances, in particular the Cuisine Companion, for a wider range of uses, such as baked goods. “It is exciting to see consumers explore the limits of what this appliance can help them achieve. We are also seeing consumers share
Jessica Roper – Sunbeam.
aspirations, which calls for high performing appliances, according to Russell Hobbs assistant product manager, Cristina Cafasso. “We recognise the needs of all home cooks and have designed the Helix hand mixer for them to achieve their baking goals.” Philips marketing assistant for domestic appliances, Constance Khoo said Australian consumers are being influenced by reality cooking shows that inspire new recipes, techniques and kitchen products that help them reach their cooking potential. “Consumers are increasingly searching for satisfying and nourishing leafy dishes involving protein-packed vegetables, no-waste soups and salads.” Over at Vitamix, chief operating officer, Anthony Ciepiel has noticed consumers moving away from personal blenders to full sized blenders as they demand quality and performance. “Consumers want a blender that can deliver greater performance and more versatility as they strive for restaurant quality meals at home,” he said. “Technology advancements are also high in demand, and therefore, we have focused on wireless connectivity with Self-Detect technology to automatically adjust the blend setting.” AR
MIXING WITH THE BEST
70 YEARS OF COOKING HERITAGE • FOR THE SERIOUS CHEF • FOR THE SERIOUS INDIVIDUAL
SMAS18864
T E C H N O L O G Y
W I T H
S T Y L E
AR FOOD PREPARATION
RANGES
The latest mixers, blenders and food processors
S
meg’s stand mixer features a powerful 800 watt motor, planetary mixing action and soft start feature. Attachments include a multi-food grinder, slicer/grater, pasta roller and cutter, as well as a ravioli maker. It comes with a five year warranty with the first three months offering a complete product replacement, as well as free pick-up and delivery. The stand mixer was the winner of two major international design awards – iF Design Award and Good Design Award (Chicago Athenaeum Museum). The Smeg hand blender is the goto-appliance for soups, dressings and smoothies. Available in four colours with a range of attachments including a chopper, masher, whisk and 1.4 litre Tritan mixing beaker. It features 36
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Breville Kitchen Wizz Peel & Dice BFP820
a 700 watt motor, adjustable speed control plus turbo control and unique FlowBlend technology. Smeg will soon release its benchtop blender in white. It features an 800 watt motor, smooth start function, four speeds and three pre-set programs – smoothie, ice crusher and pulse. The Chef XL Titanium kitchen machine continues to be the hero product for Kenwood, which won a Good Design Award in 2017 for stylish design and impressive function. It includes a spotlight to illuminate the colour, texture and consistency of the mix, a 6.7 litre bowl capacity and 1700 watt motor. There are over 20 additional optional MyChef attachments, in addition to the included tools – the K-beater, spiral dough hook, power whisk, creaming beater and folding tool.
“We want to be able to offer a service that can be tailored to the consumer – whether it’s the amount of servings, dietary requirements or swapping ingredients in recipes. Watch this space for a product offering we will be announcing soon,” Kenwood’s Marcus Lo Russo said. Although the stand mixer is at the core of KitchenAid’s offering, the company will also continue to focus on its ProLine blender and food processor range. Thanks to its 3.5 peak HP motor, the ProLine blender can blend everything from fruit and vegetable smoothies to soups, juices, nut butters, dressings and more. There are three pre-set AdaptiBlend programs – smoothies, juices and soups with each program offering a range of speeds. With KitchenAid’s exclusive 1.75 litre thermal control jar, consumers can blend and heat soup in just five minutes, while the outside of the jar remains cool. The KitchenAid KFP1333 food processor has been a top performer in the range due to its simplicity. It features an ExactSlice system to easily switch from think to thin, and small to large slicing. The KFP1644 ProLine food processor offers a robust design with die cast metal base and 650 watt motor. Standard pack inclusions include slicing disc, reversible shredding disc, parmesan/ ice shaving disc, French fry cutting disc, dicing kit, citrus press, multipurpose and dough blade plus an accessory storage case.
Breville has introduced Cold Spin technology to its Juice Fountain Cold XL to enable juice to experience less than a one degree Celsius temperature increase during the extraction process. Thanks to its 1500 watt commercial performance motor, two litres of juice can be created five times faster than a cold press or slow juicer. It has also been engineered with quiet motor technology, which reduces mechanical noise by 40%.
Kenwood Chef XL Titanium
THE SMEG HAND BLENDER IS THE
GO-TO-APPLIANCE WITH A RANGE OF ATTACHMENTS INCLUDING A
CHOPPER, MASHER, WHISK AND
1.4 LITRE TRITAN MIXING BEAKER. The new Breville Big Squeeze slow juicer features a large feed chute for faster processing, in addition to an ultraquiet motor and screw and filter design to slowly squeeze maximum quantity of fresh juice from whole foods. Breville will also continue to push its recently released Kitchen Wizz food processor as it delivers greater functionality with superior variable dicing, a large jam-free feed chute and potato peeler capability. This year Sunbeam is celebrating 70 years of the iconic Sunbeam Mixmaster, which sold over 725,000 units in the first 10 years of launch. The premium Café Series Planetary Mixmaster (MX9200) boasts a powerful 1000 watt motor with
Russell Hobbs Helix Hand Mixer RHMX350
Morphy Richards Total Control Soup Maker
Sunbeam Café Series Planetary Mixmaster MX9200 www.applianceretailer.com.au
37
AR FOOD PREPARATION 12 speed settings, a 4.5 litre stainless steel bowl, LCD screen with timer, pause and pulse functions and four interchangeable accessories for an RRP of $399. The newest addition to the range is a new black colour variant of the MX7900 Planetary Mixmaster with darker colours are set to trend throughout 2018. It features an 800 watt motor, 12 speeds, Scrapemaster spatula beater, whisk and dough hook attachments. The Sunbeam LC6500 and LC5500 Multi-Processor Plus food processors (RRP $179, $149) provide an 800 watt motor, an extra wide chute, 1.5 litre glass blender jug attachment (exclusive to LC6500), two processing speeds plus pulse button. The food processors also include three stainless steel blades for slicing, shredding and grating, as well as dough blade, whisk and processing blade attachments. In the second half of 2018, Tefal will introduce a new baby bowl accessory for the Cuisine Companion, ideal for making a wide range of baby foods or when making smaller portions. Throughout 2018, Tefal will continue to focus on its hero products including the Cuisine Companion, Cook4Me+, Optigrill+ and the soon to be released Power Grill. In 2017, the product offering from Morphy Richards extended beyond breakfast into food preparation with the Total Control Soup Maker. It has pre-set programs including a memory function for adding ingredients, portion control, 1100 watt motor with smart response
THIS YEAR SUNBEAM IS
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS
OF THE ICONIC SUNBEAM
MIXMASTER, WHICH SOLD
OVER 725,000 UNITS IN THE George Foreman Mix & Go Optima Blender GFBL2SP
FIRST 10 YEARS OF LAUNCH.
technology, 1.6 litre capacity and a two year warranty. It is easy to clean with a removable pan. RRP is $199.95. The Russell Hobbs Helix hand mixer features uniquely designed helix beaters, an eject button, and heel and bowl rest to allow for messfree operation. It also boasts a 350 watt peak mixing power, five speeds and turbo boost. The Russell Hobbs RHKM10 kitchen machine has 10 speed settings, 1000 watt motor and 5.5 litre stainless steel mixing bowl. It also comes with a 1.5 litre glass blending
jug. George Foreman has introduced the GFBL2SP Mix & Go Optima blender with two speeds for protein shakes, meal replacement drinks and smoothies. It includes two portable 600mL drinking bottles and chill sticks for drinks on-the-go. The new hand blender from Philips features an Optichop accessory using an Australian-first Chopdrop technology to finely chop fresh ingredients. ProMix technology ensures food blends evenly, ideal for nut spread and smooth soups. In time for Mother’s Day, Vitamix launched the A2300i Ascent Series high performance blender with blades made from laser-cut steel, honed to pulverise, not slice. Vanilla ice cream can be created from ice cubes, milk, icing sugar and vanilla in just 30 seconds and cold water can be turned to just under boiling point in less than six minutes. After use, the blender will clean itself. It boasts a 10 year warranty, is available in various colours and RRPs start from $895. AR
SUNBEAM
TEFAL
PROMOTIONS
SMEG
Consumers redeem an attachment of their choice – triple pasta roller set, multi-food grinder or slicer/grater – with a Smeg stand mixer until 31 May, 2018. 38
Appliance Retailer May 2018
To celebrate 70 years of the Sunbeam Mixmaster, the company will launch the Sunbeam ‘Baking Memories’ campaign in 2018.
With the purchase of a Tefal Cuisine Companion, consumers receive a bonus spare bowl. Tefal will continue to sponsor Justine Schofield and Everyday Gourmet.
Breville the Big Squeeze BJS700
An essential kitchen accessory for making dishes from scratch, such as soups, dressing and smoothies, the Smeg hand blender packs a powerful 700 watt motor and revolutionary stainless steel blade.
`` Ultra-quiet 240 watt motor `` Low speed extraction method with no heat transfer `` Removable jug and pulp bin `` Off/on and forward/reverse functions
RRP: $599
Breville: 1300 139 798 With a Nutri Basket filter, maximum yield and nutrients are produced with easy cleaning between juicing. There are two feed chutes for both large and small fruits and vegetables.
Smeg Hand Blender HBF02 `` Adjustable speed control `` Available in four colours – pastel blue, red, black and cream `` FlowBlend technology `` Includes main blender, 1.4 litre BPA-free Tritan beaker, chopper, potato masher and whisk attachment
RRP: $259
Smeg: 02 8867 4888
PRODUCT GALLERY Sunbeam Multi-Processor Plus LC6500 `` Large and small feed chutes `` Two speeds and pulse button `` Three stainless steel blades, dough blade, whisk and processing blade attachments `` In bowl storage for accessories
RRP: $179
Sunbeam: 1300 881 861
A powerful 800 watt motor, extra wide chute and 1.5 litre glass blender jug attachment mean this food processor can be used for up to 14 different tasks including churning, whipping to chopping. www.applianceretailer.com.au
39
AR WORLD CUP
World Cup tipped to boost home entertainment sales BY EMILY BENCIC
A
head of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia starting in June, data firms, market analysts and national retailers have shared their insights and expectations on how the sporting event will spruik the Australian home entertainment category. Suppliers have given a sneak-peek of their latest innovations arriving in retail stores as they prepare for a sales spike. GfK data has painted a buoyant picture of the television market, which grew 3% in unit terms and 6% in value terms for the year to December 2017. The growth was driven by a strong transition to UHD/4K models, which experienced a 54% increase in units and a 34% increase in value. As a
40
Appliance Retailer May 2018
result, Full HD TVs experienced a 39% unit decline and 52% value slump. TV screen sizes 55-inch and above were the star performers, accounting for almost half (46%) of unit sales. Soundbars also continued an upward trend with a 16% increase in units and 21% increase in value. Euromonitor International research analyst, Jorge Rosas believes improvements in technology have played a critical role in this growth, assisting the Australian home entertainment market to hold its own. “As picture quality improves, demand for televisions remains strong. Consumers are willing to trade up to larger screen sizes to achieve a cinematic experience from the comfort of home.
“OLED televisions have been the strongest growing sub-category in televisions. The entry of Panasonic and Sony, whom have jumped on the OLED bandwagon, has resulted in increased competition and a more price competitive environment.” Telsyte research has shown that 4K TVs achieved 15% household ownership in Australia at the end of 2017. Senior analyst, Alvin Lee said, “Given the widespread of 4K TV and more availability in the sub-$1,000 segment, the penetration could potentially double by the end of 2018. The challenges and opportunities both lie on how to make TVs more than just bigger and better screens, but work seamlessly with other Internet-connected devices.” AR
HISENSE PARTNERS WITH FIFA
TV Tech Talk It’s the battle of technologies in the television market as QLED and OLED go head-to-head. Quantum Dot LED uses the same technology as LED panels, meaning the display is illuminated by a backlight with the addition of quantum dots. As quantum dots use inorganic material, colour and picture quality will not degrade over time. In April 2017, global TV manufacturers, Samsung, Hisense and TCL, formed a QLED TV alliance to boost the QLED TV market in China – the largest TV market globally. The key benefit of QLED technology is its superb colour expression as it can produce almost any colour possible and as Quantum dot is luminous efficient, there is no loss of light or impact to brightness. Samsung’s 2017 QLED TV received verification from world-class testing and certification association, Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) for its ability to produce 100% colour volume – measuring both colour gamut and brightness level. The colour gamut looks at the largest amount of colours that can be displayed physically, while the peak brightness represents the display’s maximum brightness level. QLED panels often sit at a more affordable price point for consumers,
particularly in larger sizes, such as 75inch and above. Market research firm, DisplaySearch estimates that global sales of Quantum Dot TVs will exceed 18 million units in 2018. OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology means the display is self-emissive and the pixels produce their own light, which results in deeper blacks. In comparison to LED or LCD TVs, OLED offers a faster response time and therefore reduces blur, ideal when watching sport. OLED displays also offer greater contrast range and wider colour gamut. The panels are more flexible and can offer new form factors and new audio solutions. For example, OLED TVs from Sony incorporate Acoustic Surface technology which emits sound from the screen itself. There is more brand support behind OLED, with Sony and Panasonic using LG OLED panels, although it tends to carry a more premium price tag. Both technologies provide an excellent viewing experience, and as suggested by IHS Markit principal analyst, Paul Gray (see page 36), it may simply come down to lighting in the home. OLED displays are more suitable for dimly-lit rooms and QLED displays show their full potential in brighter-lit rooms. AR
Hisense is the official television sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, bringing the brand to a global audience of 3.2 billion. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners at FIFA and SBS to bring this event to living rooms across the country,” Hisense head of marketing, Andre Iannuzzi said. “The World Cup only comes around every four years and it’s great that Australia has again qualified for the tournament. We are proud to be providing Australian consumers with the ultimate viewing experience through our premium quality televisions, particularly our 2018 models,” he added. To further drive awareness and sales in the lead up to the World Cup, Hisense has partnered with Australian football superstars Mile Jedinak and Ellyse Perry as local brand ambassadors. The pair will partake in a number of campaigns throughout the year leading up to and post-World Cup. A key component of Hisense’s pre-World Cup campaign was a nationwide consumer competition. “Retail-led, it provided consumers with the opportunity to win a trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and boosted our sales in March and April,” Iannuzzi said. Hisense will continue to work with its retail partners to bring its new product range to life before and during the World Cup through a number of activations and activities.
WORLD CUP FACTS: In 2010, Russia, for the first time in its history, was granted the right to host the FIFA World Cup*
*welcome2018.com/en/fan_guide/welcome-to-russia/ten-facts-about-world-cup
www.applianceretailer.com.au
41
AR WORLD CUP
What’s for
H
NEW2018?
isense head of marketing, Andre Iannuzzi said, “We have enhanced our award-winning ULED 4K range this year and we will be introducing our first OLED TV to offer consumers a wider range of options.” A key feature being introduced to select models in the 2018 ULED 4K range is 1000+ Zone Prime Array Backlight. This means the LCD panel is divided into over 1000 different physical dimming zones, which can be dimmed and brightened independently of one another to allow for improved contrast and superior detail in shadows. The range will also feature Quantum Dot technology to improve the colour gamut with an expanded colour palette, allowing for more detailed imagery. Hisense has upgraded its VIDAA U Smart TV platform for an improved user experience and has launched the RemoteNOW fully integrated app for better mobile connectivity and a more premium viewing experience. The ULED 4K range also offers UHD Premium Certification, conforming to the highest industry standard. 42
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Samsung head of AV, Hass Mahdi said, “This year our range opens new experiences and offerings that will change the way people think about Samsung TVs and what our home entertainment products can deliver.” Exclusive to the Q9F and Q8F models in the QLED TV range, Direct Full Array technology will provide deep contrast and outstanding blacks. Across the QLED range, Ambient Mode enables the display to create a chameleon-like effect and seamlessly blend with its surroundings, including the colour and texture of the wall. The TV will also display the weather, time and date, as well as photos.
Andre Iannuzzi – Hisense.
From a design perspective, the 2018 QLED TV range introduces a One Clear Connection cable. An allin-one optical and power cable with a minimalist look, it removes the need to position the TV where the power and aerial connections are located. With the rise of the smart home, Samsung has launched SmartThings for consumers to control compatible Samsung smart devices from the TV. LG marketing manager for home entertainment, Tony Brown said, “Our 2018 range of TVs across OLED, Super UHD, UHD and HD include our AI ThinQ technology meaning users can interact with our TVs more than ever before.” With AI functionality, the TV range employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) to deliver intelligent voiceactivated control and connectivity. This year’s LG Super UHD TV range will employ Full-Array Local Dimming to produce deeper blacks and more enhanced colours, while the 2018 OLED TV range delivers an enhanced Alpha 9 processor. The LG WK7 and LG SK10Y speakers are enabled with Meridian Audio technology to deliver powerful and undistorted bass, as well as
Hass Mahdi – Samsung.
optimise speech and vocals. The SK10Y is also equipped with Dolby Atmos. Sony head of TV, Aki Hosoda said, “Our premium TVs deliver enhanced contrast, colour and clarity thanks to our 4K HDR picture processor X1 Extreme, and upscale content to look even better.” Sony will introduce X-Motion Clarity technology to its X9000F Series to keep fast action images smooth and clear, using Sony’s proprietary direct LED local dimming and backlight boosting algorithm. Sony will also continue to offer key technologies including Sony 4K HDR processor X1 Extreme, X-Motion Clarity, Triluminous Display, X-tended Dynamic Range Pro and Dolby Vision across its new Full HD LED/LCD TV, 4K Ultra HD TV and OLED TV models. Panasonic category manager for AV and imaging, Doug Campbell said, “Our famous Hollywood Cinema Experience Processor (HCX), tuned by Hollywood colourists, ensures an accurate cinema experience true to the film-maker's vision.”
Aki Hosoda – Sony.
Rafael Mayen – TCL.
The Panasonic FX780 Series 4K Pro HDR UHD LED LCD is ideal for the World Cup with sports mode for ultra-smooth motion for fast-moving action, in addition to a 200 hertz super bright panel and local dimming for clear bright images and precise contrast and gradation. The FX800 Series brings added style to the living room with an art and interior glass bezel design. The latest Panasonic soundbars are designed for clear, dynamic sound and offer Bluetooth. TCL marketing supervisor, Rafael Mayen said, “In 2018, we will be introducing our QLED Android TV range, which comprises premium picture quality and endless entertainment options.” Picture quality is key to the flagship TCL X6 Series, which features Quantum Dot technology to further enhance picture quality through
higher peaks of brightness and colour volume. The integration of Dolby Atmos enables a true cinematic sound that flows around and above viewers. Amber Technology general manager, Alberto Zamudio said, “Consumers may want to watch the action on a big screen in 4K Ultra HD and make audio come alive using a soundbar system. We have the perfect products for them.” The Optoma UHD5x Series Projectors offer 4K UHD resolution, 2,400 lumens of brightness and wide colour gamut. The Onkyo LS-7200 3D Soundbar includes a slim-line 5-channel network receiver, low-profile soundbar and wireless subwoofer. One For All Antennas are designed for consumers with poor TV reception with features such as automatic gain control and compatibility with programs broadcasted in 4K Ultra HD format. AR
Alberto Zamudio – Amber Technology.
WORLD CUP FACTS: The 2018 FIFA World Cup and each host city will be represented by elected ambassadors – famous people who were either born in those cities, or are somehow related to them*
*welcome2018.com/en/fan_guide/welcome-to-russia/ten-facts-about-world-cup
www.applianceretailer.com.au
43
AR WORLD CUP
Q&A with Paul Gray from IHS Markit
Why televisions will grow in size but shrink in price on smaller screen sizes (from 40inch to 55-inch) as larger screens compress prices. The 32-inch segment is already at the point of no further reduction – it’s hard for anyone to make a profit. Making UHD services available to all takes a far bigger investment from broadcasters than TV brands with 4K UHD coverage for live sports technically difficult and expensive. Therefore, solving the content shortage is critical.
HOW DO YOU EXPECT THE MARKET TO EVOLVE OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
IHS Markit principal analyst, Paul Gray
WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK ON THE CURRENT TELEVISION MARKET?
Globally, most markets are mature and it is essentially replacement-driven. In developed countries we are seeing a trend towards fewer TVs in the home as consumers do more personal viewing on tablets and smartphones (for example watching in bed). There is huge investment in China to build 10th Generation LCD display fabs, optimised for 65- and 75-inch screen sizes. This will bring down the costs (and retail prices) of very large screens. Expect size growth (which has been 1-inch per year) to continue. In the end, we will start to hit real obstacles to size growth, country by country, depending on living room size. 44
Appliance Retailer May 2018
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE MARKET?
Big screens and UHD present the biggest opportunity to manufacturers. Very large screens will need a 4K UHD signal to get the most out of them, and as said earlier, big screens will rapidly come down in cost. The opportunity for retailers is that the larger sets (65-inch and above) don’t fit into a car – they have to be delivered. This opens up the way to installation and other services. But a 75-inch TV in a box is more like whitegoods or furniture in terms of logistics. However, there are several challenges. In particular, price erosion will continue to be severe
Principally it will be larger sizes – growth in Australia will really only be in 55-inch and above, with 40-inch to 50-inch remaining relatively stable and 32-inch falling. It will be interesting to see how Australia plans its broadcasting as most countries with MPEG-2 firstgeneration systems are migrating to newer, more efficient standards which offer higher resolutions.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE COMPETING DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY ON OFFER?
I don’t think there is an inherently superior technology. Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you watch TV in a dimly-lit room then OLED is probably more suitable. If your room is brighter-lit, then the peak light outputs available with LCD and full array local dimming are really appealing. My advice is for consumers to do a side-byside test in living room conditions and buy what they like best. AR
Hisense Series 9 75P9 TV Comprising signature ULED features such as High Dynamic Range, wide colour gamut, 200 Hertz smooth motion rate, and Ultra 4K resolution, this ULED TV range has an Ultra HD Premium certification.
`` Quantum Dot technology `` 10 bit (over 1 billion colours) `` Ultra-local dimming `` Prime Array Backlight with 1000+ dimming zones
MSRP: $6,499
Hisense: 1800 447 367
Samsung QLED Q9 TV Direct Full Array (DFA) contrast technology, exclusive to the Q9F and Q8F QLED TVs, delivers an impressive framework of precisely controlled LEDs for pristine contrast across all images displayed onscreen.
`` One Clear Connection cable `` Ambient Mode `` SmartThings integration `` Available in 75- and 88-inch
RRP: From $6,999
Samsung: 1300 362 603
2018 World Cup Hot Products Sony HT-X9000F Soundbar This soundbar is compatible with all Sony Bravia TVs, but specifically designed to fit between the legs of the new Sony X9000F TV. It also incorporates a wireless subwoofer.
`` Dolby Atmos with Vertical Surround Engine `` Compatible with 4K/HDR video sources `` HDMI input and HDMI (ARC) connectivity for easy set-up `` Bluetooth and USB music playback
RRP:$799
Sony: 1300 137 669
WORLD CUP FACTS This is the first World Cup to be hosted in Europe since
2006 because FIFA rotates hosting rights among continents*
*www.worldfootballguide.com/fifa/world-cup/world-cup-2018-facts
www.applianceretailer.com.au
45
AR WORLD CUP
LG W8 Signature OLED TV The ultra-thin wallpaper design allows this television to mount virtually flush with the wall for a minimalist look. It also produces cinematic sound thanks to Dolby Atmos sound technology.
`` OLED display with no backlight `` New Alpha 9 processor `` ThinQ with voice-activated control `` 4K Cinema HDR with Dolby Vision
RRP: From $9,999
Optoma UHD50 Projector
LG: 1300 542 273
This projector will transform the living room into a highquality home cinema with 4K UHD resolution to deliver exceptional detail, clarity and colour.
`` 2,400 lumens of brightness `` Dynamic Black for exceptional black levels `` Vertical lens-shift and 1.3x zoom for easy and flexible installation `` HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 technologies
RRP: $2,799
Amber Technology: 1800 251 367
TCL C6 Series 4K Ultra HD TV Powered by the new Android operating system, Android Nougat, consumers have endless entertainment content including games, movies, television shows, music and apps with Chromecast built-in. Its sleek art design with centralised tripod will fit on any size cabinet.
`` Supports HDR Premium `` Wide colour gamut `` Harman Kardon Audio with circular soundbar at the base of the screen `` Available in 49-, 55- and 65-inch
RRP: From $3,299 TCL: (03) 8541 4666
46
Appliance Retailer May 2018
From a retail perspective HARVEY NORMAN
As one of the most widely viewed sporting events, Harvey Norman general manager of audio visual, Ajay Calpakam, expects the FIFA World Cup to drive a marginal uplift in television and soundbar sales. “When consumers look to upgrade their television, there is demand for larger screen Ajay Calpakam sizes, superior picture quality, great design, smart functionality and a quality soundbar to accompany the TV viewing experience. “Samsung’s new and enhanced QLED technology offers superb quality and style, along with a smart experience; Sony’s OLED TV has an ultra-premium design, complemented by Acoustic Surface speaker technology; Panasonic’s HCX processor and HDR10+ technology produce outstanding picture quality and the unique TV Anywhere feature means users can stream live TV to any smart device; the LG Wallpaper OLED TV offers a true cinematic experience thanks to 4K HDR Dolby Vision picture and Dolby Vision sound, and Hisense continues to drive its ULED technology with HDR Plus and HDR Supreme for amazing picture quality.” He said consumers tend to trust and stick to reputable brands as they offer choice in value, design, feature set and service. He also said artificial intelligence, voice activation and Internet of Things (IoT) present a huge opportunity for the home entertainment category.
JB HI-FI
A JB Hi-Fi spokesperson said any major sporting event always has a positive result on TV sales, which gives retailers the opportunity to attach audio products at the same time. “With pricing of larger screen sizes, 75-inch and above, becoming more affordable, there is no doubt consumers will see the value in the larger screen sizes as they look to upgrade.” Newly introduced voice activation for users to control their TV, improvements in smart platforms and enhanced chip sets to drive better picture quality, will be displayed in store and brought to life for consumers to see the difference. “Picture quality and smart platforms are major factors when consumers purchase a new TV. Brand preference plays a part as well. Our customers trust the knowledge of our tech savvy staff who know their products and have a passion for selling the latest innovation.” Today’s consumer does most of their research online so when they visit a store they have a fair idea of what they want. “Brand and price will always play a role in the decision making process but it isn’t the only reason for purchase. Promotional activity and our staff keep us top of mind for when the consumer is ready to purchase.”
VIDEOPRO
Sport is a key sales driver for consumers to upgrade TV and home theatre systems, according to VideoPro buyer director, Scott Govenlock. “With the hype around the Socceroos playing in the World Cup, and some games in prime time, we expect good sales.” Consumers buy TV and audio products all year around, however there is a significant uplift around the World Cup and EOFY sale period. “Brands will look to drive the market with added value promotions or price points that allow customers to upgrade to larger screen sizes.” OLED TV technology is the main technology driver this year, he said, with new models from LG, Hisense, Panasonic and Sony. Samsung has also introduced a new range of premium QLED TVs. He said Dolby Atmos will be the key feature to bring a more cinematic experience to soundbars and home theatre systems. “Larger screen sizes, Ultra HD resolution with better colour and contrast dynamics, smart features like Netflix, and Scott Govenlock voice control integration are key considerations for new TVs. In audio, Atmos surround sound and slim stylish design is important.” Due to the fast paced nature of the category, he said retailers need to ensure customers are fully informed on new features. “There is opportunity around the Google and Alexa Voice Assistant, picture quality improvements, and Atmos audio features in soundbars.” AR
WORLD CUP FACTS: 32 teams are taking part in the 2018 World Cup, with Iceland and Panama the only debut nations. FIFA has approved a plan to increase the number of teams to 48 in 2026*
*www.socceroos.com.au/news/11-top-fifa-world-cup-facts
www.applianceretailer.com.au
47
AR WHAT'S HOT
TCL X6 Series QLED TV
Offering Quantum Dot display technology, colour volume is 2.8 times higher than OLED and colour purity is 58.3 per cent better than traditional TVs. The X6 Series supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound and High Dynamic Range. The screen measures just 24.8mm wide at the thinnest part and there are three mounting options available – wall, cabinet or floor. It also incorporates Harman Kardon system with 12-sound channels, 360 degree surround stereo and 10 inch woofer.
RRP: $19,999
TCL: (03) 8541 4666
ILVE Versa Induction and Gas Cooktop
Having the best of both cooking styles is what this cooktop is all about with gas and induction cooking in one cooktop. The new ILVE Versa stylishly combines the ILVE brass ‘infinity’ wok burner with a four zone induction cooktop to cater to Asian cuisine cooking that requires a wok and powerful gas burner. The gas burner has been designed with a removable burner cap, trivet and supports. Induction cooking is for low simmering and quick boils with heat evenly distributed over flat-based pans. The Versa is a spacious 90cm, finished in black ceramic glass.
RRP: $3,999
Eurolinx: 1300 694 583
Sharp Smart Convection Microwave Oven R890EST
This Sharp microwave offers inbuilt smart inverter technology for even heating, smart sensors, and recipes tailored to the Australian palate, as well as larger sevendigit text LED display for easy interaction and cooking. Popular menu settings include Mug Cake and Scrambled Eggs. The microwave oven is available in new finishes – white, silver and black stainless steel – to complement any kitchen design.
RRP: $429
Sharp: 1300 727 717
48
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Samsung Panoramic Soundbar N650
Designed to provide a virtual surround sound effect, this all-in-one soundbar and subwoofer offers Samsung’s patented Acoustic Beam technology and dynamic sound rendering. It includes Bluetooth for streaming music and can easily be connected to Samsung TVs. There is also a Game Mode setting with optimised sounds specifically for gaming. The Soundbar N650 also includes seamless connectivity with Bluetooth and supports One Remote Control for users to control the soundbar with their Samsung TV remote.
RRP: $799
Samsung: 1300 362 603
LG InstaView Door-In-Door French Door Refrigerator
The new LG InstaView refrigerators combine convenience, style and innovation to help keep food fresher for longer. With two quick knocks, the glass panel on the front of the fridge turns transparent to reveal the inside of the fridge door to reduce cold air escaping. The fan assisted carbon deodoriser minimises refrigerator odours by actively forcing air through it and across three different shelving levels via the Fresh Shower ducting system. InstaView refrigerators also now feature SmartThinQ for users to remotely control their fridge from their smartphone, to adjust fridge settings and diagnose appliance problems.
RRP: From $4,599
LG: 1300 542 273
Panasonic FX800 Series 4K Pro HDR UHD LED LCD TV
Powered by Panasonic’s Hollywood Cinema Experience (HCX) processor, the TH-65FX800A takes image quality to new levels with the company’s 200 hertz super bright panel. Local Dimming Pro delivers a 20 per cent increase in local brightness levels and fine-tuning of brightness across the screen. The TV provides premium style to the living room with its ‘Art and Interior’ glass bezel design.
RRP: $3,849
Panasonic: 132 600 www.applianceretailer.com.au
49
AR Q&A
FIVE MINUTES WITH… Name: Jo Devery Retailer: Winning Group Years in the industry: Over 20 years service teams and award-winning fulfilment service, Winning Services. Our Net Promoter Score is currently at 80, while the retailer average is 12. We continue to build customer satisfaction because we hire great people, not just good people; people who genuinely care about our customers. We definitely don’t always get it right, but we do everything we can to get it right for a customer at the end of the day. That is what has kept us growing for 112 years and that is how we plan to keep growing in the future.
What is the biggest challenge in your role?
What is your outlook on the retail industry?
I think it’s a very exciting time to be in retail. Of course with more international competitors arriving on our shores we will see some inevitable consolidation; however, I believe those retailers who have unique offerings will continue to thrive. As a nation, we are extremely innovative, so it will be exciting to see how local retailers will continue to improve the shopping experience.
My role is focused on the fast growth and transformation of our constantly evolving business model. Being agile is a necessity; however, this can also bring challenges. For example, our infrastructure needs are constantly evolving. In the last 12 months, we have outgrown every warehouse in every state. We are always on the lookout
What is your best piece of advice to other retailers?
Retailers need to rethink what customer’s value; is it next day delivery or concierge services, and they need to invest in developing those offerings. Customer satisfaction doesn’t come cheap; it requires considerable investment.
How does your business remain competitive?
We offer exceptional customer service in-store and online, the world’s best brands, sensory and personalised shopping experiences and the industry’s leading customer service, achieved through our Sydney-based customer 50
Appliance Retailer May 2018
Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley
for new sites that allow us to extend our reach for next day delivery and installation. Having knowledge of the end-to-end retail supply chain and experience of leading and engaging stakeholders are key to balancing the happiness of the customer and growth of the business.
Who is your biggest influence? Vivienne Westwood. I think she has had an impact on my life because of my fashion background. She is a strong woman who was ahead of her time and forged her own path. At 76 years of age, she is still setting the pace for the fashion world.
What is the key to a good relationship with suppliers?
Listening! As we treat our customers, we need to provide exceptional customer service to our suppliers and the only way to do this is to listen and to work together on the path to growth. AR
COMPANY INDEX AR COMPANY
PAGE #
READERSHIP GROUPS
AEG....................................................................................................... 16, 26, 30 Amber Technology......................................................................................43, 46 Ariston.........................................................................................................22, 28 Bosch...........................................................................................................20, 27 Breville................................................................................................. 33, 37, 39 David Jones......................................................................................................12 De’Longhi............................................................. 11, 19, 23, 26, 29, 31, 33, 36 e&s...................................................................................................................... 8 Electrolux............................................................................................. 16, 19, 26 Euro Appliances.................................................................................................. 8 Eurolinx.........................................................................................................9, 48 Euromonitor......................................................................................... 18, 32, 40 Fisher & Paykel............................................................................................22, 28 Franchise Council of Australia............................................................................ 6 Fujitsu General................................................................................................... 7 GfK.................................................................................................... 9, 18, 32, 40 Glem Gas.............................................................................................. 22, 28, 31 Glen Dimplex.............................................................. 18, 20, 27, 30, 31, 34, 38 Groupe SEB.................................................................................................34, 38 Harvey Norman................................................................................................47 Hisense......................................................................................... IFC, 41, 42, 45 IHS Markit.........................................................................................................44 JB Hi-Fi..............................................................................................................47 KitchenAid..................................................................................... 10, 32, 33, 37 LG................................................................. 18, 19, 24, 25, 29, 42, 46, 49, OBC Miele...........................................................................................................20, 27 Mitsubishi Electric............................................................................................13 Panasonic....................................................................................................43, 49 Philips.................................................................................................. 10, 34, 38 Procter & Gamble..............................................................................................12
Vitamix........................................................................................................34, 38
DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.
Winning Group.................................................................................... 14, 15, 50
Copyright © 2018 - The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd.
Retravision........................................................................................................31 Samsung.......................................................................................... 6, 42, 45, 49 Sharp.................................................................................................................48 Shriro................................................................................................... 20, 27, 30 Smeg............................................ 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 29, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39 Sony............................................................................................................43, 45 Spectrum Brands........................................................................................34, 38 Sunbeam..................................................................................32, 34, 37, 38, 39 TCL........................................................................................................ 43, 46, 48 Teco.............................................................................................................22, 27 Telsyte...............................................................................................................40 Toshiba..............................................................................................................16 V-ZUG................................................................................................... 22, 28, 31 VideoPro...........................................................................................................47
www.applianceretailer.com.au
51
Knock Twice, See Inside Raid the fridge without losing your cool! The LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door® refrigerator has a sleek glass panel that lets you see inside – simply knock twice. The convenient easy access door also helps to reduce cold air loss. l g . c o m / a u / f r e n c h - d o o r- f r i d g e s