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AIR PURIFICATION
REMOVAL OF DUST, ALLERGENS, PET HAIR AND ODOURS LEADING CONSUMER INTEREST
WIRELESS AND NOISE CANCELLATION CONTINUE TO DELIVER CATEGORY GROWTH
LARGER DISPLAYS DELIVERING A MORE IMMERSIVE LOUNGEROOM EXPERIENCE
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The 60th anniversary Narta conference lived up to expectations with the quality of its speakers. But the best content wasn’t the insights from Michael Jackson’s high performance podcast or Kay Spencer’s decades of reflections, Jessica Fox’s Olympic Gold Medals or Dan Carter’s Rugby World Cups – it was from two blokes you have never heard of called Tim O’Neill and Jason Ross who are co-founders of an organisation called Time Under Tension.
Rather than speculating on what ‘might’ happen with Generative AI in the future, their presentation discussed what is actually happening – right now.
The main point – that many delegates actually missed – is the significant changes that will come from the expansion of products like ChatGPT with new ‘shopping’ functionality.
This isn’t a futurist prediction – it is now currently available – and shopping within ChatGPT was only days-old when Tim and Jason took to the stage for their Narta presentation.
Tim and Jason argued that the traditional customer journey into stores as well as the more recent pathway to purchase online using Google Search –and the millions spent on Google Adwords – is being severely disrupted. How consumers search, research and purchase products will change permanently.
In just two years since launch, ChatGPT has amassed more than nine million visits a month in Australia –doubling its usage every 30 days – and now represents the fastest growing consumer app of all time.
By launching shopping functionality literally overnight, ChatGPT can now provide curated and personalised product recommendations directly within its chatbot interface – available to both paid and unpaid subscribers.
Tim and Jason claim that external endorsement will become more important in terms of rankings for both retailers and suppliers which could see public relations experience a resurgence – as ChatGPT may value third party discussions on other trusted online portals about your brand as being more powerful than traditional search engine optimisation of your own website. Thankfully the future of Appliance Retailer seems safe for the moment.
Is it possible that Google could become known as the search engine Mum & Dad or Grandma and Grandpa use?
This is so new and moving so fast that no one actually knows the magic spell or IT code that will be required to tame the beast.
But there is some good news. After ChatGPT takes fractions of a second to scour comparison insights, reviews and summaries – it recommends a range of products and importantly a series of retailer websites without taking a payment from brands or being influenced through advertising. ChatGPT makes it very clear that it doesn’t handle transactions and does not take a cut. For now…
When I asked ChatGPT if it can be trusted – this was the answer – “That’s a thoughtful question – and a smart one to ask. The short answer is you can trust ChatGPT for many things, but not blindly for everything”.
And therein lies the problem and potentially the future of retailing.
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De Dietrich Australia launches with Sydney Experience Centre
Samsung reveals key new products for 2025
Sync Group reveals 10 former Harvey Norman Commercial staff.
e&s opens first store under JB Hi-Fi at Epping
Hong Kong Consumer Electronics Fair Review
Statewide Appliance Spares celebrates 40 years
Narta conference celebrates 60th anniversary
Home Entertainment
Australian households continue to prioritise big-screen entertainment by seeking a more immersive and captivating viewing experience. Soundbars are remaining popular in the market – increasing in sales faster than the growth in the television category. 45
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Smeg presents Blu Mediterraneo and the new Smeg 60cm built-in wine cellar; De Dietrich launches the Philharmonie induction cooktop and intelligent oven and TCL launches the C8K QD Mini LED TV with B&O sound.
Thermomix parent company Vorwerk has paid $79,200 in penalties for allegedly misrepresenting two of its products as approved by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Thermomix in Australia, four infringement notices for the misleading claims on its TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop.
The timing of the fine coincided with the launch of its new TM7 product – the first Thermomix product launched in six years. Australia and New Zealand were targeted as the first markets outside of Europe to sell the TM7 featuring a 10-inch display. Thermomix products are sold through a direct sales model and the TM7 will be priced at $2649. Over eight million units of the previous model – TM6 – were sold globally.
According to the ACCC, Thermomix promoted the products online with claims such as ‘NDIS approved’, ‘NDIS-registered product’, ‘NDIS-consumables’, ‘NDIS assistive technology’, and ‘NDIS equipment’ in November 2024 and March 2025.
“The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants,” Gina CassGottlieb, ACCC Chair, said.
“Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”
The Australian Government’s NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce, established in December 2023, is working to address concerns that NDIS participants may be paying higher prices for goods and services compared to other consumers.
Comprised of the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the taskforce was formed to investigate potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law and ensure fair pricing practices within the NDIS.
This is not the first time Thermomix in Australia faced legal action from the ACCC.
In 2018, the Federal Court of Australia ordered the company to pay $4.6 million in penalties for continuing to supply and promote its TM31 appliance despite having known a safety issue affecting the product, and for making misleading representations to certain consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.
In a statement supplied to Appliance Retailer, Vorwerk provided further information regarding the background to the ACCC prosecution and the relationship the business has with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd has confirmed it is a registered NDIS Provider and the ACCC wrote to Vorwerk Australia as far back as 14 February 2025 raising concerns related to the use of NDIS related statements on the Thermomix website including: ‘NDIS approved’, ‘NDIS-registered product’, ‘NDISconsumables’, ‘NDIS-funded’, ‘NDIS assistive technology’, ‘NDIS equipment’, ‘through the NDIS’.
“While Vorwerk Australia is proud that Thermomix helps to improve the lives of Australians, including those living with disabilities, they have underestimated the complexity of being a registered NDIS provider. Vorwerk Australia has willingly cooperated with the ACCC throughout the investigation process which has now been fully resolved. Vorwerk Australia is grateful for the opportunity to address the ACCC’s concerns and rectified these immediately following that notification,” the company said in a statement.
“Vorwerk Australia would never intentionally or knowingly mislead any consumers, and we have not hesitated to take appropriate action to remedy all instances of concern raised by the ACCC. While some of the website references pre-date the acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd, we take full responsibility for communicating with all our customers in a clear and compliant manner.” said a spokesperson for Vorwerk Australia.
“The payment of this fine, and the associated media release dated 29/05/25, marks the end of a cooperative process to ensure Vorwerk Australia’s compliance with the rules and regulations that govern an NDIS relationship,” the company said.
German-based Vorwerk International & Co completed an acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd in November 2024 and the company has since been renamed as Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd.
Electrolux has increased prices across its entire range of brands in the Australian marketplace. The price rise was effective on 1 June with increases between 4.5 to 5 per cent.
“Increases vary by product, by category and by brand, but it is on average 4.5 to 5 per cent. We will be honouring the current price on all orders received up until 1 June and delivered prior to 30 June,” Electrolux managing director, Kurt Hegvold told Appliance Retailer
“We will also continue to honour our promotional pricing during the month of June and ensuring that our retailers are maintaining the margins they were prior, but we will be adjusting our promotional pricing after the end of the financial year.”
Hegvold shared the reasons for the increase that are similar to other companies that have also made similar changes to their pricing.
“This is connected to existing currency issues but also the increasing freight rates we are now anticipating through the third and fourth quarters. We have suddenly seen increased costs due to higher traffic in the USA that have resulted in freight jumping by about 25 per cent.”
The opening of the e&s Epping store represents the 11th store in the company’s network – and the 10th in Victoria – but importantly the first under JB Hi-Fi ownership.
“The Epping store is a stunning design and certainly I need to thank supplier partners for all their efforts in helping us design and create this spectacular space,” said e&s director Rob Sinclair at the official opening held last Friday.
Also in attendance at the official ribbon cutting for the 1800 square metre store located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne was JB Hi-Fi CEO Terry Smart and JB Hi-Fi COO Nick Wells. Sinclair said the layout of the store – that was planned prior to the acquisition of the business by JB Hi-Fi – is very distinctive and unique.
“I am delighted with the design and layout – when you walk in – you see far into the store due to the openness of the sight lines,” Sinclair said.
“Typically, when you are displaying cooking appliances, there is the need to create taller displays and that delivers intimacy in some parts of the store which I really like, but when you walk into Epping you do have an open view into the sink, bathroom, dishwasher and laundry area that makes it feel very inviting.
“In this store you will see we have created synergies between brand placements by positioning brands together to allow the consumer to be comparing like brands and like pricepoints. You will see Miele and Siemens and Neff positioned together, Smeg and Ilve positioned together and brands like Westinghouse and Whirlpool located together – so it has a very shoppable feel to it. There is no store like this in the northern region of Melbourne – other than e&s Preston – and we are a long way from e&s Preston.”
Hegvold has confirmed notifications have been sent to retailers informing them of the change in prices.
“In general, retailers understand the pressures that we are under and are accepting of our ambitions to keep our prices relevant to the equity we have built in our brands.”
Hegvold said it has been approximately two years since Electrolux last issued a price rise to the market that was then primarily driven by freight costs.
“Most of that price increase has come out due to deflation and the aggressive nature of the market and the increase in promotional frequency and depth. This will help us offset the impacts of currency in particular which on a full year basis is eliminating about 150 basis points of gross margin due to cost of goods – the price rise gets us some way to covering that off.”
e&s category manager Mark Meldrum echoed Sinclair’s comments.
“I am really proud of what we have been able to achieve in this store. This is a new market for us and customers in this area have not had access to a premium retailer like e&s before. We have Preston that is 20-30 minutes away and potentially longer in bad traffic. It is great to have our major supplier partners represented here with brilliant displays, a great range and layout execution that will deliver a tremendous shopping experience for customers.”
e&s Head of Property & Growth Don Blanksby said the store was comparable in size to the Essendon store – which currently represents the most westerly-located store in Melbourne for the retailer.
“In the store we have 225 ovens, 120 cooktops, 86 sinks, 81 dishwashers, 42 toilets and over 100 mixer taps on display.”
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Trade Sync Group, the group that has formed a commercial partnership with Whitfords Designer Appliances, has confirmed its team is comprised of 10 former Harvey Norman Commercial staff members.
Among the staff within the TSG business are company owners and directors – Andrew McGrath and Corbin Talbot as well as Gavin Furner, Wayne Davis, Jesse Blundell, Dan Spies, Josh McCormack, Jacob Van Der Wel, Max Quinn and Jason Stubbs.
“We saw a gap in the commercial market, and we have decided to run straight at it by offering great service with an experienced team,” Talbot said.
“What we can offer commercial clients is direct access to the owners of the business with less red tape as well as quick and nimble decision making. We will literally jump in our utes and see our customers immediately to provide the very best service to builders and developers.
“Our motto is – decisions without delays supported by a local team, local warehouses and great suppliers. With over 200 years of experience within the TSG team, we are offering building supply services that exceeds current benchmarks.
“This is currently a fractured and fragmented category with so many pain points experienced by commercial customers.
“The reason we have chosen to work together with Whitfords is; like us they have a wealth of experience in this market and they deliver their customers great service,” McGrath said.
“When we sat down with Ben and Brad we realised this would be a perfect partnership – there are no other words for it.
“It is clear that the Whitfords/TSG team are committed to the commercial journey. We both started our respective familyowned commercial businesses to bring revolutionary change to the sector and this partnership is a cornerstone of that revolution. We have agreed and committed to our collective passion and purpose over the many years and decades into the future.
“We bring together a seasoned commercial sales team and everything we do together is focused on enhancing the experience of our customers – plain and simple,” McGrath said.
After seven years with V-ZUG, managing director Nic Naes has confirmed he will be leaving the business in August.
“It is with mixed emotions, and with huge excitement for what’s next, that I advise of my resignation from V-ZUG,” Naes said in a statement.
“I joined this beautiful company some seven years ago and I am immensely proud of what the team and I have achieved together with our supporters and partners. I walk proud knowing that V-ZUG is poised for a continued great future, with ironclad Australia and New Zealand priority from our owners and executive committee in Zug, Switzerland.”
Naes will be moving to a new opportunity, but staff within the business have confirmed is not clear whether he will be remaining within the appliance industry or even within the Australian market. A replacement has not been named at this stage.
“My ‘where-to-from-here’ is under embargo for now, expected to be announced during June, with me commencing my new role Monday September 1,” he said.
“My last day with V-ZUG will be Friday August 29, until then it is business as usual. Any gap there may be between my departure and arrival of my successor will be managed appropriately.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners across Architecture, Design, Property Development, Real Estate
Marketing and Sales, and more, and our distribution partner Winnings. Furthermore, the success to-date would not have been possible without my team in Australia, a special shout-out to Sally Lukey and Louie Au. Additionally, our broader international team, and all colleagues in Zug, Switzerland. It’s been my privilege to work alongside you all and contribute to the V-ZUG progress.
To Alberto Bertoz, my true north, Thank you.”
Winning Group has re-launched and renamed its Brisbane retail store as Winnings Fortitude Valley Flagship Showroom, positioning the store as a “lifestyle and luxury destination for the home”.
Winnings Fortitude Valley, formerly Winning Appliances, has undergone transformation and expansion, now offering a significantly broader range of products across the entire home spanning kitchen, laundry, bathroom, living, and alfresco.
The store offers 65 world-leading and exclusive brands including Sub Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau, Miele, Smeg, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Siemens, Bosch, Artinox, Liebherr, Falcon, Qasair and Whispair.
The recent re-launch event drew over 200 guests from Brisbane’s design, property, and construction sectors, alongside customers and brand partners.
Winning Group CEO, John Winning, said the new re-launched showroom “sets the bar for retailing in Brisbane, providing the ultimate immersive and inspiring home shopping experience for customers in one destination.
“As a century-old family business, we have continued to innovate our multi-sensory shopping experiences for our customers,” Winning said.
“We first opened our Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley Showroom in our current location, over seven years ago and people have come to know how easy, enjoyable and inspiring shopping for their appliances is and now with the launch of Winnings Fortitude Valley, we are proud to be able to offer our unrivalled shopping experience now for their entire homes.
“Winnings Fortitude Valley is our third Winnings Showroom in the nation and with its offering of appliances, bathware, lighting and towelling in one destination, Winnings is a first-of-its-kind retail offering for Brisbane, providing the ultimate immersive and inspiring home shopping experience for customers. Brisbanites are some of the most discerning shoppers and have a great eye for design and innovation, so we know they will appreciate the quality and sensory experience of the Showroom.”
Winnings general manager, Ed Brenac, described the store as the “ultimate shopping destination”.
“We are incredibly proud to launch Winnings Fortitude Valley – there isn’t a shopping experience like it in Brisbane. Our unique Winnings experience allows customers to renovate their entire home in location, choosing from 65 of the world’s leading and exclusive brands, which are seamlessly integrated throughout the Showroom and where everything is shoppable, unbiased advice from our Product Experts who don’t work on commissions, Culinary Experts demonstrating the latest technologies, free cooking demonstrations and free delivery.
Kate McGlone, Group Design Manager at the Winning Group, said the design of the showroom reflects the brand’s goal to move beyond just displaying products.
“The Winnings Fortitude Valley showroom has been designed to allow customers and designers to see beyond the products and rather be inspired by the retail environment, to create meaningful spaces that reflect their lifestyle,” McGlone said.
“We’ve carried across the admired qualities of our previous showroom and elevated them with the addition of premium bathware, lighting, and towelling – creating a shopping experience like no other.”
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e&s has opened its 11th store located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne further emphasising the brand’s reach into the Victorian market.
The retailer now has 10 stores in Melbourne and one store in the ACT, with two more stores in Victoria scheduled over the next two years.
According to e&s director, Rob Sinclair the location of the store represents a strategic part of the Melbourne market and accesses a specific customer demographic.
“Epping is located in the north eastern growth corridor of Melbourne. If you look at our Preston store – it is due north of Melbourne and this store is another 25 minutes north east from Preston,” he said.
“This store sits near some older properties that are still being renovated and in recent years the value of these properties has gone up enormously. It is important not to under-estimate the demographic of this area. They are family-oriented people who love to cook and entertain and engage with family – so they are very proud of their home and they invest over what their net household income might warrant as they want to have the best kitchen to work in – and if you move north from here there are new estates being opened, and these people are still wanting a quality fridge, a quality dryer and a quality washing machine. When you walk into an e&s store – you have an elevated experience within the supplier’s range of products and a team of people that can take that customer further up that range than would normally happen in this area.
“When we open any one of these stores, we stretch the skills of our supplier partners to personalise their displays for our customers. We know our supplier partners invest deeply into our showrooms and we would like to say a massive thank you to them. They help us bring these showrooms to life – there is lots of work, planning, design behind the scenes. There is also lots of pressure that we apply to make sure that what we are delivering for our supplier partners is unique compared to our competitors. Thanks to them for supporting us in our dream because what we have brought together is one of the best ever stores.”
Sinclair congratulated the new manager of the store Daniel Ryan – who has worked within e&s for 10 years and most recently was assistant manager at the Blackburn store. Ryan was a tradesman for 16 years as roof plumber and crane operator before joining appliance retailing.
“Dan is a classic example of our aim to hire as much as possible not from our industry – when you are in a high service and customer-orientated business –attitude is the thing that delivers the finest connection with customer and our job is to connect deeply with customers. I remember when I first met Dan who was incredibly nervous in his interview. He is someone who authentically cares about his customer base so deeply. We are now setting up a team with that same care and Dan has found some great people that have the same attributes.
JB Hi-Fi CEO Terry Smart has reconfirmed the shortterm focus for e&s will remain in Victoria as the company prepares further expansion in its home state.
In an exclusive interview with Smart at the opening of the 11th e&s store at Epping in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Smart echoed sentiments from JB Hi-Fi COO Nick Wells at the e&s conference earlier this year that there is still further work planned with store rollout in Melbourne before taking on a state by state national expansion.
“The new Epping store is fantastic. This is the 11th store for e&s, but importantly the first under the new ownership structure,” Smart said.
“I think e&s resonates so strongly with Victorians – our job now is to roll out those points of presence across Victoria and this is the start of it – I couldn’t be more excited.”
“We think there is a lot of opportunity right around the state,” Smart said, without indicating in detail the number of stores or the potential locations.
Following the opening of the e&s Epping showroom in North Melbourne last week, the company has nine other showrooms in Melbourne and one showroom in Canberra.
The only other showroom on the northern side of Melbourne is located at Preston – this store was opened in February 2019.
The business has a high concentration of stores in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with existing locations in Abbotsford, Prahran, Hawthorn, Blackburn and the flagship store in Chadstone that was opened in December 2023.
In the South East of Melbourne, e&s has a store in Moorabbin as well as a Clearance Outlet in Clayton and its warehouse and support centre in Noble Park.
In addition to the Geelong store, that is located an hour to the south from Melbourne, e&s has only one store in the western suburbs of Melbourne – Essendon – which would suggest there is more potential for additional stores in western Melbourne.
“EPPING IS LOCATED IN THE NORTH EASTERN GROWTH CORRIDOR OF MELBOURNE.”
“Dan was a strong sales consultant and worked under some of our best managers and it is now his turn to shine and he has brought together an extraordinary group of people. He was telling me about the last session of their training and how they have become so deeply bonded together there were tears everywhere around the excitement of moving into the showroom. That shows how connected they are as a group and connected to the e&s family and of course the infrastructure that JB brings to that.
“To Dan and his team your harmony and unity will show off to the customers what a great experience e&s can provide. You should be so proud of the journey you have been on and thank you for the time and patience for learning what we do at e&s – I am sure there is more to learn – so be patient as it will come. Have fun in this store, as I think we have created something very special – and congratulations on the sales we have made so far.”
Sinclair has confirmed a small number of ultra premium brands traditionally represented within other e&s retail showrooms have decided not to participate within the new Epping store.
“A few brand partners have decided not to go into this store. We have no issues with our partners, but ultimately they have questioned whether or not the e&s brand stretches for their products into these types of stores that are located on the fringe of the e&s core customer demographic.
“The one thing that people under-estimate when they look at e&s is that we take a normal client and we help them understand their needs so perfectly by letting them know what’s available and then we recommend so succinctly the perfect match for their needs. To us, the demographic is not as important as our ability to showcase great brands and then have absolutely super staff who are experts in product knowledge developing deep relationships with our customers and curating the right products to suit their needs.
“I look forward to demonstrating that the e&s brand stretches to this location. Ultimately this is not South Yarra, Brighton, Glen Iris, Malvern or Chadstone – we are sitting in Epping.
Our first customers today were a couple that bought a fridge, a washer, a dryer and a freezer and they said they would have liked to have bought from us previously, but the local store was at least 40 minutes away. They live 20 minutes from here and could see we are a quality retailer and they wanted to shop with us because our experience is going to be better. We are now within a 20 minute radius of a whole bunch of customers who want the e&s experience and they want to see a brand portfolio and how we present quality brands in a nice environment.
“If you think back five or six years ago when our marketing wasn’t as strong and presence of market wasn’t as visible to the consumer, a store like Epping wouldn’t have worked – but now we are in front of people on television every night as well as on the radio more prolifically. As a result we have a much stronger presence as well as the personal nature of advertising – me personally endorsing who we are and standing in people’s living rooms on the television – we have a brand that people want to associate with and there is a demand in locations that wouldn’t have been as obvious. We are standing in a store now wasn’t as obvious seven years ago that we should be here – but it is now bleedingly obvious to me that there are consumers that just want the e&s experience to buy their Bosch dishwasher or a Miele washing machine. What we know is that e&s will elevate the consumers through great product knowledge of customer service up the range of the supplier’s products because they want to buy better products that will service their needs better.” AR
e&s director Rob Sinclair has confirmed plans for its 12th store to open in Melbourne next year before the new-build Mornington store opens in 2027.
Sinclair has also confirmed that the Mornington store will now be 50 per cent larger than initially planned prior to the purchase of the business by JB Hi-Fi.
“We have already announced that we will be opening a store in Mornington in 2027, but we are planning to open at least one more new store between now and then,” Sinclair said.
“We have all of the infrastructure and processes for the Victorian marketplace already in place so it is easy for us to fill in the gaps in the market geographically in Melbourne.
“With the support of JB Hi-Fi under the new ownership structure, we are in a position where we have a capacity to roll out more stores. We recognise there are gaps in the metropolitan Melbourne market that we are not servicing currently. Those gaps are located both in the west and in the east of Melbourne – and potentially a little bit further from the inner city locations that we already have in place.”
“I have just seen the plans going to council for our standalone Mornington store to be constructed over the next two years. I am pleased to confirm that the JB Hi-Fi team has supported us to grow the size of that store. It was initially only going to be a 1200 square metre boutique store and it will grow to 1800 square metres – making it a major metro store in Mornington. It will have a great corner position with fantastic visibility to a major road and it will be a brilliant store for us when it opens in 2027.
“At e&s we have three store types – we have a flagship store that shows everything that we do – a good example of this is Chadstone that has 600 square metres of commercial space and then another 2500 square metres for the remainder of the retail brands that we have. These flagship stores have offices and we can meet designers and architects and meet builders for commercial and retail projects.
“Our next store type is a major metro store from 1800 square metres like the new Epping store up to 2500 square metres with a store like Preston being an outlier at 3000 square metres. Then we have our inner city boutiques that range from as small as 600 square metres up to 1000 or 1200 square metres.
“As e&s grows its retail footprint nationally around Australia, it is important that we use these three different store formats to deliver our vision.
“Before we are ready to roll out stores into other states we still have systems and processes to be fine-tuned – but that process is well underway. We want to have everything perfect so that when we do open a store in another location around Australia we have our store right, our teams right, our logistics right, our purchasing right so that we can deliver our e&s experience no matter where we are.
“We have a clear vision as a business in terms of how we service our customers. The DNA of e&s remains delightfully intact after eight months of the JB Hi-Fi ownership. That DNA is now supported by a very large business that delivers us significant infrastructure and financial support to be able to more readily and easily open stores.”
Beko has highlighted its seven decades of global expansion, technological innovation, and a deepening commitment to sustainability as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Founded in Istanbul in 1955, the company has grown into an international brand operating in 58 countries, with a turnover of €10.6 billion in 2024 and a workforce of more than 50,000. Its portfolio includes 22 brands such as Grundig, Defy, Dawlance, Voltas Beko, Singer, and Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances.
“As we celebrate 70 years of success, we are also celebrating a national story – one of resilience, vision, and dedication,” said Can Dinçer, Beko Chief Commercial Officer for Turkey and South Asia.
“We have been guided by our founder Vehbi Koç’s philosophy: ‘I exist if my country exists’. This ethos has shaped our every step –from a local producer to Europe’s number one whitegoods company.”
Much of Beko’s international growth has come over the last two decades. In 2011, it entered the South African market through Defy, followed by Dawlance in Pakistan (2016), Voltas Beko in India (2017), and Singer in Bangladesh (2019).
In 2021, the company formed Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances to support growth in the Asia-Pacific. Most recently, Beko became Europe’s top white goods brand in 2024, following the creation of Beko Europe through a merger with Whirlpool’s European operations.
Beko says it has produced over 560 million products since its founding, including 375 million white goods across six categories. The company claims that if its appliances were stacked together over 70 years, they would reach the moon.
Other outputs include 151 million refrigerators, 96 million washing machines, and 57 million ovens. Its global operational footprint now spans 7.8 million square metres – an area roughly equivalent to 1,100 football fields.
The company also takes pride in its environmental credentials, citing efforts to reduce water and energy usage in both products and production. Beko says its dishwashers have saved the equivalent of more than 15 Sydney Harbours’ worth of water over 30 years. Its factories have recorded water efficiency gains of 2.77 million cubic metres since 2010 and recycled 1.75 million tonnes of electronic waste in the past decade.
In research and development, Beko holds 3,125 international patent applications and operates Turkey’s first R&D centre for white goods, established in 1991. “White goods are no longer just about convenience –they’re about quality of life,” Dinçer said. “We’ve moved from helping with household chores to helping build smart, sustainable homes of the future.”
Looking ahead, Beko says it will continue to invest in technologies that meet the needs of modern life, from energy-efficient products to smart appliances that save time and resources. “We’ve surpassed every milestone we set,” Dinçer added. “We said we’d be everywhere on the Silk Road – we are. We aimed to be Top 3 in the world – we’ve gone beyond. And we’re not stopping here.”
Beko Australia & New Zealand has marked a dual milestone with the official opening of its renovated support office in Ormeau, Queensland, and the arrival of its new managing director – Jim Kalotheos.
The updated office features an open-plan design, natural lighting, and a mix of meeting rooms and breakout spaces, which the company says are aimed at fostering collaboration and supporting sustainable work practices.
The opening also coincided with a leadership handover with Jim Kalotheos taking the role of Managing Director of Beko ANZ, succeeding John Brown, who retired after more than eight years in the role.
Zafer Üstüner, Chief Commercial Officer of Beko Asia Pacific and CEO of Arçelik Hitachi, attended the office opening and farewell event. “I came here for John, for this event,” he said.
“John is the first person I met when coming to this company, and the first recruitment I made in the region. I enjoyed working with him very much – he’s smart, he has a sense of humour, and I liked him so much. I truly enjoyed getting to know you.”
The company described the office renovation as part of a broader effort to modernise its work environment and reflect its evolving corporate culture.
De Dietrich Australia has officially launched its business with the opening of a flagship Experience Centre in Sydney’s inner west.
Located at Rozelle, minutes from the Sydney CBD, the showroom features the latest Philharmonie range from De Dietrich and emphasises the brand’s 360-year history in culinary innovation.
“The arrival of De Dietrich in Australia marks more than a brand launch. It represents a new standard in how we experience the kitchen,” said André Dowling, General Manager, De Dietrich Australia.
“At the heart of this highly anticipated debut is the exclusive Australian launch of Philharmonie – a new collection that redefines the future of the kitchen with its fusion of precision, intelligence, and artistry.
“Driven by De Dietrich’s commitment to elegant innovation, Philharmonie introduces a collection of appliances that blend form and function in unprecedented ways,” Dowling said.
Key products within the De Dietrich range include the Motion Sensor Induction Cooktop with Bluetooth Probe (RRP $2199) and Downdraft Hood (RRP $2499).
“These products are standout centrepieces; sleek, intuitive, and designed for seamless, touch-free control and discreet yet powerful performance,” Dowling said.
“Another hero of the collection is the De Dietrich 60cm Connected Oven (RRP $2399), which intelligently weighs and calibrates cooking settings, from temperature to timing, to deliver perfect results with minimal effort.
It’s an appliance that doesn’t just cook – it anticipates, responds, and elevates everyday meals into moments of precision.
“Expanding beyond the kitchen, De Dietrich’s Fully Integrated WasherDryer (RRP $1799), is the first of its kind in Australia and leads the brand’s foray into high-performance laundry solutions.
“The extended portfolio of over 70 products also includes sous-vide drawers, built-in coffee machines, refrigerators, wine fridges, and a growing range of smart, design-forward appliances for the modern home.”
The Philharmonie range is available in five finishes – Infinite Black, Heritage, Stellar Stainless Steel, Eternal White, and Master Black – designed to suit a range of sophisticated kitchen and laundry aesthetics.
“Philharmonie is a masterclass in culinary design. It is intuitive, elegant, and unmistakably French,” Dowling said.
De Dietrich has confirmed its long-term intentions for the Australian market with plans to open additional Experience Centres in Perth later this year followed by additional locations in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The business has also confirmed that it will be introducing a ‘white-glove’ conciergestyle service for customers including in-home demonstrations and installation as part of the business-as-usual approach to post-purchase.
The Sydney Experience Centre is the first step in De Dietrich’s long-term investment in the Australian market, with a second flagship space planned for Perth later this year, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane.
The Experience Centre will serve as an interactive hub for kitchen and design professionals, architects, and discerning home cooks, showcasing the brand’s storied heritage and commitment to excellence.
As part of its direct-to-consumer strategy, De Dietrich is also redefining luxury appliance retail with a concierge-style white glove service, including in-home product demonstration and seamless installation.
Qasair parent company, Condari, has invested over $2 million in a new piece of equipment to continue locally manufacturing rangehoods at its Melbourne factory in Ringwood.
Condari operations manager Nathan Edwards told Appliance Retailer the new Salvagnini fibre laser cutter has been purchased to streamline the production of the company’s rangehoods as well as custom-made models.
“Fibre laser is a relatively new laser technology that allows us to cut through stainless steel which is 0.9mm or 1.0mm thick to manufacture our rangehoods at quite a staggering pace. It has been a great investment in technology, as it ensures we create high-quality products in a much faster timeframe,” Edwards said.
“With the configuration that we have purchased, we can even run this machine overnight and monitor it on safety cameras remotely. The machine comes in three parts – a tower that stores all of the material, the fibre laser itself and then a robotic stacker.
“Once we give the machine all of the information including what material it requires and where, and how it needs to be cut –
it collects the material itself and then after cutting the steel it then stacks the cut parts using a robotic arm with vacuum suction – it is quite amazing,” Edwards said
“This has definitely been a gamechanger for the future of our business. We can leave the machine to operate overnight and then start production with enough metal parts for well over 100 rangehoods ready for assembly the following morning.”
Electrolux has confirmed a new Westinghouse out-of-home campaign with 2,500 locations has reached over two million consumers.
The campaign focused on commuters using public transport in major cities throughout Australia including railway stations, bus and tram stops as well as shopping centres.
Electrolux Home Products digital marketing manager – ANZ, Samantha Chapman said the campaign built on the ‘Happy to Help’ brand message that was recently promoted at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
“Commuters in major cities may have recently seen the latest attentiongrabbing campaign by Westinghouse around the streets,” Chapman said.
“This follows our hugely successful out-of-home campaign in Melbourne during the Australian Open earlier this year, the distinctive Westinghouse blue was utilised to great effect in high foot traffic locations promoting the ‘Happy to Help’ platform.”
One of the hero locations used for the most recent outdoor campaign was Martin Place railway in Sydney’s CBD.
“Wrapping the station escalators to immerse commuters accessing the platforms, the location is one of the busiest in the Sydney rail network attracting thousands of commuters every day. We estimate that this outdoor campaign will have a reach of just under two million people for the time that it’s,” Chapman said.
“We’ve got locations across the country, at over 2,500 sites including railway stations, bus and tram stops and shopping centres,” said Electrolux consumer marketing manager – core brands, Ryan Williams.
Featuring images of ovens, washing machines and fridges, the campaign highlights the cross category offering from Westinghouse.
Williams said the out-of-home campaign ran for a total of six weeks and also featured a high level of video content in addition to static signage.
Breville received the title of Brand Store of the Year – South Korea category at the recent Retail Asia Awards 2025.
The Australian kitchen appliance company was recognised for its Café & Store, an experiential store for espresso machine brands that increased customer awareness and experience in delivering quality coffee.
Breville Café & Store Sinsa in Gangnam was the first experiential retail for Breville and home coffee machines in South Korea.
The café features an espresso bar which offers specialty coffee out of Breville machines at the same price they can get from home.
It allows customers to walk in and purchase coffee and sit on a bench outside to drink.
Moreover, the café serves as a showroom with trained professionals providing detailed machine consulting service, enabling both sophisticated and beginner customers to experience and get
initial training on all the machines they’re interested in buying.
Breville also hosts a Master Class Studio to livestream shopping and detailed coffee trainings from espresso extraction to latte art.
“Our sincere approach to coffee and food has helped the customers believe in the quality of coffee and food that Breville can deliver and is driving an unprecedented brand growth in Korea whilst all major brands in the category are declining,” said Jongha Lee, General Manager for Korea at Breville.
Since its opening in 2022, Breville continuously broadens its footprint in South Korea and forecasts over 30 per cent growth for 2025.
The company said it aims to expand experiential retail to more locations, with a planned second Breville Café & Store this year.
Breville Group Asia Pacific President, Mark O’Kelly, accepted the award at the 2025 Retail Asia Awards.
The elimination of 2,000 jobs or 10 per cent of the Vestel workforce has been described by the company as a move that will increase – not reduce – production capacity within the business.
Bloomberg has reported that Zorlu Holdings, one of Turkey’s largest companies will cut 2,000 jobs at Vestel Elektronik to improve efficiency in a move that has since been confirmed by the company’s CEO, Ömer Yüngül.
Bloomberg claims that Zorlu is investigating asset sales and job cuts in one of the largest corporate restructures in the country’s history to also address debt of $US5 billion and alleviate concerns from investors.
“Laying off two thousand people is right, but it is entirely for efficiency. Layoffs of 2,000 people at Vestel will not negatively affect production capacity, on the contrary, it will increase,” Yüngül told Bloomberg.
Yüngül said he identified export opportunities outside of Europe relating to the tariff war with China and has targeted North America as a market with growth prospects.
Panasonic Australia managing director, Paul Reid, has confirmed the local subsidiary will remain unaffected by the 130 billion yen ($A1.4bn) in planned restructuring costs that is expected to result in 10,000 job cuts.
In a statement provided exclusively to Appliance Retailer, Reid said it is business as usual at Panasonic Australia.
“We are aware of the recent announcement by Panasonic Corporation. There is no change regarding our operations in Australia,” Reid told Appliance Retailer
“Panasonic Australia will continue to work with its staff, retail partners and business partners to deliver our industry-leading products and solutions to our valued customers across Australia,” he said.
Panasonic has announced it plans to restructure the business during the current financial year ending 31 March 2026 with half of the employees planned for Japan and the other half from overseas operations.
The 10,000 job cuts represent 4 per cent of the company’s global workforce of 228,000 staff. The company has confirmed it will review its sales and back-office functions with around half of the restructuring to come from its ‘Lifestyle’ business which includes consumer electronics, heating and ventilation systems.
Panasonic’s energy business will be unaffected by the cuts and is expected to deliver a 40 per cent increase in operating profit this year driven by sales of batteries for electric vehicles including Tesla as well as domestic energy storage systems.
Samsung has hosted an event called the House of Wonder in Sydney to reveal its key new products for 2025 at the brand’s largest event to be held in Australia this year.
Held across multiple rooms constructed specifically for the event at the Lower Sydney Town Hall, Samsung shared an overview of its 2025 line up of TVs, audio solutions and home appliances.
According to Samsung, these products offer “a new level of intelligent and connected solutions for the kitchen, laundry and living spaces. Delivering Samsung’s next generation AI Home and Vision AI innovations, enhanced SmartThings connectivity features, and more screen accessibility options; the range is designed to easily and intuitively integrate into Australian connected lifestyles to make every day experiences wonder-filled”.
Key products launched at the event include the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra that Samsung claims is “the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum with up to 400 watts of suction power”.
The new 809 litre Bespoke AI Family Hub French Door refrigerator features a huge 32-inch screen to connect with SmartThings services, Bixby voice commands and Daily Board for family communication as well as an internal camera with AI Vision Inside feature that can recognise 33 different food items.
“THE RANGE IS DESIGNED TO EASILY AND INTUITIVELY INTEGRATE INTO AUSTRALIAN CONNECTED LIFESTYLES TO MAKE EVERY DAY EXPERIENCES WONDER-FILLED.”
The new 615 litre AI Home side-by-side refrigerator features a 9-inch AI Home screen to help manage smart devices from a central location, access apps as well as personalised information tailored to individual preferences. It also features an Auto Open Door feature as well hands-free control through Bixby voice control.
Within the AV category, Samsung has introduced the first 8K Wireless One Connect Box via the Neo QLED 8K QN990F and also brought its Neo QLED technology to its lifestyle range for the first time via The Frame Pro supported by its first convertible fit soundbar in the Q-Series HW-QS700F. Powered by Vision AI, each of these products has been designed to provide Australians with more choices that are customisable to suit their unique needs. The line-up represents “the next leap forward in Samsung’s vision to simplify Australian home life by bringing AI to all. Prioritising user safety, personalisation, and long-term value, Samsung’s AI-powered products are designed to thrive as part of a connected home ecosystem whereby devices adapt to user preferences and act autonomously to help save Australians time every day.
“We know that everyone’s lifestyle is unique and their technology needs to work just for them,” said Phil Gaut, Director – Consumer Electronics, Samsung Australia. “By introducing Vision AI and AI Home, more Samsung devices around the home will deliver secure and hyper-personalised experiences that continue to learn over time, creating new ways for Australians to live better.” AR
Smart was the word for the biggest tech event in Asia – the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and InnoEX held in April. The Electronics Hall was a showcase of smart home, health technology, small appliances and wearable devices. Held alongside was InnoEx with the low-altitude economy taking centre stage, and futuristic developments in AI, robotics and cybersecurity among other emerging technologies.
Every small kitchen appliance and gadget you could think of was on show but what stood out was portability and colour, particularly for benchtop products. One company Ningbo Beuhuexu had a large display of express grills, sandwich and waffle makers including a Pokemon cutie for the kids. There were sandwich makers with detachable plates for waffle and grill, with cool touch handles and upright storage in an array of colours and possibly the world’s smallest fridge.
With sustainability and waste management on just about everyone’s mind, eco-friendly kitchen waste disposal units were also dotted around the Electronics Hall. A composting bucket from Heyi Future Technology in a range of pastel colours, featured high temperature + UV sterilisation, a one-click start, memory function, atmosphere lamp, AI, low energy and a Bluetooth speaker. Low-tech but useful to a point. Another trash can had a lid function with Wi-Fi that turned the can into a basketball hoop.
A media breakfast with selected exhibitors was a hands-on opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the latest tech. WorldPlug showed what was claimed to be the world’s smallest travel adapter, smaller than a credit card with the highest output-power and 2AC sockets. The Intelligent Baby Stroller has arrived with an advanced feature – ‘follow me’. “No need to follow it because it will follow you,” according to Dr Meikei Ieong, founder of Simbury InnoTek that provided the UWB (ultra-wide bend chip) for the stroller that is found in iPhones, BMW and Tesla
cars for giving precise location information. The stroller brakes automatically, has assisted power for helping to push uphill, folds up and comes in a range of colours. Pricing is between $US1,000 and $US2,000.
At a media briefing, Hong Kong Trade Development Council executive director Sophia Chong said Hong Kong is a service economy with 93% of GDP generated from services. And Hong Kong is a good location for start-up companies to set up their business and make use of the extensive platform of services on offer, with no VAT, GST or sales tax, with the fair attracting buyer delegations from around the world.
The focus at the InnoEX pavilion was on six smart areas: Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Environment, Smart People, Smart Government and Smart Economy, with over 100 innovations and technology (I&T) benefitting consumer’s daily lives. AI was everywhere from the smallest gadget to the biggest machines. And when it comes to smart mobility it was aerial solutions and drones that caught the eye.
Visitors to the shows would not have missed seeing the Vertaxi eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft with its vision of ‘air travel for everyone’. Also flying was the Air White Whale speeding right up into the trend for green and intelligent technology in the unmanned large autonomous cargo aircraft industry. Pop one of these into your local shopping centre and watch the crowds roll up.
Amongst the drones spotted by AR was the HOVERAir X1 PRO and X1 PRO MAX 8K Action Flying Camera. Features common to both were a 60 km/h tracking speed, up to 16 minutes flight time, a maximum 500m transmission range, a 1km beacon and rear-side active collision detection. And they fold up too, so transportable.
“THE
“ARSK is a fusion of Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear – the beauty and essence of sound. It is not just a tribute to sound but the world’s most powerful ultracompact nomadic speaker,” co-founder Anthony Ribout said. “Portable speakers are among the top-selling electronics, just behind smartphones and earphones and growing at over 5% to 20% annually.”
He said when choosing a speaker, people typically compromise between sound power, battery life and portability. “Our goal with ARSK was to eliminate these trade-offs.”
Designed for indoor and outdoor use it features a patented smart-cooling system, comes with 40 hours playtime with integrated rechargeable battery, is shock, water and dust resistant, IP67 with high fidelity stereo sound (108 dB SPL/240W RMS). It incorporates the latest in sound technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Air Play 2 and Spotify. Accessories include a wireless charging pedestal with four hours charging time for 100% capacity. It has also collected a slew of international design awards.
He told AR ARSK 001 marks the beginning of a long-term product roadmap, with a pipeline of innovative audio products scheduled to launch every 12 months, covering multiple audio categories. “This strategic approach positions our brand as a key player in the rapidly growing wireless audio market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.
“While we are still in launch phase, we are also in discussions with our Iconic Showcase Partnerships, including private jets, duty-free boutiques and exclusive lounges,” he said.
Pricing for ARSK 001 is $US990 and ARSK 001 + Modular Pedestal Wireless Charger + Remote Control is $US1,199.
IKEA hosted several conference sessions including one on cyber security with Jussi Aittola, a risk advisor based in Singapore who said criminal cases around crypto has exploded.
“It’s an epidemic but security is more than just security of a company. It’s a way of thinking, and the whole company needs to play a part and be mindful you are protecting something and without it you lose your value,” he told AR.
“Scammers have different levels of operation and attack the weakest link, and humans are always the weakest link.
“We do not have a comprehensive answer to the threats of AI driven scams but there are several things a company should be doing to counter the risks.”
He said every company is different and one shoe does not fit all. “It is never an urgency to send money anywhere so always make time to validate the transaction. Also, ask the person “what is behind you? AI is not good at generating movement outside the head which is usually a giveaway.”
The Hong Kong Electronics Fair & InnoEX (Autumn Edition) will be held from October 13-16, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. AR
Statewide Appliance Spares will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year as the leading distributor and reseller of spare parts in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australian family-owned and operated business that began selling from the back of a van has now grown to become the pre-eminent supplier of spare parts to consumers and the trade representing over 90 brands and fulfils 130,000 orders annually in the local market from its office in Adelaide, employing 42 full time team members including 14 people in customer care.
“From our humble beginnings located in Adelaide’s CBD in 1985, Statewide Appliance Spares has grown into Australia’s most trusted distributor of appliance spare parts – offering the biggest range and shipping nationwide every day. Reaching 40 years is a milestone that reflects our commitment to innovation, customer service and strong partnerships with leading brands. We are proud of our journey and excited about the future,” said Statewide Appliance Spares CEO David Stretton.
“From our first day in 1985 to today, our mission has remained the same – making buying spares easy. Thank you to our local customers, suppliers and our incredible team for being part of this journey,” said Statewide Appliance Spares owner Paul Haysman.
The company plans to celebrate its anniversary with a team event in September as well as promotional giveaways on social media including a major prize from Electrolux.
“Around 70 per cent of our business comes from regular retail customers and the remainder is from the trade. We can be contacted for a range of spares such as a TV remote control that has been eaten by the family dog, or replacement items for vacuum cleaners, washing
machines, dryers and air conditioners as well as small appliances such as men’s shavers, air fryers, personal care, oral care and even breast pumps.”
“The original owner of the business was Barry Seaman, who started the family business selling appliance parts from the back of his van. He developed the business with his wife and siblings and then retired. It was at this time I joined the current owner of the business Paul Haysman to run the business 14 years ago,” David said.
“We began supplying spare parts for whitegoods or major appliances and quickly expanded into browngoods as they were known or consumer electronics.
“One of the turning points for our business was becoming the exclusive national distributor for LG Electronics in 2005 – a milestone that has cemented our reputation in the industry.
“Over the decades we have forged strong partnerships with global brands like LG, Electrolux, Bosch, Philips, Samsung and Miele ensuring our customers have access to high quality spare parts that they can trust, delivered promptly and efficiently.”
In 2002, the business created Statewide Appliance Distributors – which saw the company expand into commercial laundry and floor care solutions as well as repairs and servicing.
“Since then we have updated our website and phone systems. Over time the number of orders has steadily increased and we now do more online orders than over the phone utilising our customer care team with 14 team members that take enquiries using our freecall numbers in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have the one warehouse in Adelaide with around 6000 faster moving stock items. The remaining stock we order from suppliers and as we get these deliveries in, we then process the order and despatch them back out to the customer.
“Most of the time we can despatch an order within 48 hours and we use both Australia Post and StarTrack. Our knowledgeable and experienced local team ensure our customers receive the best advice and support. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Google Customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 with feedback consistently praising our outstanding service, reliability and extensive product range.
“Our customers have been integral to our success over the past 40 years. Whether it’s a homeowner tackling a DIY repair or a technician sourcing essential parts, we remain committed to providing quality parts, practical guidance and outstanding support every step of the way.
“Statewide Appliance Spares started as a small local South Australian business and has grown into the number one go-to destination for appliance spares across Australia. While our roots remain strong, we’ve firmly positioned ourselves on a national scale – trusted by both trade and retail customers who rely on us for our dependability, high quality parts and service that consistently exceeds expectations. We remain top of mind across the industry and have invested significantly in our e-commence capabilities, offering a fast, comprehensive website that makes finding and buying spare parts easy.
“Our commitment to sustainability drives everything we do – helping Australians repair rather than replace, saving money and reducing waste.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the future – continuing to deliver exceptional service, the biggest range of spare parts and the expertise our customers rely on.
“From all of us at Statewide Appliance Spares, thank you for your support. Here’s to the next 40 years.”
David believes businesses like Statewide Appliance Spares have become an important player in the market for improving the reputation of electrical retailers.
“This is how we fit in – we help everybody and make everyone happy. We see ourselves as providing a meaningful support role for retail stores including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys.
“At the end of the day, the focus for an appliance retailer is to sell new equipment to consumers. What happens two years down the track after the warranty expires or the customer breaks the shelf in their fridge or the plate in their microwave or their remote control has been eaten by their dog?
“The answer is that we fill that gap as a lot of stores just say ‘call these guys and they can sort it out’ – and we do.
ABOVE: Statewide Appliance Spares has a warehouse with 6000 faster moving stock items and aims to despatch orders within 48 hours.
“Retailers don’t want to be mucking around with a $30 shelf for a refrigerator – so that is where we come in and we are happy to fix it up for them.
“And the reason why this is important, is because when they have had their spare parts issue addressed quickly, it is that appliance retailer that they will go back to when they need a new product because they were looked after. This is how we fit in – we help everybody and make everyone happy.
“We despatch approximately 600 parcels a day and we have three separate pick-ups from Australia Post. We have one location and process everything from Adelaide and it helps to be located near the Electrolux warehouse for their spare parts.
“We have often received feedback in Sydney that they have received a part faster from us than from a local distributor in their own state. As a result we get very few negative reviews or poor responses from our customers.
“Our customers count on us year after year to keep their appliances running smoothly. In South Australia, we offer onsite repairs for domestic customers and a mobile van service for commercial clients to help make appliance care easily accessible.
“We also empower customers through our online advice hub, featuring DIY repair guides, blog posts and how-to videos, making appliance repairs accessible to everyone. By encouraging repairs over replacements, we help customers reduce waste, save money and extend the life of their appliances.
“At Statewide Appliance Spares, innovation drives everything we do. Our market-leading website ensures customers can easily find and order the right spare parts for their appliances, with real-time stock updates as well as seamless and secure transactions.
“Inside our state of the at warehouse, every part is barcoded for accurate inventory management, ensuring swift identification, efficient processing and fast dispatch. Our strong partnerships with trusted delivery services enable reliable daily shipments across Australia and New Zealand.” AR
Over 150 retailers and supplier delegates from the appliances and consumer electronics industry recently attending the Narta Executive Leadership Conference.
Promoted as an event that would provide delegates with access to some of the world’s best speakers, the conference agenda did not disappoint.
Narta chairman Kay Spencer said the conference exceeded her expectations, after initial concerns about whether to hold the event in the current industry climate.
“The conference has been an absolute success,” Spencer said.
“We under-estimated the fact that we needed to get the industry together again. The feeling of camaraderie and the quality of the speakers has been overwhelmingly well-received.
“While we initially hesitated in holding the conference, we now know there is no question it was the right thing to do,” she said.
Narta chief executive officer, Michael Jackson, said the conference agenda was meticulously curated with specifically selected experts and themed content structured for personal and professional development.
“This is the most powerful speaker content we have ever put together. We are mindful of the current trading environment as well as the challenges and pressures currently experienced by both retailers and suppliers, so we have stripped back this conference to maximise
the content for all delegates. As a result, we had longer content days than at previous conferences and also added an extra day of content.”
The conference began with one of the most indemand motivational speakers globally, Ben Nemtin who challenged delegates to reflect on their dreams as well as the dreams of their family, friends and staff. This was followed by Michael Jackson who participated in a High Performance Podcast sharing his vulnerabilities and insights into his life as a high performer.
Two presentations from futurist Mike Walsh and the team from Time Under Tension discussed the importance of Generative AI and the important technology that needs to be implemented into business.
Former Australian federal treasurer, Peter Costello, provided an overview of the global economic market and how it will impact Australian and New Zealand businesses. Former CIA and Marine Corps operative Eric Traupe provided insights into geopolitics and trends impacting the global landscape.
Cyber security expert Mikko Hypponen provided an overview of the dangers of being held to ransom by hackers and the importance of protecting data.
Petra Velzeboer reminded delegates of the importance of healthy teams in the workplace and identifying the early signs of poor mental health by providing a personal story of her own struggles with anxiety and depression.
Two presentations from iconic sportspeople in Australia and New Zealand – Jessica Fox and Dan Carter provided an insight into the winning mentality and the importance of preparation and personal goals.
Cardiologist Ross Walker provided an update on how delegates can improve their health both physically and mentally. Walker provided an overview of how it is possible to reduce risks through lifestyle, consultation with medical physicians and appropriate personalised programs and systems to manage individual conditions.
Peter Baines provided an overview of the Hands Across The Water charity. Narta has supported the charity ever since Baines was booked as a speaker at the Narta conference held in San Francisco in 2007 where $245,000 was raised by the retailer and supplier community attending that conference Baines provided an update on an 1400km run or 60km a day he conducted over 26 days in Thailand raising $675,000 for the charity overcoming personal challenges as well as the importance of purpose and generosity.
Narta deputy chairman Lionel Lee has announced his decision to step down from the board after 24 years.
Lee surprised several members of the industry when he made the announcement on stage during the group’s 60th anniversary conference with a memorable and passionate speech.
Here is an extract of his speech which blended a mix of prepared and off the cuff comments about the Narta group and the future of the industry.
“As we celebrate Narta’s 60th birthday, I truly appreciate the opportunity to talk to you on a personal level regarding my retirement from the Narta board. I am so happy that my wife Lisa and my four children are here and of course the rock of our business my 91 year-old mother Yenda.
“Standing here tonight I find myself filled with mixed emotions – gratitude, nostalgia and sadness, but also a very deep sense of satisfaction and achievement.
“After 24 years of service as a director and several years as deputy chairman, I feel it’s the right time now to step down and say farewell to this incredible Narta board that we have.
Retailers and suppliers have overwhelmingly supported the content and context of the Narta Executive Leadership Conference which delivered not only inspiring speakers but also an important opportunity to reconnect and form new relationships as well as deliver some personal and professional reflections that they will take back to their businesses.
Here is a summary of the feedback from delegates:
Frank Malcaus – LG Electronics:
“The Narta conference was absolutely inspirational and presented a new light on leadership and how we can take steps to improve our business and inspire our people. The value of the conference was the quality of the speakers – insights from leaders of our country, as well as AI and cybersecurity through to some of the most inspirational icons of sport. You might get one or two speakers like this at a conference – but to have them all in the one conference is just amazing. The organisation of the whole conference was brilliant from start to finish. I absolutely recommend this conference to anybody who has the privilege of being invited – you will leave a better person.”
Terry Smart – JB Hi-Fi
“We have had some great speakers and it has been a good opportunity for people to re-focus. We know things are tough out there, and it has been good to re-set those goals as well as reconnect with suppliers and talk about what the future holds.”
Jim Kalotheos – Beko
“It has been incredibly inspirational to connect again with all of the different people who care so much about this industry. It is important that we focus on our customers and on the value that we bring to relationships and the people that we deal with. This conference showed the need to use tools such as technology and AI and also emphasised the importance of good team building, culture and leadership.”
Tim Edwards – JB Hi-Fi NZ
“As a first time attendee, this conference exceeded all of my expectations – not only with an amazing bunch of individuals from the industry in attendance but also the calibre of the thought-provoking speakers.”
“Firstly I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to our chair, Kay. I remember our first big meeting with you and Richard Luce in the main boardroom at Sharp Corporation with my Uncle Cedric – I think I was 22 and I was terrified. And now all these years later, well I am only slightly less anxious. You have been a friend, a confidant, a mentor and an ally. I’ve learned so much from you and on behalf of my family and our business, we say thank you.
“To my fellow board members past and present, your support, collaboration and friendship have made my time here not only rewarding, but truly unforgettable. The camaraderie we have shared and the lessons I have gleaned have been a cornerstone of my experience with Narta.
“I especially want to thank our dedicated Narta staff and leadership team, led by my friends Michael Jackson and Darren Spencer. Your tireless work and commitment to the task at hand have inspired us all. Each initiative we have undertaken stands as a testament to our shared goals at Narta.
“Advancing our industry and supporting our members – but there is one initiative I would like to especially single out and that was GNFR (Goods Not For Re-Sale) – it was amazing – because to me GNFR was the catalyst of all the Narta services that you see now. This is not a sales pitch to the suppliers, we are going though unprecedented times as an industry, but Narta stands strong after 60 years and it is about the unification that we come together as both suppliers and retailers and we work through our problems. This is not a short term industry – Bing Lee has been around for 67 years and hopefully through the governance of Peter Harris and my four kids it will continue on as a family business. But this industry needs to stick together. I can’t tell you how emotional I have been over the last two or three days. This industry has given my family everything – I think back to my grandfather and father – in a fruit shop of all things – and the opportunity of going into the
electronics industry because the guy was selling and then the fortuitousness of black and white television being launched three months later. We have never wanted to be the biggest, we have never wanted to be the best, we just want to serve our customers and we do this with the help of suppliers and Narta. Sometimes we thrive and sometimes we have to survive and we have to do it together. I cannot stress enough to the suppliers who are doubting at times as to what Narta provides you – come into the office, sit down and listen to what we have to tell you because it is crucial that you go back to your head office, your global offices and push back and say that Narta is important. We cannot become a transitional business, we cannot become a transactional industry like FMCG with Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA knocking at the door. We must work together please.
“I would like to extend a special thanks to suppliers here tonight and some of you may remember from my previous speeches that without you we simply wouldn’t have a business. Your contribution and continued support over the years have played a vital role of our success, which then cascades down to us – the rretailers.”
The world’s best motivational speaker, Ben Nemtin, was the first keynote speaker at the 2025 Narta Conference and immediately challenged delegates with one question –‘What do you want to do before you die?’.
The question which was not about being morbid, but about prioritising one’s life to make sure you can check off a ‘bucket list’ of items before you die.
Now a New York Times best-selling author, Nemtin joined together with three friends in 2006 to create The Buried Life – a two week road trip that evolved into a television show and then a global movement – that featured 100 of their dreams that they wanted to complete before they died.
A former representative rugby player who grew up in Canada, Nemtin suffered from anxiety and depression and used the development of his ‘bucket list’ with his friends helped him find his purpose.
“I realised I has been living the life I wanted other people to see – not the life I wanted for myself. In an attempt to re-set, I decided to only surround myself with people who inspired me.
Nemtin challenged delegates to dream big in their professional lives and their personal lives.
“Being true to yourself not only brings you the most happiness, but it also brings you the most success. The quickest way to discover your true self is by pursuing your passions.”
Among the items on the bucket list Nemtin and his friends have ticked off include having a beer with Prince Harry, being interviewed by Oprah, singing the national anthem at a sports studium, help deliver a baby, and play basketball with President Obama.
Referencing the number of attempts it took to play basketball with Obama, Nemtin told delegates to remain strong in the face of personal and professional adversity.
“We were relentless – we had no idea how we were going to get this done – but we knew there had to be a way, I am sure you have experienced this in some shape or form. You are probably facing some of the greatest challenges in your market for some time.
“You are stronger together – and you will hit more challenges moving forward. But just like the story, you can get one ‘no’, two nos, five nos, 20 nos and sometimes you are not done until you get your ‘yes’.”
Nemtin also emphasised the importance of not only fulfilling your dreams, but also the dreams of others.
“People started to send us their dreams and asked for help. So we decided that for every bucket list item that we accomplished, we would help a complete stranger accomplish something on their list.”
“This is the most impressive conference I have attended in my professional life – the quality of speakers to deliver messages to everyone certainly helped me to take a lot out of this week. In the future, I encourage anyone else to take the opportunity to attend as it is an amazing event. I will take back a lot of the positive mindset approach as well as also taking time to think about mental health and how my team is performing by celebrating what they are doing and achieving both inside and outside of the business. The economy will be interesting to watch over the next 6 to 12 months as things are shifting every day – it is important to see this as an opportunity and adapt to the challenges.”
Hamza Hussein – Bi-Rite Home Appliances
“Attending this conference has been an incredible experience – hearing from world-class speakers was truly inspiring, and the opportunity to connect with suppliers and retailers has been invaluable. It’s also been a proud moment to celebrate 60 years of Narta, especially as we mark our own 27-year journey as part of this remarkable group, committed to delivering value through strong partnerships.”
Ben Whitford – Whitfords Designer Appliances
“This conference has been very informative with a range of great speakers who have absolutely covered all areas of business from new technology, AI and cybersecurity as well as inspirational speakers who have provided a glimpse into their lives. The key is to take back three or four things and put the effort in to implement these into your business.”
Matthew Evans – Residentia Group
“It has been an incredible week of inspirational speakers. The biggest thing I took out was the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – it is the future and we need to get on board with it and adapt.”
Some of the things they did for complete strangers included granting the wishes of terminally ill children, fundraising for a homeless man to escape poverty and create his own landscaping business as well as provide a bionic arm for a teenage girl born with only one arm.
“We are all human beings – we have ups and downs. Who you truly are is exactly who you need to be. Being who you truly are and going after those things in your life that truly mean something to you is my definition of a bucket list and not hiding those things that you are struggling with – because the things that I thought were my weaknesses turned out to be my strengths rather than always trying to hide them. You are all under a lot of pressure, but remember you are unable to serve others if you cannot serve yourself.
“That’s what this is about – step out of the day to day and enjoy yourself and come back to you. The depression I went through – it is now easier to navigate and I have learned habits and now I will get through everything.”
Nemtin challenged Narta delegates to share items for their bucket list.
Some of the responses from Narta delegates included recording a chart-topping song and perform on Broadway, driving a Formula One car and flying a helicopter, playing Augusta National golf course and playing a par round of golf, flying a plane and jumping out of a plane, starting a charity, travel to various around the world including seeing the Northern Lights and Antarctica or attend a special sporting event, publish a book and spend more time with friends and family.
Former Australian treasurer Peter Costello used a global history lesson to explain the changes in the
new world order which will represent significant geopolitical changes over the years ahead.
Known as the ‘best prime minister Australia never had’, Costello rejoined the Narta conference once again for another appearance and provided an insight into the geopolitical chess being played and the decreasing influence from America creating a new world order.
Costello claimed that Australia has been benefiting from the “American shield” and like Europe will need to make higher investment in defence.
He claims there is now a shift in the world that came into being after the Second World War with the development of organisations such as United Nations, NATO, IMF, World Bank as well as the World Trade Organisation to encourage free trade and the rules based international order.
“The world is changing, some things that were tail winds are now head winds. The rules based international order is breaking down and trade barriers are going up. We have lived through a wonderful time with Australia’s terms of trade – the price you pay for your imports compared to the price you get for your exports. We have lived through the greatest terms of trade in Australian history which was a huge tailwind for our country – and now we may experience a trade shock – that would be a big wake up for Australia – our credit could go down and our terms of trade could go down and then our productivity is exposed.”
Referencing the changes in power dictated by various nations globally, Costello referenced a famous phrase from 416 BC during negotiations between the Athenians and the Melians – “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”.
“That is how the world worked then and mostly that is the way it has worked since. So if you are Putin and in your mind Ukraine is part of Russia, or if you are Xi Jinping and say that Taiwan is part of greater China – you announce a policy of reunification. If you
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are Erdoğan in Turkey and you remember the great Ottoman Empire you see Syria as a natural adjacent area, if you are Modi you see Kashmir as Indian and any challenge from Pakistan will be met with airstrikes. The world is going back to the way it was.
“I can understand why the Americans would say Ukraine is not part of NATO and we are not going to waste blood and treasure thank you.
“The world has become more uncertain and we need to do more about our own defence. If we were to lift defence expenditure to 3 per cent of GDP it would be an additional $25 billion per year that we would have to spend in Australia. The budget is in deficit by $40 billion and we are forecasting deficits for the next decade and we are going to have spend more on defence.
“In this new world where the rules based order is coming to an end, there are going to be costs. We will go through the trillion dollar debt mark in September and we have huge expenditure coming down the track.
“Our problem in Australia is not tax it is spending – at the rate that we are spending no tax system can sustain it. When I left office tax to GDP was 24 per cent – it is now 27 per cent or another $100 billion. Big spending, big taxes, big debt, dig deficit.”
Costello referenced the increased tax to be introduced by the new Albanese government on 1 July 2025 for unrealised gains including a doubling of the tax from 15 per cent to 30 per cent on earnings from superannuation balances above $3 million.
“We have exhausted the taxes on income, we have exhausted the taxes on consumption, so we have to come after savings. What is driving this is that we have a spending problem – not a tax problem. I feel so disappointed in the election that we have just had in 2025, because both sides of politics wanted to keep the spending going and with the outcome in the election, the government will think it has a mandate to take it further – no one seemed to object as the public voted for it.” AR
Rob Sinclair – e&s
“It has been a long time since Narta got together and we have forgotten the importance of relationships. Time spent together provides the opportunity to build your business through inspirational speakers that then catapults you into a state of mind and you start to think of better ways of working together with supplier partners. We will also look at better ways of working with our staff and engaging them more deeply into our business as well as getting some work/life balance for all of those involved and hopefully becoming more successful and profitable as a result. For me, I really connected with the goal-setting content and I will be taking this back to the business – we can get a bit lazy sometimes so it is important to get back into a goal-setting mindset and also asking individual team members what they want to achieve personally and tying this to business goals.”
David Woodward – Glen Dimplex
“World class and inspirational speakers as well as incredible collaboration within the industry – simply amazing. It is a reminder to remain connected and check in with staff to make sure they are ok and also the importance of purpose and the ‘why’ – why we are doing this.”
Craig Robertson – Home Group Services (NZ)
“Whilst the optics may not look good in the economy at the moment, this conference has been a re-set. It has produced fellowship and connections for independent retailers to gather together and work as one. In tough times, it is actually the right time to invest in your business, otherwise you can separate yourself from the industry and go into a hole and won’t be able to dig yourself out. Every single speaker talked about journaling, goals, gratitude and purpose.”
David Esler - CHiQ
“This conference was highly educational not only about business, but personally as well as for your staff. Of particular interest was the integration of Artificial Intelligence – this is the future and will make a massive change to how we do business – we all need to bring ourselves up to speed or we will be left behind. As with every Narta conference, it has been wonderful to spend time with senior management from retailers and understand their needs.”
Rob Butchatsky – ASKO
“The conference was incredibly well planned and executed, the entire Narta business should be very proud of the outcome. The keynote speakers delivered content that was engaging, inspiring and relevant to our industry including practical solutions that can be implemented within our businesses locally. It also afforded all attendees the opportunity to reconnect and discuss plans to stimulate our business performance together. Thank you to the Narta team and congratulations on a successful conference.”
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
Over the past 12 months to March 2025, the home entertainment sector, comprising largely of TVs, soundbars and smart speakers, has been stable with revenue growing at 1%.
The largest component of the sector (TVs) has slightly outpaced this up 2%, led by double-digit growth from MiniLED technology, which offset a small contraction from OLED types. Larger displays have also delivered growth for TVs with a growing number of models released larger than 75-inches, according to data supplied by GfK
Soundbar growth exceeded TVs, rising 8%, assisted by standalone soundbars, as opposed to models with a subwoofer and additional speakers, particularly those equipped with Dolby Atmos upward firing speakers that are best utilised in smaller layout viewing rooms.
Smart speakers were the softest category within the sector, declining 53%, as the replacement market for these products continues to erode, with fewer than 10 new models introduced into this category in the past 12 months.
Stephanie Guo Deputy Marketing Manager
Australian households continue to prioritise big-screen entertainment by seeking a more immersive and captivating viewing experience.
Data from research group Omdia showed Hisense’s global TV shipments reached 29.14 million units in 2024, capturing a 14% market share. “This sustained momentum reflects strong consumer demand and the brand’s continued investment in premium large-format display technologies,’”
Stephanie Guo said. Globally, Hisense is the top supplier for TVs sized over 100-inches.
To meet this growing demand, Hisense has expanded its product lineup, offering screen sizes up to 100-inches across the U8QAU, U7QAU, and U6QAU PRO and 100Q7QAU series. The 100U8QAU will be available from September 2025. With Hi-View AI Engine PRO powering the U8QAU and U7QAU models, the next-generation AI processor works seamlessly behind the scenes to optimise every frame, providing smarter, more intuitive picture enhancements.
The 2025 ULED TV lineup has something for everyone with screen sizes ranging from 50-to110-inches. “This lineup is not just about going bigger, it’s about giving the customers more choice and setting a new standard for performance, ensuring that every pixel, frame, and sound delivers unmatched quality at an affordable price,” she said. The ULED range is engineered to finetune contrast, colour accuracy and motion clarity in real-time, ensuring lifelike images and fluid performance across all content types and setting.
Hisense continues to push the boundaries of display technology by advancing local dimming and Mini-LED technology, delivering improved brightness, stunning contrast, true colour accuracy, deeper blacks and sharper images. Its AIenhanced audio system elevates Dolby Atmos, and with the exclusive ‘Tuned by Devialet’ certification, brings the philosophy of ‘Hear Sound Come Alive’ to life, immersing users in theatre-grade sound that transforms any room into a private cinema.
According to Guo, Australians embrace seasonal sales patterns, using them as an opportunity to upgrade or invest in new home technology.
As major sporting events set the scene for large-screen entertainment and premium audio systems, Hisense is working closely with retail channel partners to maximise sales opportunities during these key periods.
“
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This sustained momentum reflects strong consumer demand. ”
“We see a clear market trend of increased investment in home entertainment solutions, presenting an opportunity for retailers to engage shoppers preparing for entertainment-focused gatherings,” she said. “At the same time, we continue to invest in our core partnerships to enhance the customer journey around key cultural moments, such as our sponsorship of the FIFA Club World Cup.”
Hisense is committed to investing in marketing and advertising and its support for major sporting events. It recently announced its involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup as an official sponsor, that builds on the company’s seven-year relationship with FIFA.
Locally, Hisense is a major sponsor of the National Rugby League with branding inside stadiums and across digital and social media platforms. The partnership is intended to strengthen the company’s brand presence in the region while elevating the home viewing experience for sports fanatics.
Storefront training programs are constantly reevaluated and refined based on partner feedback, in addition to investing in marketing and advertising initiatives. AR
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Jason Carrick General Manager - Sales
“Over the last 12 months, the industry has found that consumers are looking for value in their purchases. This does not mean the cheapest, it’s more about getting more for their money – more technology, more smarts and better visual and or audio experiences,” was a view of the market put forward by Jason Carrick.
And he said the market is getting weaker on a weekly basis. “If the consumer determines that an offer is a good deal and sees value in what they are looking for, that is when we pick up on growth from last year. If we are not talking to the market with strong offers, then we see weeks of small declines,” he said.
As for the most in-demand feature in the home entertainment category most important to consumers, it is picture quality. “When consumers see TCL Mini LED products and consider the value we offer them, this is where TCL is having its largest success.”
And now is the time most brands launch their new ranges with all the latest technology for the year ahead, “and then we roll into the EOFY offerings”.
TCL training is delivered via the online portal, training close to 1500 retail sales staff every year, and continues to drive brand awareness with AFL partner and Melbourne Cup Carnival activity along with other digital and in-store activations. AR
“
Over the last 12 months, the industry has found that consumers are looking for value in their purchases.
LG
Tony Brown
General Manager – Home Entertainment & Content Business
The home entertainment landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in AI and shifting content consumption habits. LG has responded with its 2025 TV and soundbar range, led by the OLED evo G5 TV and flagship soundbars S95TR and SG10TY. “These products embody LG’s ‘Affectionate Intelligence’ approach – AI designed not just for performance, but with empathy,” according to Tony Brown.
The G5 TV’s Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen2 significantly enhances picture and audio quality by learning user content preferences over time, while the soundbars use AI Room Calibration to tailor sound output to individual spaces.
The numbers tell a compelling story about the changing face of home entertainment. As Australians move away from traditional linear TV – with free-to-air viewership dropping from 71% to 46% in just four years, according to Australian Communications and Media Authority 2024 data, the appetite for digital content continues to grow.
LG Channels has been at the forefront of this shift, expanding to over 130 channels and attracting more than half a million regular users. This momentum reflects the growing demand for flexible, easy-to-access streaming experiences.
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“At the same time, LG continues to set the benchmark for premium home entertainment, holding the title of the world’s best-selling OLED TV brand for 12 consecutive years. Its leadership in soundbars is reinforced by innovation in the S95TR, which delivers 9.1.5 channels of immersive surround sound,” he said.
“Today’s consumers are looking for more than just a screen – they want a gateway to immersive entertainment experiences. The LG OLED evo G5 is designed to meet this demand with the new Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen2, delivering 3.4x improved graphic performance versus the 2025 B5.”
And audio is just as critical, and the LG S95TR and SG10TY soundbars meet consumer demand for cinematic, high-fidelity sound. The S95TR features 810W of power, a total of 9.1.5 channels including five up-firing speakers, and triple-level spatial sound. The SG10TY, is ideal for wallmounted G5 installations and supports WOW Orchestra and WOWCAST wireless connectivity, offering both aesthetic and acoustic synergy.
Australia’s home entertainment market typically sees strong demand around key retail periods such as Black Friday, Christmas, Boxing Day, EOFY sales and major sporting events. Amid cost-of-living pressures, many Australians are timing big-ticket purchases around these events to maximise value. This was evident during the 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, which saw a record $6.7 billion spent – a 5.5% increase year-on-year. AR
Olivia Anderson
Head of Marketing – ANZ Consumer Hearing
Over the past year, the home entertainment category has continued to consolidate, with consumer focus shifting toward fewer, higher-value purchases. Although the category in Australia remains challenged, premium soundbars are delivering impressive year-over-year value growth in 2024. “This growth highlights a broader trend: consumers are increasingly drawn to all-in-one premium solutions that elevate the home viewing experience without the complexity of traditional multi-speaker setups,” Olivia Anderson said.
This shift is particularly evident in Australia, where open-plan living, and compact home layouts have driven demand for sleek, spaceefficient AV solutions. Products that balance immersive audio performance with minimal footprint have become the new standard for modern home entertainment, she said. “As a result, premium soundbars have emerged as the central component of home cinema systems, delivering surround sound, convenience, and clean aesthetics in one package.
“The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar series is wellaligned with this evolution, offering immersive 3D audio and a simplified setup that resonates with both audio enthusiasts and design-conscious users.”
The audio home systems category, which includes soundbars, was one of the few segments in the home entertainment space to post positive value growth in 2024, according to Anderson, fuelled by growing demand for premium, compact, and Dolby Atmos-compatible devices that deliver high-quality audio in a simplified form factor.
This reflects a shift in consumer behaviour with Australians increasingly adopting a “buy once, buy well” approach she said. This emphasis has moved away from frequent upgrades to fewer, more meaningful investments, a sentiment shared by economic pressure and evolving postpandemic priorities.
“The appeal of premium soundbars, particularly those offering immersive spatial sound and minimal setup, continues to grow as consumers seek both performance and practicality in their home entertainment choices.”
Consumers are also increasingly drawn to home entertainment solutions that deliver cinematic-quality sound without the need for a dedicated theatre room, with a clear shift toward multifunctional products. Features such as
` 7.1.4 home theatre system with immersive sound from state-of-theart AMBEO virtualisation
` Automated selfcalibration senses room acoustics
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wireless connectivity, smart home compatibility, and intuitive setup have become essentials, rather than nice-to-haves, reflecting changing lifestyle expectations.
Alongside immersive sound, TV listening solutions are gaining traction too, particularly in smaller homes or multi-generational households, where viewers may want to watch television without disturbing others, Anderson said.
Black Friday remains the defining sales event, particularly for high-ticket electronics. Promotions during this period helped offset softer performance earlier in the quarter across the industry. Boxing Day and EOFY sales continue to draw value-focused consumers, especially those upgrading their home cinema setups before major sporting or cultural events.
Sennheiser will continue to invest in retail activation and omnichannel marketing across the AMBEO portfolio, supported with visual merchandising, digital content kits, and tailored campaign assets across D2C and partner channels, with new innovations planned for the TV listening category.
The Sennheiser brand maintains a comprehensive retail training program with interactive modules, video explainers and detailed product overviews. AR
Simon Howe Director - AV
Product innovation in the Home Entertainment category has experienced a significant leap in 2025, according to Samsung with TVs and soundbars featuring new levels of intelligence. New enhancements in connectivity, design, and security put AV solutions at the centre of connected home experiences, helping to manage everyday routines while elevating home décor, better reflecting personal styles,” Simon Howe said.
“As Samsung rolls out new products over the coming weeks, we expect to see the category slowly shift to reflect the consumer appetite for improved connectivity and intelligent TV experiences, supported by an ever-steady growth in ultra-large screen sizes – 98 inches and above.”
He noted that the market over last 12 months has been defined by four key themes: a preference for premium has returned and the Australian appetite for big screens keeps getting bigger, with demand for TVs 75-inches+ increasing YOY by 20% amongst Gen Z shoppers alone. However, the benefits of soundbars aren’t being heard, with Samsung research showing that less than a quarter of Australians use a soundbar while claiming sound experiences fall short of expectations. But gamers are winners, now firmly a mainstream activity with two in five Australians gaming weekly via a console. Samsung research also revealed that Australian gamers have a preference for OLED panels, high refresh rates, multiple
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` AI processor recognises different sounds and optimises them based on characteristics of the room and audio content before refining them with audio remastering technology
RRP: $11,499
ports, and 4K resolution. The rise of personal gaming via a TV has seen new demand for smaller OLED displays starting from 42-inches.
The home entertainment market is maintaining consistent performance, with the TV category experiencing continuous growth since 2021. Samsung research showed that 10.1 million Australian households have a TV in 2025, up from 9.6 million in 2021. There has also been significant growth in the High and Premium AV segment (TVs valued at $2000 or higher), with 1.62 million households investing in premium home cinema experiences in 2025, up 9.5% since 2023. Samsung data also showed that QLED is the fastest growing category in the market, growing 21% since 2021. This can be attributed to Australians’ appetite for big screens with QLED technology a sweet spot between premium picture quality and good value for large screen sizes.
Among the developments for 2025 he said included expanding Glare-Free technology beyond OLED, doubling its OLED range with screen sizes spanning 42-83-inches and bringing the Art Store to 90% of its 2025 range. The full range of Neo QLED, QLED and OLED TVs will feature Vision AI supported by Knox security and seven years of UI One Tizen upgrades to deliver software changes and access to endless entertainment such as Samsung TV Plus, SmartThings, Daily+ and Gaming Hub.
Key sales periods include EOFY, Black Friday, Boxing Day and the weeks leading up to Australian sports finals. “These sales periods have been established for a few years meaning that consumers approach these moments prepared with a budget and specifications in mind that will see them gain an upgraded experience at a competitive price point,” Howe said. AR
“
Picture and sound quality consistently remain top priorities amongst Australian customers. ”
SONY
Michael Bell Head of Home Entertainment
“One thing we’ve seen over the past 12 months, is the continued strong shift toward extra-large screen sizes in the home entertainment category, especially as 85-inches and above TV sizes become increasingly accessible for customers,” Michael Bell said.
“During Sony’s recent Q3 period, which is the peak holiday season from October through to December, sales of 85-inches and above TVs in the Australian market grew more than 15% in units, year-on-year.”
Speaking further, he said the overall TV market in Australia has remained largely stable, consistently sitting at around two million units sold per year, showing steady and ongoing demand from consumers. “For the most recent Sony fiscal year, which spanned April 2024 to March 2025,
` Reduced power consumption automatically optimises brightness for each scene
` LEDs controlled by XR Backlight Master Drive with precise local dimming for stunning contrast
` Sound made from Voice Zoom 3TM, Acoustic Multi-Audio
` Voice commands for turning power on/off and adjusting volume
` Studio calibrated modes reproduce image quality intended by film content creators in a home setting
RRP: $9,999
we saw unit sales up 5% year-on-year. This growth suggests a continued healthy appetite for home entertainment products and reflects how consumers can be willing to invest in high quality viewing experiences,” he said.
“While we know customer preferences and needs vary, picture and sound quality consistently remain top priorities amongst Australian customers. This is why Sony places a strong focus on enhancing the overall cinematic experience, using our unique processing technology to deliver the most accurate and immersive experiences across a range of content, whether it’s movies, streaming, or live sports.
“With the ongoing trend toward larger screen sizes, picture quality becomes even more important, as any deficiencies become more noticeable the bigger the display. With our new 98-inch BRAVIA 5 MiniLED, we leverage an array Mini-LED backlight system paired with Sony’s exclusive Backlight Master Drive technology. This innovation, which has trickled down from our flagship models, ensures that even at ultra-large sizes, customers can enjoy exceptional clarity, contrast, and brightness for a premium home viewing experience.”
During Black Friday, Boxing Day and the EFY, many customers also make the most of more opportunities to browse and buy new consumer tech goods throughout a promotional period, he said. AR
Denny Tan
Product Manager – Visual Solutions
The Home Entertainment category has been stable over the last 12 months, Denny Tan said, with a market that is looking for smart, compact, portable products with good resolution.
“Epson are in the process of onboarding new retailers to range our new series of EF-21 and EF22 mini smart laser projectors, designed to boost brand/product awareness,” he said.
The EF series can be projected in any direction, onto a wall, ceiling or floor. The adjustable built-in stand on the EF-22 model can be rotated for flexible display options, while the large screen size widens the appeal of projectors as an alternative to the traditional TV. Both models have 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio to product clearly defined shadows and deep blacks and a screen size up to 150-inches.
“Epson are also working with influencers to promote the EF series, in addition to producing a product video that will highlight the key benefits and features of the versatile EF range.” This includes portability, Google TV, and easy connectivity and setup with technologies including automatic focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance and screen fit.
And he said the busiest sales opportunities are around Christmas. AR
` Best value 77-inch OLED available
` Dolby Vision/HDR10+/120Hz/1000 Nits
` Dolby Atmos/Built-in 95W RMS Sound System
` Google OS – an alternative to WebOS and Tizen
` 3- year in-home warranty
RRP: $4,995
` 1000 lumen colour and white brightness
` Laser light source projector
` Auto correct function
` Google TV with Netflix
` Built-in twin 5W stereo speakers.
RRP: $1,299 & $1,599
AYONZ
Marcel Melick Head of Global Marketing
This category has seen significant transformation with smart TV adoption leading the charge, according to the latest Australian Communications & Media Authority data with the latest streaming services now dominating content delivery, and usage rising to 69% in 2024. “From our perspective, demand for higher resolution displays, competition in the operating system space, along with advanced formats like Dolby Vision/Atmos has lifted the base standards,” Marcel Melick said.
“Mordor Intelligence reports that the global Home Entertainment market is projected to grow from US$323.41 billion in 2025 to US$408.85 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.8%. In Australia we have experienced a similar growth in sales with online consumer electronics sales leading the charge, especially with the larger, more bulky items.”
Consumers are seeking products with highquality streaming support and 4K/HDR capabilities. Smart technology integration with the majority of households requiring connected viewing experiences, and voice-activated assistants are increasingly popular, going beyond simple voice searches. “Immersive audio-visual experiences, particularly Dolby Atmos systems –sound bars, that are simple to setup and use, are becoming more important too.”
Melick said Black Friday and Cyber Monday events have become a key shopping period bringing Christmas and Boxing Day purchasing forward. AR
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
The definition of outdoor appliances for many consumers has progressed from portable barbecues to something far more sophisticated in line with lifestyle improvements and Australian at-home entertaining culture. The outdoor kitchen can now comprise many different products from built-in barbecues, rangehoods, pizza ovens and integrated refrigeration as well as other alfresco accessories.
Consumers renovating now allocate a larger budget for these products that can represent a similar
dollar value to the indoor kitchen – this is also driven by higher expectations from purchasers when it comes to re-selling residential property.
Barbecues are evolving with both gas and electric models becoming popular as well as charcoal barbecues and smokers.
The season for these products is also changing with larger more expensive products sold throughout the year, rather than the traditional Father’s Day to summer period.
Daniel Bertuccio Marketing Manager
Outdoor appliances and spaces have continued their upward trend over the past 18 months and for Worldwide Appliances. “For Everdure and Artusi, we are seeing a large amount of customer consideration when purchasing outdoor living and entertaining appliances across all styles including pizza, BBQ and outdoor kitchens,” Daniel Bertuccio said.
“People are exploring all options and it’s definitely a larger budgeting component when renovating than in previous years. With Steel Cucine we are looking to target the ultra premium market with our complete stainless steel outdoor kitchens as well as the premium drop-in BBQ for custom spaces, whereas with Everdure we target the mass market with our Seabreeze, Oasis, Whitehaven and Bayview offering. Artusi is having great success with landscape architects designing more custom spaces and with freestanding gas, charcoal and portable products Worldwide Appliances is able to offer any product for any space,” he said.
The company relies on sales data as well as working with retail partners for obtaining accurate trend patterns to launch products and plan activity around what customers are looking for, and when it comes to appliances, versatility is an important factor.
“People want to know that they can cook a variety of meals in a variety of cooking styles with their outdoor appliances. Our pizza oven can be used like an oven or for cooking steaks, and for BBQ we promote smoking, reverse grilling and slow roasting. Its important our customers know how to get the most use from their products across Everdure, Everdure by Heston, Artusi and now Steel.
“We find that trolley BBQs are a spring/summer purchase while pizza and outdoor kitchen trends are consistent all year round, but this can change depending on location and climate.”
Artusi Two Element Electric
BBQ EQ ATBBQ2ET
` Two meat probes
` Cooking area: 47.5cm wide x 41.5cm deep
` 230°C in 10 minutes
` Galvanised steel firebox lining
` Two high powered electric elements
RRP: $1,299
Worldwide Appliances have Everdure and Artusi product launches and product evolutions scheduled for spring 2025 as well as a Steel Cucine’s GEA outdoor kitchen range. New custom training collateral and content packages will be shared with partners to help drive sales and participate in influencer campaigns across pizza and BBQ ranges.
Most content is currently under development although there is an active campaign for the latest Three Birds Renovations ‘House 17’ featuring Artusi outdoor appliances. AR
“ Consumers are looking for statement pieces – appliances that bring people together. ”
Anthony Fletcher Managing Director
Where Australians once considered a standalone barbecue sufficient, they are now designing complete outdoor kitchens with professionalgrade cooking appliances, refrigeration, and integrated cabinetry, according to Anthony Fletcher. “We’ve seen a growing demand for premium, investment-grade products that not only perform exceptionally but also elevate the aesthetics of the outdoor space. Consumers are looking for statement pieces - appliances that bring people together and create memorable entertaining experiences and Fire Magic Grills, with their handcrafted precision, meet these evolving expectations head-on,” he said
Fire Magic Grills has seen strong growth over the past year, from three drivers: incredible retail partners, strong US brand recognition and a noticeable rise in online search and engagement, especially across the eastern states. “These factors combined have fuelled demand for premium outdoor cooking solutions in Australia.”
` 100% made in the US
` Cast stainless steel burners with a lifetime warranty
` 304 stainless steel Diamond Sear cooking grids with a lifetime warranty
` Illuminated digital chrome meat and grill thermometer in the control panel
` Recessed high efficiency stainless steel rotisserie backburner with cover
RRP: $19,995
He added that today’s consumers are looking for durability, performance, and design that enhances their outdoor space and on all fronts. Features in demand include cast stainless steel burners, precise heat control, rotisserie systems and intuitive lighting, which are standard across the range.
Fire Magic uses commercial-grade 304 stainless steel inside and out, ensuring unmatched longevity. “Our patented Diamond Sear cooking grids, backlit control knobs, and digital temperature displays provide both precision and premium style. Whether it’s the Echelon or Aurora series, Fire Magic offers high-performance grills that are engineered for serious outdoor entertainers who value both form and function.”
“There’s traditionally a strong sales peak leading into spring and summer, as Australians prepare for outdoor entertaining. However, with the growth of all-season alfresco areas, many with overhead coverage, heating, and integrated lighting, we’re seeing year-round interest. Firemagic’s all-weather durability and lifetime warranty are key factors supporting this expanded sales window.
“In 2025, we’re expanding our retail support initiatives with refreshed point-of-sale displays, interactive training sessions, and high-impact digital campaigns. Our messaging will focus on storytelling – showcasing the performance, craftsmanship, and lifestyle value. We’re also working closely with dealers to create merchandising displays that reflect real-life applications and inspire customer imagination.”
“With the support of our US head office, we have access to a comprehensive library of video tutorials, feature walkthroughs, and recipes. These resources cover installation, performance features, and best practices to help maximise the grilling experience.”
There are also QR codes on displays and packaging that link directly to this content. AR
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Now, it’s all about creating stylish outdoor living areas that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with the open air. ”
ARISIT
Rachael Williams
National Sales & Marketing Manager –Specialist Brands
The outdoor appliance category has transformed dramatically over the past few years, moving far beyond basic cart BBQs and bar fridges, Rachael Williams said. Now, it’s all about creating stylish outdoor living areas that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with the open air. “These sophisticated spaces often feature tech products like integrated sound systems and connected appliances, alongside luxury fittings, all specifically designed for entertaining, relaxing, and extending our Australian indoor lifestyle outdoors.”
Sirius Drop-In Five Burner Gas
BBQ SIR-DG3101 SS
` Infrared sear zone
` Stainless Teppanyaki plate
` Designated infrared ceramic rotisserie burner
` Rotisserie kit included
` Internal lighting and back lit controls
` New stainless steel finish
RRP: $3,699
The alfresco area is all about family, friends and entertaining and naturally revolves around food, she said. “Cooking appliances are the major consideration for customers when designing their outdoor living area and include products from pizza ovens to smokers and high-end BBQ grills. We have an offering in all these areas, as well as high powered rangehoods and alfresco specific wine fridges. Arisit has a complete outdoor solution that suit most price points.
“What makes our range stand out is that our BBQs are authorised to be installed in enclosed alfresco areas, perfect for the Australian way of life where we BBQ rain, hail, or shine. This is the perfect culmination of bringing outdoor and indoor living together.”
As for peak selling times, traditionally leading into summer with the start of Father’s Day sees a spike in BBQ sales, mainly in the cart style where there are more replacement sales, while built-in appliances are consistent year-round. “Although it varies on the building structure of the outdoor area and is considered a ‘long-term’ purchase rather than a replacement,” she said.
Arisit partners with ButcherCrowd offering gourmet BBQ packs with Cape Grim meats and Australian salmon. “These are excellent quality and truly relevant to a customer buying a BBQ and we run this across all three brands, Capital, Sirius and Smart. We also partner with Husky fridges as we find BBQs and outdoor fridges go very well together.”
The promotions are ongoing for the remainder of 2025. AR
Sirius Drop-In 5 Burner Gas BBQ SIR-DG3101-BLK
Sirius Drop-In Gas Side Burner SIR-DSG0010-BLK
Sirius 1200mm Canopy Rangehood SL80BBQ1200B
Husky 118L Alfresco Drinks Chiller ALF-C1-BLK-840
Where quality, style, and performance converge to elevate your outdoor living and cooking experience.
Discover our comprehensive range of outdoor products, designed to enhance the beloved Aussie outdoor lifestyle. With high-quality BBQs and versatile side burners, along with premium Rangehoods, Sirius provides a complete solution for all your outdoor culinary needs.
Maggie McCagh Marketing Coordinator
Over the past year, the outdoor appliance category has witnessed steady growth, driven in part by ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The emphasis on outdoor living spaces reflects a shift in consumer priorities, with homeowners seeking to enhance the functionality and value of their property, while adapting to changing lifestyle needs.
“As consumers reconsider their discretionary spending, outdoor living spaces have become a key focus of renovation projects, with homeowners building or upgrading outdoor kitchens, BBQ and entertainment areas to enjoy more frequent at-home gatherings,” according to Maggie McCagh. “We’ve observed that in challenging economic times, like during Covid-19, consumers often prioritise home upgrades that offer long-term enjoyment without ongoing expenses.”
There’s also growing demand in the new homes market for designs that embrace alfresco living and ILVE sales data highlights this trend. In Queensland, particularly Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, sales are driven by a lifestyle that revolves around outdoor living.
In New South Wales, Sydney stands out for its high-end renovations and architecturally designed homes, with a strong renovation and real estate market driving demand for premium outdoor appliances. And in Western Australia, Perth’s hot, dry summers, mild winters, and substantial block sizes create ideal conditions for fully equipped outdoor kitchens and expansive entertainment areas,” she said.
Nationally, the outdoor kitchen market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.1% from 2025 to 2030, data from Grand View Research, 2025 shows.
And consumers are increasingly looking for products that are durable, weather-resistant, high-performing, easy to maintain, versatile and visually appealing.
“The ILVE beverage centre demonstrates our commitment to meeting these expectations,” McCagh said. Designed for durability, the fridge features a tempered, double-glazed glass door with UV protection and shatter resistance while the integrated temperature memory and alarm systems ensure food and beverage preservation. The beverage centre offers installation flexibility, featuring reversible door hinges and compatibility for both built-in and freestanding configurations.
` Crafted from commercial-grade AISI 304 stainless steel including grilling plates for durability, corrosion resistance and low-maintenance
` Compatible with both natural gas and LPG
` Three high-performance burners with smooth and corrugated cooking surfaces for versatile food preparation
` Sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic that integrates seamlessly into outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas
` Optional stainless steel lid with integrated thermometer, enabling oven-style cooking for larger dishes
RRP: $9,098
In 2025, ILVE will run with targeted marketing and retail initiatives, incorporating lifestyledriven content that highlights the premium features of its products. ILVE recently submitted its third entry in the Australian Good Design Awards, with an outdoor appliance.
Point-of-sale assets and visual merchandising tools for retail partners are being updated, including new display installations featuring the latest products, alongside building a new flagship showroom and head office in Sydney.
The company is also exploring advanced product training intended to increase consumer awareness, support in-store conversion, and strengthen brand visibility within the expanding lifestyle market.
Training resources will be rolled out gradually throughout 2025, with further details to be confirmed. AR
Despina Sierra
Category Manager – Outdoor Cooking and Unilux Accessories ANZ
“The outdoor cooking market has evolved with people barbecuing more frequently throughout the week and many seeking multiple barbecues to cater to their different cooking needs,” Despina Sierra said. “What they cook and how long they want to be barbecuing varies depending on the day of the week, so it is important their barbecue is flexible and adaptable to their lifestyle.”
The barbecue market has continued to grow since Covid as more people look to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy outdoor cooking with family and friends. People are also seeking portability with demand growing for a barbecue to take on camping trips or family trips to the beach, she said.
Reliability and power are paramount, and the gas segment remains the biggest and most popular fuel type in Australia. “People want the peace of mind that their barbecue will deliver the heat they need to cook anything and every time. Our extensive range of gas barbecues covers an array of sizes from small portable barbecues to large cart barbecues and built-in products.”
No surprises that the most popular time for buying a barbecue is in the warmer months with increased interest in the lead-up to Father’s Day, the Footy Finals Season and particularly the festive summer season.
“This year BeefEater is celebrating 40 years as an iconic Australian brand and we will be celebrating the milestone later this year underpinned by local R&D that understands the diverse food and culture that makes up Australia,” Sierra added. AR
` Cast iron burners and stainless-steel vaporisers for quick heating that disperses flames across grill and plate surfaces reducing flare ups
` Integrated and powerful 17MJ side burner extends outdoor cooking with a fold down lid that converts to a right-hand table
` Cast iron cooktop does not chip and is rust-resistant with a split grill for a customised cooking surface
` Easy clean-up hotplate with raised sides prevents grease and oil over-spilling
` Built- in temperature gauge maintains heat with a full width glass viewing window to check cooking progress without lifting the lid
RRP: $4,799
“
Consumers want appliances that can bake, smoke, roast, and air fry, all in one compact unit.
NINJA
Will Tran Senior Product Manager
Over the past year, Ninja has seen a clear shift in consumer expectations around outdoor appliances, with the traditional BBQ replaced by multi-functional cooking solutions that offer more than just grilling. “Consumers want appliances that can bake, smoke, roast, and air fry, all in one compact unit,” Will Tran said. And this is being driven by a growing emphasis on convenience, year-round entertaining, and maximising the utility of outdoor living spaces.
According to internal sales data, the Ninja outdoor category has grown by over 280% yearon-year, driven primarily by consumer interest in electric-powered grills with woodfire smoking that offer versatility without the complexity of traditional gas or charcoal, he said.
“Today’s consumers prioritise five features in outdoor appliances: versatility, durability, consistent cooking results, ease of cleaning and intuitive controls. Our Ninja Woodfire Electric
BBQ Grill & Smoker is engineered with these needs in mind. With seven cooking functions including grill, air fry and smoke, all in a weatherresistant build, it delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The Smart Probe takes the guesswork out of cooking, while the easy-clean tray and woodfire smoker make maintenance simple.”
Peak demand leading into late spring and throughout summer, aligns with the outdoor entertaining season. Additionally, key sales events and long weekends, particularly around Easter, Father’s Day and the Christmas-New Year period, tend to drive significant spikes in sales. “These seasonal patterns are factored into our retail planning and promotional calendar.”
In 2025, Ninja will expand its retail support program for the outdoor category, featuring national training events in collaboration with retail partners and consumer-facing video campaigns that highlight product versatility and ease of use.
Retail training assets include a downloadable features and benefits guide, a 5-minute retail explainer video for sales teams and a product comparison table. AR
` All-in-one appliance for grilling, BBQ smoking and air fry
` Real wood-burning pellets for authentic woodfire grilling
` Woodfire technology tenderizes large cuts of meat up to 40 per cent faster
` Versatile grilling with seven different functions
` Achieve perfect doneness at the touch of a button with the integrated Smart Probe
RRP: $899.99
Ryan Close Founder & CEO
The rise of home entertaining is driving demand for appliances that offer both sophistication and simplicity, and this is where the Bartesian home cocktail maker has resonated with consumers, according to Ryan Close.
“Internal Bartesian data shows an increase in demand for at-home cocktail solutions, with repeat capsule purchases up double digits year on year, indicating strong consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty,” he said.
“Consumers are prioritising features such as ease of use and Bartesian delivers bar-quality cocktails at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for extensive mixology knowledge,” he said. “The cocktail capsules contain high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste without artificial flavorings and users can select their preferred strength, from mocktail to strong, allowing full control over their drink. The Bartesian also eliminates the need to measure and mix, providing perfect cocktails in seconds.”
Bartesian has a robust marketing strategy in place for 2025, including targeted digital campaigns across social media, search, and
` Bar-quality cocktails on demand with no measuring or mixing
` Customisable strength settings
` No artificial flavours or preservatives
` Self-cleaning system for easy maintenance
` Sleek, modern design
RRP: $599
influencer partnerships, retail activations and in-store promotions to boost foot traffic and conversions, along with seasonal campaigns linked to summer entertaining, holiday gifting, and cocktail-inspired events. This is in addition to retail training videos and training guides, live and virtual product demonstrations for key retail partners and customer engagement programs to drive repeat purchases of cocktail capsules.
He said consumers are looking for elevated yet effortless solutions to enhance their home experiences and retailers who showcase premium, timesaving, and entertainment-focused appliances will thrive. “The Bartesian is an ideal fit for this shift, offering an exciting, interactive product that drives engagement and repeat sales,” he said, adding that many customers are unaware that a product like Bartesian exists. “Our focus is on demonstrating its ease of use and premium cocktail quality.”
Consumers are becoming increasingly ecoconscious too and the company is addressing this by ensuring capsules are recyclable.
Close believes retailers must stand out by offering premium, experience-driven solutions and Bartesian supports this with engaging in-store demonstrations, eye-catching endcaps, and store display models for customers to preview. AR
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
After a strong fourth quarter in 2024, Bluetooth speaker sales experienced a slowdown in 2025. However, not all segments are following this trend, with party speakers making a strong start in 2025, the latest GfK data showed. The arrival of summer, coupled with seasonal promotional activities, most likely contributed to the increase in demand for these entertainment-focused devices.
The headphone market recorded a 6% increase in overall value, with unit sales rising by 3%. And while wireless headband and true wireless models remain the most popular choices among consumers, they are no longer the fastestgrowing categories. Instead, wireless open-ear headphones are showing strong growth across multiple channels with a range of new product launches in this space.
Olivia Anderson Head of Marketing – ANZ Consumer Hearing
The Australian personal audio market has undergone a notable shift toward premiumisation, with consumers demonstrating a willingness to invest in high-quality audio experiences despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. In 2024, Bluetooth headband headphones experienced a resurgence with high volume growth in Q4, while True Wireless (TW) products maintained strong value growth driven by premium features like Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).
At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding devices that support their lifestyle beyond just audio playback, according to Olivia Anderson. “There is strong momentum behind open designs, particularly for users who value situational awareness during commutes or outdoor activities,” Olivia Anderson said.
Sennheiser is addressing this need with the launch of the ACCENTUM Open range, its first true wireless open earbuds, combining Sennheiser sound with a design that keeps users connected to their environment.
“Across all segments, features such as superior connectivity and intelligent functionality have become non-negotiable. Our launch of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 showcases this shift, offering next-generation Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio and Auracast support, enhanced adaptive noise cancellation, and extended battery life,” she said.
“The personal audio market experienced modest volume declines in late 2024, but value growth remained solid, driven by a continued shift toward premium products. Categories like True Wireless and Bluetooth Headband are holding value thanks to increasing consumer preference for advanced features such as Noise Cancelling and extended battery life. Bluetooth Headband headphones have seen strong engagement in the $300-$400 price band.”
Australia remains a predominantly offline market, with over 60% of personal audio volume sold through bricks-and-mortar retail. However, online channels are playing a key role in driving higher average selling prices, as more consumers engage in research-led purchasing.
According to Anderson, consumer expectations have sharpened around sound quality, comfort for extended wear, noise cancellation for both travel and work settings, and long-term reliability.
“These are no longer seen as premium add-ons but rather as baseline expectations, especially for consumers investing in over-ear headband headphones,” she said.
HD 550
` Audiophile-grade sound, powered by 150 Ohm transducers
` 150 Ohm transducers deliver punchy bass, treble extension, and lifelike mids
` Angled drivers recreate the optimal listening position without the need for acoustic room treatment
` Open-back design provides a natural expansion of sound waves creating lifelike depth and realism for a spacious soundstage
` Long-lasting durability from a lightweight chassis, metal mesh earcup covers, soft velour earpads, synthetic leather headband and detachable cable RRP: $499.95
“What is emerging strongly is the value consumers place on products that can flex between lifestyle and professional use. Increasing demand for quiet, high-fidelity listening environments has pushed noise cancellation equipped, high-comfort headphones to the top of many wish lists. A clear signal of this shift was the impressive global performance of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, which was recently recognised as Forbes’ Best Overall Travel Headphone for 2024.”
Seasonal sales periods remain a critical driver of consumer audio purchases. While personal audio-specific data is more fragmented, broader category insights indicate year-over-year value growth during the 2024 Black Friday season. This reflects a clear consumer trend: “that shoppers are increasingly holding out for major promotional events to make higher-value purchases”.
Black Friday continues to be the anchor retail event of the year, with heightened engagement driven by discounting, bundling, and strong omni-channel activity. Boxing Day and EOFY sales also play a role, particularly as costconscious consumers increasingly plan major purchases around these calendar moments. This behaviour aligns with insights that Australian shoppers wait for sales events to buy discretionary items, reinforcing the need for strategic seasonal visibility and retailer alignment.
“In 2025, we are intensifying our omni-channel marketing and retailer enablement strategy to ensure clear, consistent communication across all consumer touchpoints. AR
JABRA Michael Downey Director - ANZ
The Personal Audio category has evolved significantly in Australia over the past 12 months, driven by the continued rise of hybrid work, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability.
With 42.5% of full-time roles offering hybrid arrangements in 2024 (up 2.3% year-on-year), research from Bankwest Curtin Economics showed, demand has surged for wireless, noisecancelling headsets suited for both flexible work and on-the-go lifestyles. Technological advancements particularly in active noise cancellation and AI-enhanced features are propelling category growth. While recent innovations, such as dual-layer noise insulation are refining voice clarity and overall user experience, according to Michael Downey.
“Sustainability has also emerged as a key driver of change, with Australian enterprises and consumers alike seeking low-energy, eco-friendly audio solutions. A 2024 SAP survey revealed 68% of business leaders link sustainability to competitiveness, investing in durable, recyclable products. The Australian Public Service’s 2024 procurement guide further echoes this trend, mandating goods be repairable, reusable, or recyclable to meet net-zero targets by 2045,” he said. The PwC Voice of the Consumer 2024 Survey also revealed that consumers are willing to pay an 8.4% premium for sustainable goods. “Jabra’s use of recycled polycarbonate and low-energy Bluetooth LE Audio aligns with these demands.”
“
Consumers value features such as noise cancellation, comfort, portability, reliable connectivity, long battery life and sustainability.
”
The Australian headphone market was valued at A$374.30 million in 2024, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% from 2025-2034, reaching A$910.80 million by 2034. Additionally, revenue is projected to reach US$237.6 million in 2025, with a CAGR of 0.56% through to 2029. Headphone unit sales are forecast to reach 11.8 million units by 2029, according to Expert Market Research.
Consumers value features such as noise cancellation, comfort, portability, reliable connectivity, long battery life and sustainability. These elements support immersive audio experiences, clear communication in hybrid work settings and seamless use in mobile lifestyles, Downey said. “High-fidelity audio, AI-driven transcription accuracy, Bluetooth/ IoT integration are also essential, helping reduce lag and improve flexibility. In addition, compatibility and certification are key, ensuring devices work seamlessly with communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. And Jabra’s entire Evolve 2, Engage and Speak 2 range meet these needs.”
Personal Audio sales peak during the summer holidays (November–January) for gift purchases, and EOFY (June–July) for corporate upgrades.
Jabra uses multiple marketing vehicles in Australia and New Zealand year-round, often co-funding activity with partners and training materials for all Jabra products can be found at the partner portal YellowHub. Product guides, videos and FAQs are also available. AR
` Ultra-portable and lightweight design with hinged headband that folds flat for easy storage
` Long battery life, with up to 20 hours of talk time or 32 hours of listening
` 30m wireless range enhances flexibility
` Hybrid Active Noise-Cancellation and ClearVoice microphones
` Air Comfort technology with cushioned, rotating earcups and a soft, flexible headband RRP: $356.98
Trevor Hirsch
Director Product Management – Audio
True Wireless continues to be the largest segment with the latest generations of first party products commanding the largest share of revenue around the world, according to Trevor Hirsch. “The largest growth segments come from ‘OpenEar’ focused True Wireless products and a continued rebound in sales of ‘Over-Ear’ focused headphones, driven by Active Noise Cancellation offerings. Competition from brands bringing innovative and price conscious solutions to market continues to be a boon for consumers,” he said.
“Globally, the market has continued to grow approximately 10% annually, with consumers continuing to shift their purchasing habits towards an ‘e-commerce first’ approach.”
Consumers tend to prioritise battery life, comfort, stable connection, and clear call quality when shopping for products, in addition to a superior listening experience/acoustic performance. Features such as Multipoint, which allows the user to connect to two devices simultaneously to switch between phone calls/meetings and listening between their smartphones and computing devices, continue to gain in appeal. Spatial audio listening modes and assistive hearing/hearing enhancement features are gaining in popularity for higher end offerings too, he said.
This is a seasonally driven category, with the Q4 Christmas/holiday period by far the largest sales period in the market. “Add in summer travel and back-to-school for kids-focused products all taking place in Australia in a three-month period, and we see a strong increase in sales through December and over the new year period.” AR
Chris Moore
` Belkin’s first over-ear headphone with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
` Includes a built-in ‘relaxation’ track that plays on a loop where further tune out external noise is needed
` Three settings –Standard Listening, Active Noise Cancellation and hear thru mode
` Fast USB-C® charging brings 60 hours of playtime on a full charge or 40 hours with ANC on ` Multipoint two-device connection for seamless switching between audio source
RRP: $89.95
Panasonic Technics EAHAZ100 Earbuds
` Magnetic Fluid driver for clean, high-quality sound
` Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling technology adjusts according to the situation for an optimal experience
` Voice Focus AI uses noise reduction along with exclusive tuning, to delivers distraction-free call quality
` Multipoint connectivity offers seamless switching for up to three devices
` Spatial audio optimised for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking for movies, music and games
RRP: $499
Business Manager – Personal Audio
Earbuds continue to become more intuitive to support the needs of users with advanced noise cancelling capabilities coupled with better voice clarity when on a call. Connectivity to the multiple devices that people own is also an important feature enhancement to seamlessly switch between a work laptop and home tablet, according to Panasonic.
“For many consumers, contemporary earbuds have become an indispensable part of their lives, and they use earbuds across the day for different purposes,” Chris Moore said.
“The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds were designed to deliver clean, distraction-free sound in a range of situations. It has Voice Focus AI, which is a unique feature that not only tackles common call noise frustrations such as busy street traffic, wind or noisy children in the background, but also analyses incoming sound and improves the sound of the caller,” he said. “Another feature is Adaptive Noise Cancelling that works with the surrounding environment, background noise levels and the individual shape of the ear by adjusting the level of noise cancelling for the best experience at any time and in any situation.”
The key selling periods for Panasonic are EOFY and “most importantly, the Christmas period”.
Panasonic offers retailers self-training modules and has recently raised awareness of the new Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds with the #TrueYouWithTechnics campaign working with influencers on Instagram and Tik Tok. AR
` Volume-limited for safety capped at 85dB
` Up to six hours playtime with long-lasting battery
` Side-mounted fun RGB (red, green and blue) lighting
` Portable and travel-friendly in a foldable design – fits easily into backpacks
` Seamless Bluetooth wireless connection pairs with smartphones, tablets and more RRP: $29.95
Chris Lau Managing Director
Laser has seen a gradual shift in the consumer profile of users in the personal audio category, with headsets and earbuds now viewed as everyday lifestyle essentials rather than just tools for gaming, podcasts or work meetings. Usage patterns have also changed, with consumers replacing their audio devices more frequently.
“This is being fuelled by demand for faster charging and longer playtime, while the price point for these products has dropped by at least 30 per cent, making high-quality audio more accessible,” Chris Lau said. “Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift in design trends, with consumers preferring affordable and aesthetically pleasing audio devices including trending colourways.”
Laser has adapted to these changes by focusing on delivering products that meet consumer demands without compromising affordability or quality. “Our range combines quality sound with fast charging capabilities, ensuring a great
“Consumers are prioritising battery life over premium sound quality for everyday use. ”
audio experience at a budget-friendly price. We are also refreshing our audio range more often to keep up with the technology but also trending colourways,” he said.
“Personal audio is now our second-largest category and has continuously evolved by offering products that balance style and functionality, aligning with current design trends. Consumers are prioritising battery life over premium sound quality for everyday use, and we are responding accordingly.
“The appeal of our range lies in providing good sound quality at an affordable price, allowing customers to purchase multiple devices, alleviating fear of losing or breaking expensive earbuds.”
Alongside affordability, colourways and design, consumers are prioritising features such as long battery life, fast charging, easy Bluetooth pairing, and comfort – these expectations now extend to super affordable products, he said.
Laser is meeting these expectations offering both over-ear and in-ear options designed for comfort and practicality. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, making pairing with devices quick and hassle-free.
Lau said the personal audio market has a unique sales pattern, with consumers replacing their audio devices approximately every nine months, driven by changing trends, as users are keen to upgrade to the latest designs, features or colours.
Its marketing strategy focuses on a mix of digital and social media campaigns designed to drive consumers to retail partners. Social media is a key driver of sales, with video content proving especially effective at engaging audiences. “This approach not only enhances brand visibility but also provides valuable information to support consumers in making informed purchasing decisions.”
Video and digital content has proven to be the most effective tools for visually communicating product features and benefits. Retailers are provided with digital training materials, including videos that showcase key features and demonstrate product performance in real-life situations. AR
Tony Brown General Manager – Home Entertainment & Content Business
Over the past year, LG has observed an evolution in the personal audio category, driven by consumer demand for greater integration with active lifestyles. There’s a clear trend towards portable audio solutions that offer a seamless blend of highquality sound, robust durability, and convenient portability, according to Tony Brown. Features such as advanced active noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio experiences, and extended battery life have also become important factors influencing purchasing decisions.
Consumers are also increasingly prioritising several key features when selecting personal audio devices.
“As Australians engage in portable listening experiences such as workouts in the gym, entertainment during travel or connecting to audio devices for meetings on the go, noise cancellation allows them to maintain focus and clarity regardless of their surroundings,” he said. And high-fidelity sound quality, delivering an immersive and clear audio experience, remains paramount. “Effective noise cancellation is also crucial, allowing users to enjoy their audio in various environments without distractions and comfort are essential for extended wear, requiring ergonomic designs that ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Durability is another consideration, as consumers seek products that can withstand active lifestyles and outdoor conditions.”
The LG TONE Free T90S earbuds are specifically designed to address these evolving consumer needs. These feature graphene diaphragms that deliver deep, precise sound with reduced distortion, while Dolby Atmos technology provides an immersive audio experience. The improved adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology dynamically adjusts noise cancellation levels in real-time, ensuring optimal audio clarity in any environment. The earbuds are compatible with the aptX Adaptive codec, support multi-pairing for connecting to two devices simultaneously, and feature a unique Plug & Play function for use with non-Bluetooth devices. “This addresses the growing demand for versatile portable audio solutions, particularly for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems on airplanes, where Bluetooth connectivity is often restricted,” he said.
The personal audio market exhibits distinct seasonal sales patterns, with the summer season in Australia serving as a key driver. As consumers prepare for outdoor activities, travel, and social
gatherings, they actively seek portable audio solutions to enhance their experiences. However, key sales periods like Black Friday and the EOFY sales are also becoming increasingly important, as consumers are more likely to delay purchases of electronics, including personal audio devices, in anticipation of significant discounts.
“LG anticipates strong sales during the leadup to and throughout the summer months, as consumers invest in audio devices that complement their active lifestyles but also expect a surge in sales during these major discount events. Australians set a record for Black Friday spending in 2024, with $6.7 billion spent over the four-day period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. This marks a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year,” Brown said. AR
` Dolby Atmos technology for immersive audio creating a spatial soundscape enhancing music, movies and games
` Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): detect and analyse ambient noise in real-time, automatically adjusting the noise cancellation level
` Graphene Diaphragm is a lightweight, strong material that reduces distortion and enhances audio fidelity, delivering deep bass, crisp highs and a balanced sound
` Ergonomic design with new oval ear tips conforms to the natural shape of the ear for a comfortable fit while helping to isolate external noise
` Plug & Play connects the charging case to any device with an AUX port using the included adapter for in-flight entertainment systems, older audio devices and more
RRP: $299
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
Recent data from Oxford Economics showed 16% of households nationally owned an air purifier, peaking across New South Wales at 19%.
“Households with pre-school children had 28% penetration and those with school-aged children at 21%, were more likely to have air purifiers.
Interestingly, flats/units on 21% and semi-detached dwellings on 19% recorded higher ownership than detached dwellings with 15%,” Oxford Economics associate director Paul Giles said.
Three quarters of air purifiers were stand-alone purifiers, while the remainder have an additional feature such as cooling (15%), air humidifier (8%) and/or heating (5%). Across more recent purchases demand for purifiers including features has increased.
On average air purifiers run for 5 ½ hours per day, with the most likely time slot being night-time/ sleeping hours (42%) ahead of late afternoon to bedtime (21%), morning to lunch time (21%) and lunch time to late afternoon (16%).
“Air purifiers are a highly researched item, with 86% of recent consumers indicating some form of pre-purchase research. Energy efficiency/cost of running is the key factor of importance, just ahead of product durability/lifespan,” Giles said.
Across a fragmented market, the top three purchased brands were Dyson, Breville and Philips. As for the ‘Net Promoter Score’ (‘would you recommend this brand to a friend?’) Samsung and Winix came out on top, just ahead of Dyson and Daikin.
“Air purifiers are a popular item to purchase online, and while in-store purchase lead, the margin is narrow,” he said.
The latest GfK data for the air cleaner market pointed to a decline in volume and revenue over the past year, following a period of higher sales two years ago.
GfK defines air cleaners as a household appliance that removed contaminants, and solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria, from different technologies, excluding air conditioners, electric fans and bathroom ventilators.
While air cleaner mono types remain the dominant segment in volume, there has been a significant shift in revenue. This data also revealed that air cleaning devices that offer multiple functionalities, such as cleaning combined with cooling and heating, have overtaken the traditional air cleaner mono segment in revenue share. The addition of heating capabilities is also driving sales during the colder winter months.
“
For pet owners, it’s especially important that the purifier can handle fur, dander and smells.
Nicole Kragten
Product Manager
Australians are prioritising their health and well-being and displaying a greater interest in air treatment products with a trend towards the adoption of smart technology and environmentally sustainable options, according to Nicole Kragten.
“With the increasing dominance of online shopping, consumers are researching and purchasing air treatment products online,” she said.
“We are seeing strong growth in the air purification space. Over the past year, unit sales have increased by 30% to 50% across our retail partners, and that momentum is still building as we launch new models and expand our reach. We are also noticing a steady rise in replacement filter sales, showing customers are returning and using their units long-term.
“Customers are mainly looking for air purifiers that work, removing dust, allergens, pet hair, and odours, without being noisy or complicated. For pet owners, it’s especially important that the purifier can handle fur, dander and smells.”
And she said that’s where the Winix 360 stands out. “It uses a True HEPA filter to trap fine particles like pollen and dust, along with a specialised pet filter that captures larger particles such as pet fur and dander, helping to protect the main filter and extend its lifespan. Even if you don’t have pets, this added layer makes a real difference and a built-in carbon filter helps reduce pet and household odours.”
Air purifiers, with solid yearly sales, are a big part of the business, with a noticeable spike from July to February, during Spring and Summer when allergy and bushfire seasons kick in.
Retail support includes hands-on Winix training and team nights. The Champion Program offers take-home sample units and generous staff discounts to encourage real-life experience with the range. In-store marketing comprises permanent displays, regularly updated brochures, point-of-sale materials, and full support for promotions and catalogues.
` Smart app with Wi-Fi for real time tracking of indoor and outdoor air quality and other product functions
` Pet filter captures pet dander, collects pet hair and absorbs odours
` Auto mode smart sensors, senses and adjusts the amount of dust, light and odour in the air
` Smart air quality display indicates the quality of the air with four different lights – from blue/green/amber/red
` Covers areas up to 100m²
RRP: $599.99
“For 2025, we’re building on this with refreshed demo materials, seasonal campaigns, and updated training tools to keep teams informed and engaged. We also encourage staff and customers to leave product reviews to help build a library of real-world experiences for future buyers.”
The company partners Sensitive Choice, Healthy Homes TV, and Alexx Stuart’s Low Tox Life to build trust and raise awareness around indoor air quality.
Behind the scenes, our dedicated test lab and team of engineers rigorously compare Winix performance against other products in the market – ensuring we not only meet but exceed industry standards. To support retail teams, we run regular training sessions, attend team nights, and provide clear, science-backed materials that explain product benefits and performance.
We also help educate customers post-purchase –reminding them that all air purifiers require annual filter changes to maintain effectiveness. Through packaging, email prompts, and in-store signage, we reinforce the importance of proper maintenance for long-term results and healthier air.” AR
Aaron McNamara
Product Line Director – Care/Wellbeing
Over the past year, the air purification category has undergone several significant changes with a growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, driven by health concerns and other environmental factors. Innovations in air purification technology have continued to evolve with newer models now incorporating features like smart sensors, real-time air quality monitoring, and integration with home automation systems, according to Aaron McNamara.
Filter replacement too has become more frequent, with homeowners encouraged to replace filters every two to three months instead of the previous three to six-month interval. “This helps maintain optimal performance and ensures high indoor air quality,” he said.
The global air purifier market was valued at approximately $US17.12 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to around US$18.34 billion in 2025. It’s expected to reach about US$34.09 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2034.
Key features on the consumer list include HEPA filtration, activated carbon filters, quiet operation and energy efficiency.
“Our products address these needs in several ways. Our air purifiers come with HEPA and activated carbon filters to ensure comprehensive
` Activated carbon air filter removes odours and up to 94% of harmful gases such as TVOCs (volatile organic compounds) emitted by products such as paint, cleaning supplies and tobacco smoke
` A 20 dBA noise level is comparable to the sound of soft rain with noise pressure at lowest fan speed measured at 1m in front
` The Electrolux app allows remote checking of particulate matter levels, PM2.5, in the home, adjusting settings and fan speed, dims air quality indicator lights or enables child lock ` PureProtect four-stage purification system, HEPA 13 filter, and carbon filter, removes up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and up to 99.99% of H1N1 virus and micro-dust, filtering particles as small as 0.3 micron
` New Scandinavian design with enhanced ease of operation includes a cable holder, sensor window and push-button filter replacement
RRP: $499
air cleaning while our designs prioritise quiet operation at only 20dBA, making them suitable for use in any room in the house, and being energy-efficient, helps consumers save on electricity bills while maintaining clean air. Features like filter replacement indicators and easy-to-change filters also make maintenance as simple as possible,” he said.
Sales typically increase during spring and summer due to higher pollen levels and increased outdoor activities, when people are more likely to invest in air purifiers to combat allergies and maintain indoor air quality. AR
James Shepherd Marketing Manager Home Life ANZ
Over the past 12 months, the air purification category in Australia has experienced a notable shift in consumer awareness and purchasing behaviour, with a heightened focus on indoor air quality from factors such as bushfire smoke, urban pollution, and health concerns. Consumers are increasingly seeking smart, efficient, and quiet air purifiers that can handle large spaces and provide real-time air quality monitoring, James Shepherd said.
“Philips has seen strong growth in unit sales for air purfication, with our units growing around 50% over the 2024 calendar year. The Australian air purifier market has shown robust growth as well,” he said. According to Expert Market Research, it estimates a CAGR of 7% from 2025 to 2034.
Australian consumers are becoming more savvy with their technology purchases from a features point of view, expecting appliances to fit in with their home aesthetic as well with features such as modern, minimalistic and sleek design aesthetics, high-efficiency filtration, smart sensing and realtime monitoring with the ability to detect and display air quality levels. Also, quiet operation, energy efficiency and smart connectivity.
He also agrees that the Australian air purifier market exhibits seasonal sales patterns as sales typically increase during spring and early summer due to heightened pollen levels and allergy concerns. Additionally, the occurrence of bushfires leads to spikes in demand for air purifiers capable of removing smoke particles and improving indoor air quality. AR
Philips
PureProtect Pro 4200 Series Smart Air Purifier
AC4220/12
` Modern and sleek design
` Cleans air at a rate of 600m3/h
` Suits small or large rooms up to 156m2 the approx. size of a 2 twobedroom apartment
` Quiet sleep mode 15d/b
` 4 HEPA-filters to remove small particles, pollutants, gasses and odours
RRP: $599
De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry Pure 21L 2-in-1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier DDSX225WF
` Correct humidity levels in any room during any season
` Creates a healthy indoor environment by neutralising bacteria and allergens while removing excess humidity
` Removes up to 21 litres of excess moisture in 24 hours
` Wi-Fi connection in both iOS & Android systems
` Easy to move with integrated handles and castors
RRP: $649
DE’LONGHI Company spokesperson
There has been a greater focus on air quality and health among shoppers, according to De’Longhi. With many environmental factors impacting household air quality, shoppers are more conscious of their internal home air and subsequently investing in air purification.
“The important features are a HEPA filter to ensure sufficient air purification, as well as scheduling and data from the product to show the air quality and purification status to ensure efficient and effective air treatment,” a spokesperson said.
While air purification is a year-round product, De’Longhi is seeing some sales patterns that have contributed to product purchasing such as heavy humidity, fires/smoke in the air, or in areas where there is heavy pollution such as city/CBD environments. AR
Building on the success of the Blu Mediterraneo small appliances, Smeg Australia unveils its Dolce & Gabbana collaboration in major domestic appliances.
Leading the range is the 90cm Dual Fuel Freestanding Cooker (TRA90DGME9), offering ten oven functions and a powerful five-burner gas cooktop – perfect for everyday cooking or entertainment. Paired with the 90cm Victoria Wall-Mount Canopy Rangehood (KT90DGME), it delivers elegant styling and 788m³/hr extraction.
Completing the collection is the iconic FAB28 Retro Refrigerator (FAB28RDGME5), a 270L centrepiece with electronic controls and vivid design inspired by Southern Italy’s coast. Proudly made in Italy, all pieces include a five-year parts and labour warranty and are available exclusively through selected Smeg agency retailers.
Cooker: $15,990
Rangehood: $5,990
Refrigerator: $10,990
From the cutting-edge Philharmonie line comes the DPI4451GT, an induction cooktop that redefines smart cooking. Clad in elegant steel grey glass and equipped with a high-definition TFT touch screen, this hob isn’t just visually stunning – it’s remarkably intuitive. De Dietrich’s proprietary AI Talent Probe enables precise control of the food core temperature. The probe gives the information in real time to the control panel to help you control your cooking to the nearest degree, or let the cooktop control all parameters automatically. taking the guesswork out of everyday meals. Aspiring home chefs will also appreciate the AI Talent Chef mode, which provides step-bystep guidance for 25 gourmet recipes curated by a Michelin-starred chef.
Perhaps most revolutionary is the Motion Control feature, which lets users adjust heat levels with simple hand gestures – perfect for maintaining control even with flour-dusted fingers.
RRP: $2,999
TCL’s C8K Premium QD-Mini LED TV represents the pinnacle of home entertainment. Delivering extraordinary clarity with up to 5000 Nits peak brightness and up to 3840 local dimming zones, it redefines what brilliance looks like on screen. This powerhouse is more than just a visual marvel – it’s a sonic statement too, with bespoke Bang & Olufsen audio delivering rich, cinematic soundscapes. From breathtaking highlights to immersive acoustics, the C8K brings every scene to life with precision and elegance. Seamlessly integrated with Google TV, it’s a complete premium package for those who expect more from their home theatre experience.
RRP: from $2,999
Smeg’s 60cm built-in wine cellar (CVI040BE) offers a stylish, functional solution for serious wine lovers. Designed in sleek black glass, it integrates seamlessly into modern kitchens and holds up to 40 bottles, including magnums and champagne. Developed with sommeliers, it features dual temperature zones and cooling circuits to store reds and whites perfectly. Inside, custom wooden housings secure all bottle sizes.
User-friendly touches include a semi-automatic E-motion door that opens with a gentle touch and LED lighting for full shelf visibility. A display shelf showcases hero bottles, while modular design allows pairing with other Smeg appliances to create a dedicated wine zone. With its refined aesthetic and thoughtful features, the CVI040BE is made in Italy and backed by a five-year warranty in Australia, offering a sophisticated solution for those who value design and function.
RRP: $7,990
A standout from the brand’s new Philharmonie collection, the DOP4756H is a sleek, black built-in oven with warm copper accents – an aesthetic nod to French luxury. But beyond its beautiful exterior lies a powerhouse of culinary intelligence.
Featuring a generous 73-litre capacity, this oven offers 16 versatile cooking functions, including convection, fanassisted heat, and an innovative Air Fry mode. With Wi-Fi connectivity and an intuitive TFT colour display, users can control cooking remotely and access an impressive library of automated recipes.
At the heart of the oven is the AI Talent sensor, which detects humidity levels and adjusts temperature and timing to ensure flawless results. For food lovers who appreciate slow-cooked perfection, the low-temperature function is ideal for preparing tender meats, delicate fish, or even homemade yogurt. Cleaning is effortless, thanks to three levels of pyrolytic self-cleaning, while a soft-close door with quadruple glazing ensures safety and quiet operation.
RRP: $2,399
Philips
www.philips.com/water
