FROM SEASONAL TO YEARROUND CONSIDERATION
BBQ & ALFRESCO
CONSUMERS DEMAND PREMIUM, BESPOKE COOKING EXPERIENCES
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
BIG-SCREEN TVS TAKE LIONS SHARE
PERSONAL AUDIO
OPEN-EAR DESIGN GAINS POPULARITY
Intelligent Cleaning Power
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TSpending smarter, not less
he narrative surrounding consumer spending has been one of caution. Rising living costs, higher interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty have contributed to the perception that shoppers are tightening their purse strings and delaying major purchases. Yet across many product categories, a more nuanced story is emerging.
Consumers may be spending more carefully, but they have not stopped spending altogether. Instead, they are becoming increasingly selective, choosing to invest in products that deliver tangible benefits in performance, quality, design and lifestyle enhancement.
This trend is evident in the categories featured in this issue. In air purification, there is a shift toward smarter and more intuitive solutions that go beyond basic functionality as the category evolves from ‘nice to have’ into a home essential.
In the TV market, demand continues for larger screens and premium display technologies that deliver a truly immersive viewing experience. Many consumers are demonstrating a willingness to spend more when they can clearly see the value in superior picture quality, enhanced features and long-term satisfaction.
A similar pattern can be seen in the headphone category as consumers seek exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation and seamless integration into their increasingly connected lifestyles. For many shoppers, headphones have evolved from a discretionary item into an essential daily companion.
The BBQ market also reflects this shift in consumer priorities. Outdoor entertaining remains a significant part of the Australian lifestyle, and consumers continue to invest in products that help them create memorable experiences at home. Rather than focusing solely on price, many are seeking durability, versatility and features that elevate outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Meanwhile, our coverage from EuroCucina in Milan highlights how premiumisation continues to shape the global kitchen industry with brands showcasing products defined by sophisticated design, quality materials and thoughtful innovation.
As customers become more discerning, the role of the retailer extends beyond simply offering products. Demonstration, education and expert advice become increasingly important in helping shoppers understand the value proposition behind premium products. The ability to tell a compelling story and connect features with real-world benefits can be the difference between a sale based on price and one based on value.
Importantly, the selective premium consumer is not necessarily looking for the most expensive option but the option that best justifies their investment.
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Editor Emily Bencic
MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM
James Wells
Ben Curtis
Kymberly Martin Alyssa Coundouris
Emily Bencic
BUILT FOR PETS, ENGINEERED FOR CLEAN AIR
The Dreame FP10 sets a new benchmark in pet air purifiers, offering superior performance with a range of self-developed technology innovations. Featuring the world’s first roller selfcleaning air purification* system, it continuously combs and collects pet fur from every angle, achieving a 99.5% hair collection rate. Its maintenance-free primary filter prevents performance loss caused by clogged filters and eliminates the need for regular manual cleaning, while optimised LoopBoost airflow improves purification efficiency by 19%*, capturing airborne pet hair faster and more effectively. Adopting dual deodorisation via 2.5×* enhanced activated carbon and metal catalysis, plus six-stage deep purification combined with HEPA, UVC and negative ion purification, the FP10 removes pet hair, allergens, bacteria, and odours, delivering cleaner, fresher air for all pet households.
*World’s First: At the time of launch in December 2025, the Dreame FP10 became the first roller self-cleaning air purifier. Report No.: FS-2025-MPC-409408.
*19%: Based on Dreame laboratory testing. FP10’s original airflow intake was 377 m³/h. With the LoopBoost airflow design, airflow increased to 450 m³/h, resulting in a 19.3% improvement in air purification efficiency. Report Nos.: TL250922-001, TL251024-001.
*2.5×: Based on internal Dreame laboratory testing, FP10 contains 2.5× more porous activated carbon than Dreame’s previous flagship model, PM20.
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32 / ISSUE #3
IN THIS ISSUE
EDITOR’S NOTE
03 Spending smarter, not less In the current economy, sales are becoming based on value not price.
06 Ben Normoyle joins e&s as chief operating officer Former Fisher & Paykel senior executive to support the retailer’s strategic direction and position the business for continued growth.
08 Inaugural COFOSS Conference brings together appliance industry leaders
Presenting an opportunity to learn from one another and accelerate sustainability momentum collectively.
12 Harvey Norman creates premium focus in WA Harvey Norman Osborne Park and Cannington have shown strong growth following significant investments in premium refits. 54
16 EuroCucina highlights prominent kitchen appliance trends
Major cooking brands showcase appliances that are increasingly seamless, elegant and bespoke.
FEATURES
28 Air Treatment
No longer a weather-driven purchase, consumers are either choosing value-oriented mono solutions or premium, multifunctional devices.
33 Home Entertainment
Big-screen TVs 75-inch and above continue to trend upward although buyers seek more value for money offerings.
44 BBQ & Alfresco
The outdoor cooking experience has expanded beyond the humble BBQ as consumers increasingly invest in more premium and bespoke spaces.
54 Personal Audio
True wireless remains the largest and most competitive segment in the category as open-ear designs build momentum.
WHAT’S HOT
60 Pick of the crop
Beko Dishwasher, Electrolux Steam Oven, Midea Dishwasher, SMEG MultiGrill and more.
Midea and Residentia Group form joint venture
Midea and Residentia Group announced a joint venture that the two companies have described as a “deliberate partnership between two complimentary forces”.
The two companies described the deal as “Australia’s fastest-growing appliance company joining with one of the world’s leading home appliance manufacturers and the world’s number one smart home appliances brand”.
Residentia Group CEO, Matthew Evans has confirmed that it will be business as usual and there are no changes expected to the personnel structure within the company.
“We’ve spent over 10 years proving that a different kind of appliance company could succeed in Australia. We built the brands, the relationships, the service infrastructure, and the culture. The one piece we always knew would complete the picture was a direct manufacturing partnership,” he said.
“We looked carefully at the global landscape, and Midea stood apart, not just
for their scale, but for their innovation, their ambition, and the way they operate. This is a partnership we chose, and one they chose too. That matters to us. Aligning directly with Midea gives us access to global manufacturing capability,
deeper product development resources and greater supply chain stability. Importantly, our operating model and our retail partnerships remain unchanged.”
Midea Australia and New Zealand general manager, Ivan Ma commented on the partnership saying: “Australia is a strategically important market for Midea Group, and we were deliberate in choosing our partner here. Residentia Group’s track record, their customer satisfaction scores, brand-building capability, retail and commercial relationships, these reflect a business that operates with the same care and standards we hold ourselves to globally.
“We look forward to what we will build together, and we are committed to doing so in a way that respects and strengthens the partnerships already in place. This joint venture marks a new chapter in Midea’s journey in Australia and reflects our long-term commitment to this market and supporting Australia evolving the home appliances industry, this is not the end, but just the start.”
BEN NORMOYLE JOINS E&S AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
e&s has welcomed former Fisher & Paykel senior executive, Ben Normoyle as chief operating officer to support the company’s strategic direction and position the business for continued growth. Normoyle announced his resignation from Fisher & Paykel in November 2025, departing the business in April 2026 after 11 years, to relocate with his family back to Australia.
“Ben’s strong industry background and leadership capability will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and strengthen our customer and operational focus. He will oversee our retail and commercial businesses, with the merchandise, marketing, retail experience, commercial, kitchen & trade partner and training teams all reporting to him,” e&s managing director, Rob Sinclair said.
e&s operations director, Adam White has moved into the newly created role of business services and optimisation director.
“Adam has played an important role in our integration into the JB Group and has successfully led the operational side of the business throughout this period of change. In his new role, Adam will focus on supply chain initiatives, IT integration, sourcing and development of property sites, project delivery, and driving operational improvements,” Sinclair said.
“The IT, property and new stores, warehouse and delivery teams report into Adam. His deep understanding of the e&s business and strong operational expertise make him ideally suited to this position.
e&s chief operating officer, Ben Normoyle.
“It has now been 18 months since e&s became part of the JB Group, and during this time we have continued to see the benefits of operating within a larger organisation. We have been able to leverage expertise across the Group while also expanding our own business and collaborating with the JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys leadership teams. The JB Group remains strongly committed to investing in and growing the e&s brand, recognising the important role we play in differentiating the Group in the market. We are confident that this leadership structure will support our strategic priorities and position e&s for continued growth and success.”
Midea Australia and New Zealand general manager, Ivan Ma and Residentia Group CEO, Matthew Evans.
DREAME PRESENTS MORE THAN 80 PRODUCTS ACROSS 13 CATEGORIES
Dreame hosted retail partners, media, key stakeholders, content creators and influencers, at the Dreame Brand Showcase event in Melbourne which unveiled over 80 products across 13 categories. Many of the products first made their debut at the DREAME NEXT international launch event held in San Francisco in April.
The event was designed to demonstrate Dreame’s evolution from a leading robotic vacuum brand into a full-ecosystem lifestyle brand for connected everyday living with products in air-conditioning, laundry and refrigeration, as well as small appliances including air fryers, air purifiers, blenders and coffee machines, in addition to an expanded floorcare and personal care range, as well as automotive, mobile phones, pet care, pool and lawn care, smart security, TVs and wearables.
According to Dreame Australia and New Zealand business director, Patrick Wang, the event highlights that Dreame’s vision has always been bigger than a single category.
“From the earliest days of our robotic vacuum innovation, we have invested in research and engineering that crosses disciplines, from AI and sensing to mobility, energy, materials, and consumer design. What you see represents years of that work coming together as one connected ecosystem, designed to fit seamlessly into modern life. This is not the end of a roadmap, it
is the beginning of what Dreame intends to build for households around the world,” Wang said.
Leading the showcase was the Dreame X60 Ultra robotic vacuum featuring the company’s thinnest-ever 7.95cm design and Proactive Light technology to clean hard-to-reach areas with ease. The event also highlighted Dreame’s expanding latest floorcare line-up, including the X3 Station stick vacuum and newly unveiled wet and dry vacuums, the T16 Pro Triforce and T16 AE.
Dreame is further strengthening its premium personal care range with the Pilot Smart AI Hair Dryer, the Aero Straight Pro, and upcoming AirStyle Era, an 8-in-1 styling system designed for drying, curling, straightening and volumising in a single device, alongside the new Gusto High-Speed Hair Dryer.
In refrigeration, the FizzFresh refrigerator range was the highlight, featuring a built-in sparkling water system and in air conditioning, the X-Wind 51 Air Conditioner was the standout, incorporating a dual-arm airflow system delivering 126-degree wide-angle and zone-targeted air distribution for enhanced cooling comfort. In laundry care, Dreame previewed the AI Dual Inverter Washer & Dryer Set L9 and in what the company labels ‘environmental appliances’, the FP10 Air Purifier and MF10 Bladeless Fan were introduced, alongside the S100 television series in home entertainment.
Electrolux appoints former Dyson executive as head of region for APAC
Electrolux Group has appointed Bernard Chong to the role of head of region APAC based in Bangkok, Thailand. He was most recently president for Greater China at Dyson, leading an organisation of more than 1,000 people covering the Greater China markets.
Prior to this role, Chong held numerous roles at Dyson spanning markets in Southeast Asia, Portugal and Japan. He has also worked at Sony Mobile Communications and Nike Southeast Asia.
Electrolux Group CEO, Yannick Fierling said, “I’m happy to have Bernard joining the Group. Over his career, he’s helped build brands and launched successful turnarounds, using
his approach of combining market insights, data-driven strategy and an uncompromising focus. That expertise will be put to good use here. It will be exciting to work together with Bernard and have him driving the region.”
Electrolux Australia and New Zealand vice president commercial area, Kurt Hegvold added, “I’m delighted to welcome Bernard to Electrolux. His strong track record in brand building, consumer-led growth, and leading across diverse APAC markets will be a real asset for the region. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to accelerate growth and strengthen Electrolux’s position in ANZ and across APAC.”
Electrolux head of region APAC, Bernard Chong.
Dreame regional director of Japan, Korea & ANZ, Maggie Dai (centre) with representatives from Dreame’s distributor, Subemo.
Inaugural COFOSS Conference brings together appliance industry leaders
The Coalition for Sustainable Solutions (COFOSS) brought together more than 60 senior executives from the appliance industry for its inaugural Conference in Sydney with representation from a number of major brands and retailers.
Attendees included CEOs, managing directors, marketing and sales directors, from ASKO, Beko, Bing Lee, Bi-Rite, Bissell, BSH, BSR Group, David Jones, De’Longhi, Franke, Glen Dimplex, Groupe SEB, Harvey Norman, Hisense, JB Hi-Fi Group, Jura, LG, Narta, Panasonic, Samsung, Smeg, Spartan, Winning Group and Worldwide Appliances.
Under the theme, Building Momentum for Sustainable Solutions, the conference was opened by COFOSS board director and Winning Group head of sustainability and industry impact, Alice Kuepper.
“Today marks our inaugural COFOSS Conference and I think what makes today particularly significant is not just the conversations we’ll have, but the fact that this room exists at all,” she said.
“For the first time, we have retailers, manufacturers, policymakers, sustainability leaders, and industry experts gathered specifically to focus on sustainability in the consumer electronics and home appliance sector. Many of the organisations
represented here today are already leading significant sustainability transformations within their businesses and today is an opportunity to learn from one another and accelerate that momentum collectively.”
The first keynote speaker was Hakan Bulgurlu, former CEO of Beko, who emphasised the critical role of proactive regulation in driving sustainability within the appliance industry, saying leaders must move beyond passive compliance and instead actively shape regulatory frameworks.
The next keynote speaker was Leyla Acaroglu, designer and sustainability provocateur, UNEP Champion of the Earth, and founder of Circular Futures and the UnSchool of Disruptive Design. She highlighted the misconception that sustainability is merely about recycling, explaining that true circularity involves designing products for repairability, reusability, and resource efficiency. Acaroglu provided a detailed overview of the resource challenges facing Australia and the world, including overconsumption, waste generation, and resource scarcity, highlighting the economic potential of waste when treated as a resource.
Phoebe Ashe from the NSW Environment Protection Authority
(EPA) shared a policy briefing on the NSW Plastics 2.0 Plan and the NSW Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act. The NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 aims to reduce plastic litter, protect human health from microplastics and harmful chemicals, and harmonise regulations across jurisdictions where possible. The plan includes the phase-out of problematic plastics, design standards for recyclability, and proposals for reusable packaging and expanded container deposit schemes. The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act empowers the EPA to regulate products across their entire lifecycle. It is designed to be agile and scalable, allowing for urgent intervention where needed and serving as a template for national harmonisation.
The conference concluded with an address from COFOSS chair and Electrolux ANZ managing director, Kurt Hegvold, who stressed that collaboration and a unified industry voice are critical to shaping effective, practical regulation and avoiding costly, disruptive outcomes.
“Real change at scale will come from a unified industry voice not fragmented effort. By acting as a coalition, we move from reacting to regulation individually to shaping it collectively, with far greater credibility and impact,” he said.
COFOSS board members: Ronald Tan (JB Hi-Fi Group), Darren Spencer (Narta), Kurt Hegvold (EHP), Katy Dorsett-Lynn (Retravision), Alice Kuepper (Winning Group), Paul Reid (Panasonic) & Julian Conti (Samsung).
1. Eddy Jeelany (Arisit), Tim Gaedtke (Arisit), Adam Qemal (Harvey Norman), Adam Mills (Arisit), James Papa (Harvey Norman Browns Plains) & Michael Keriniotou (Harvey Norman Macgregor).
2. Jason Adams (TCL), Adam Qemal (Harvey Norman), Nick Karasoulis (Harvey Norman) & Jason Carrick (TCL).
3. Federico Sienra (Sony), Adam Qemal (Harvey Norman), Daniel Kennedy (Sony) & Stu Meighan (Sony).
HARVEY NORMAN HOLDS THIRD ANNUAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPO
Over 250 Harvey Norman staff recently gathered in Sydney for the third annual Home Entertainment Expo. Held at Rosehill Gardens, the two-day event brought together key suppliers in the television and audio categories with exhibition-style booths for the staff to experience.
In addition, there were six keynote speaker plenary sessions with all staff in attendance from Samsung, Sony, LG, Hisense, TCL and JBL, as well as accessory company, Austere that specialises in 4K and 8K HDMI and audio cables.
Harvey Norman general manager – audio visual, Adam Qemal told Appliance Retailer why the event is so important for the business.
“The Home Entertainment Expo features representatives from every store that have flown in from around the country. This is an opportunity to take those staff through the new product ranges and launches and experience it in a way that they may not normally within a store – especially for those in regional locations where representation from the brands is less frequent,” Qemal said.
“In 2026, we are seeing amazing innovation in the TV space with the introduction of RGB technology across all of the major brands. From a software and connectivity perspective, we have Dolby Atmos FlexConnect that innovatively pairs TVs or soundbars with wireless external speakers.
“Every Harvey Norman store now has televisions on display measuring over 100-inches and several have the most recent 115-inch and 116-inch releases from the top brands.
“We are seeing a continual shift from consumers – a 65-inch customer is now a 75-inch customer and the customer that once aspired for an 85-inch TV is now buying a 98-inch or 100-inch TV.
“While we are seeing fewer people connecting their TVs to aerials and components such as DVD players, there is still a strong need for fast and good quality connectivity products with brands like Austere.
“The entire Harvey Norman team works very hard to pull events like this together and they do an amazing job. The suppliers have created some amazing displays for our retailers and brought their best trainers and we are very grateful for their support.”
Maxime Dupont (Samsung), Adam Qemal (Harvey Norman), Simon Howe (Samsung), Nick Coulogeorgiou (Samsung) & Jason Lee (Samsung).
The battle of the bots at Hong Kong InnoxEX and Electronics Fair
At the 2026 Spring Edition of InnoEx the focus was on AI+ and robotics, while at the Electronics Fair it was smart home solutions, health technologies and pet intelligence. Robots were walking the floor capturing crowd attention with hightech levels of skill, serving coffee and ice cream and playing music, with one spotted at the airport preparing cocktails.
Accelerating interest in robotic innovation at the dedicated Robo Park were over 100 robots that performed a variety of application scenarios. Equipped with multi-joint control, AI-driven robotics are transforming sectors such as retail, education, entertainment, security, home services and more.
Following in the trajectory of robot deployment was AI². “A developer, manufacturer, and service provider of productivity-oriented, general-purpose intelligent robots, distinct from performance or entertainment-focused models,” vice president, Kristine Mo told Appliance Retailer.
“Our robots are already used in retail, biotechnology, automotive and semiconductor manufacturing, with plans to expand to community services, home and aged care. These general-purpose robots are different from traditional robots and need to work like a human, be safe and understand command,” she said.
Gogobot trotted out its AI robotic dog, Gogobot D1 –a companion designed for home, desktops, educational activities and interactive showcase environments. It combines natural voice interaction, expressive movement, touch feedback, supports 15+ languages with a 2.4-inch display and weighs around 800g.
There was a panel discussion on ‘Embodied AI In Robotics’ which is set to expand opportunities in the robotic space with new generation software equipped with more general-purpose applications.
However, one of the biggest hurdles is improving the robot’s perception of its environment. GPS does not work in robots and are about as helpful as a fax machine for Facebook, according to Auki Labs founder and CEO, Nils Pihl.
“What retail needs is a robot that drives around at night with perception tasks such as checking price tags and shelf stock,” he said.
“The store managers job is a big bottle neck for retail as they open early and finish late and many stores struggle with high staff turnover.”
There are also issues around insurance with lithium-ion batteries that could be a fire hazard. “For example, a retailer has 300 robots to be insured – try calling an insurance company about that and the response is sure to be – is this a prank call”?
AUDIO PRODUCTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
Philips has revived its Moving Sound range of portable Bluetooth speakers with two high powered versions, the Tube and the Roller. New features include Auracast, IP67 water and dust resistance and 24-hour battery life. The 140W Tube comes with a carry handle and strap, while the 60W Roller has a built-in handle.
GIEC Digital had a collection of portable wireless speakers with flexible connectivity and a seven-speaker acoustic system designed for audio and immersive sound. A hi-fi audio model featured a metal knob paired with a TFT touchscreen.
On the Hakii stand were water and dust-proof clip-on walkie talkie wearable speakers with a cold-resistant battery, up to 3km intercom and 10 hours of battery life, as well as second generation smart cycling glasses in a lightweight, open-ear hook design with HD UV-protection lenses.
Four-legged companions have joined the AI world with a Bluetooth Health Collar with GPS and a heart rate monitor in the Pet Translation Series from Qsmile. It translates pet and human conversation, tracks physical activity, monitors rest status, prevents obesity and other issues. There is a Smart Home Series too comprising pet feeder, water fountain, food maker and AI-powered pet training program.
Robot cleaning up.
Mini robot capturing attention on the show floor.
BREATHE CLEANER AIR THIS WINTER WITH CLEAN AIR TECHNOLOGY INSIDE MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Clean Air Technology is a combination of several different yet specialised components, systems and functions that are designed to work in synchronization to help improve indoor air quality by removing allergens and odours and deactivating mould and viruses.
Harvey Norman creates premium focus for WA stores
BY JAMES WELLS
Two Harvey Norman stores in Western Australia have shown strong growth following significant investments in premium refits at Osborne Park and Cannington.
The Harvey Norman stores are managed by electrical proprietors, Peter Hearn and Lindsay Griffiths, good friends who have both worked for the business for 28 years and are both enjoying their second stint working in their respective stores.
Hearn returned to Harvey Norman Osborne Park in 2022 after an earlier stint between 2014 and 2019.
“I have been with Harvey Norman for almost three decades – I opened the Harvey Norman O’Connor store in 1999 and then when we took over the Archie Martin Vox stores, I managed the City West store in 2000. This store was the main store in the group that was then converted into a Harvey Norman store, and it was also the only store with seven-day trading,” Hearn said.
One of the highlights in Hearn’s time with Harvey Norman was opening the first Ireland store in 2003, and after enjoying working on two occasions in that market, he is happy to be working back in Australia.
“The Osborne Park precinct is completely unique – it is home to all of the premium car dealerships including Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley, but also all of the aspirational stores for commercial and residential developments and renovations, as well as premium kitchen and furniture specialists,” Hearn said.
“We also have several other premium kitchen appliances stores nearby – so it is a very competitive retail strip, but it is also the number one precinct of its kind in Western Australia.
“The Harvey Norman Osborne Park store – as a whole – is one of the best performing stores in the group. Measuring over 9,000 square metres in total,
this store represents a unique one stop shop for all household needs.
“Everyone has wanted to get Harvey Norman Osborne Park renovated for the last 15 years – to create a bigger and better store. This refit now allows us to better support our customers and obtain the growth that this store deserves.
“With this store we are attracting not just the electrical consumer – we are bringing in consumers from different departments allowing everyone to showcase their wares and also increase the business for everyone. That’s the Harvey Norman point of difference,” Hearn said.
The Osborne Park store was renovated from March to December 2025 including a five-month refit for the electrical department measuring 2,400 square metres and 700 square metres for computers.
Hearn moved back into his store early on his birthday – 4th August 2025.
“It was a very early start on the Monday – the team was very enthusiastic and excited and we re-located and were set back up again into our area within the week – it was a great result. We have also received very strong feedback from our supporting suppliers –they love the new look and feel because of the brands that we can showcase for them.
“Following the refit, it is a world-class store and not just for electrical and computers, but also furniture, flooring and bedding.
“With the new layout of the electrical department, everything is now at the right height level delivering beautiful sight lines to create a real ‘wow’ factor. When the consumer walks in they can see right across the store from one end to the other and see the categories where they need to go and the merchandise they are looking for. →
Harvey Norman Cannington store.
Laundry display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park. NEFF display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
Miele display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
“It has been great to see the customers’ reaction when they notice it has changed and allows them to view the aspirational products that they want to buy. It has been a huge positive – not only for the Harvey Norman brand and our staff, but also our business partners as well – it showcases their products the way they deserve to be displayed and merchandised –and this then provides a greater experience for consumers as well.
working for Harvey Norman and we have been able to sell some customers on more than one renovation, and also to more than one generation within the same family.
“When you get up every day wanting to come to work and still love what you do – it is the best. We have a beautiful location and we have great staff – we’re very lucky to be working within the Harvey Norman business,” Hearn said.
“THE COOKING DEPARTMENT WOULD BE 50% LARGER THAN IT WAS PREVIOUSLY – WITH A HUGE RANGE OF BUILT-IN APPLIANCES, UPRIGHTS, RANGEHOODS AND BUILT-IN REFRIGERATION.”
“There has been a significant investment in lighting, ceilings and new fixtures as well as the colour tones. I have been around the world seeing many retail stores and I believe Harvey Norman showcases brands the best – the layout of this store is world-class.
“The cooking department would be 50% larger than it was previously – with a huge range of built-in appliances, uprights, rangehoods and built-in refrigeration. We have a great range of sinks and taps – people are spending up to $10,000 on those premium products and they are just not a one-off sale – there are lots of purchases coming through.
“There is a lot of planning and design that has gone into the store renovation from the Harvey Norman team at head office. This could not have happened without the work from the planning and design team, as well as the BDMs and GMs – it is absolutely outstanding work.
“We have 25 staff members between browngoods, whitegoods and small appliances including the back end of the business. We have a lot of staff that have been with us for 20 years at this location and this demonstrates a high degree of staff loyalty. Our staff love
HARVEY NORMAN CANNINGTON REPORTS STRONG GROWTH SINCE RE-FIT
Harvey Norman Cannington electrical proprietor, Lindsay Griffiths will be celebrating the second anniversary of his store’s refit in June this year.
“This is my second time managing the Cannington store and I have been here for the past five years. I have worked in 10 different franchises for Harvey Norman – predominantly in Western Australia including opening Peppermint Grove and O’Connor, as well as working in the Midland store and in Coffs Harbour on the east coast.”
The Cannington store, that has around 25 staff members, was earmarked as the first WA store to receive a premium refit by the Harvey Norman head office.
“The Cannington refit was a massive job because we pulled down structural walls to expand the electrical division. One of the walls that needed to be removed was 40cm thick and needed to be core-cut and removed a slab at a time – the scope of works said it would take four weeks, but it took four months. We joked that the Berlin Wall came down faster than our wall.
– Harvey Norman Osborne Park electrical proprietor, Peter Hearn.
Gavin Stewart, Kerrie Rundell & Peter Hearn from Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
Harvey Norman Cannington electrical proprietor, Lindsay Griffiths.
“THE REFIT ALLOWED US TO ALSO EXPAND A LOT MORE INTO SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES – WITH LARGE COFFEE WALLS INCLUDING JURA, BREVILLE AND DE’LONGHI, AS WELL AS AN EXTENSIVE DISPLAY OF ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANERS.”
“The refit allowed us to create new administration areas, a new warehouse and a new carpark. We created two entrances to the store instead of one and added a huge pylon out the front featuring LED signage allowing us to display corporate and marketing messaging that is viewed by 40,000 cars every day driving down the Albany Highway.
“Since we moved back into the store in 2024, we have shown sound growth not only during the first financial year, but also through this second financial year as well – with double digit growth in many categories.
“It is now a wonderful place to retail – everything has its place. It is beautifully lit and has a very nice environment for staff and customers.
“We expanded our cooking area by approximately 25% and as a result we have exposed ourselves to more agency brands with the likes of Neff, ASKO and Fisher & Paykel. We are in a more blue-collar location than the Osborne Park store by comparison, but this has not stopped us from enjoying some immediate sales growth from agency brands and this has continued this year as well.
“The refit allowed us to also expand a lot more into small kitchen appliances – with large coffee walls including Jura, Breville and De’Longhi, as well as an extensive display of robotic vacuum cleaners.
“We also have a very large Dyson display that you could almost describe as a store within a store. Featuring almost 80 square metres of Dyson, it represents the entire brand range including floorcare, as well as the new personal care range and is the largest single brand area within a Harvey Norman store in WA. For such a premium go-to brand that is constantly changing, the Dyson area is supported by demonstrators and experts that help close the deal and provide sales support.
“We also have a massive television display area that you see immediately to the left when you enter the store. The 30 metre display features two rows of televisions measuring from 85-inches up to 115-inches – and it looks absolutely fantastic.
“The planograms for the refit were put together by the GMs and BDMs in head office and it was a huge team effort including the electricians and cabinet makers right through to our Executive General Manager, Haydon Myers. It was 18 months of hard work from everyone, but it has been worth the investment as the business has definitely benefited,” Griffiths said. AR
– Harvey Norman Cannington electrical proprietor, Lindsay Griffiths.
Fridge display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
Smeg display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
TV display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
Electrolux display in Harvey Norman Osborne Park.
EuroCucina highlights prominent kitchen appliance trends
BY JAMES WELLS
Andrew & Athena Dean (Spartan), Emma Beitz (BSR), Mark Tragear (Bertazzoni), Valentina Bertazzoni, Ben Whitford (Whitfords Designer Appliances), Con Tsoutouras (Spartan) & Sam Zalin (Bing Lee).
Michael Doyle (Worldwide Appliances), Sam Zalin (Bing Lee), Antonio Brotto (Fulgor Milano), Ben Miller (Bing Lee) & Peter Harris (Bing Lee).
EuroCucina 2026 held in Milan, Italy brought together 106 exhibitors from 17 countries, including 35 new brands making their debut or returning.
EuroCucina continues to be the leading international platform for kitchen design, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector, driven by technology, sustainability, smart systems, AI integration, and greater user control.
Driving the evolution of the kitchen is an integrated, multi-sensory vision: open-plan kitchens that blend seamlessly with living areas, interactive surfaces, concealed induction hobs, integrated extractor hoods and tall fitted units that disappear at the touch of a button.
Materials are becoming tactile and eco-friendly: FSC-certified wood, antibacterial ceramics, regenerated laminates and recycled laminated glass. Colour is back centre stage, but in a softer key. Minimalism is evolving – no longer cold and rational – but emotional and natural.
Leading companies are also focusing on devices that are increasingly silent, integrated and autonomous. Trends include fridges capable of recognising food, suggesting recipes and organising shopping lists in the cloud; smart ovens that adjust cooking settings based on food type and user preference; and dishwashers that dispense detergent, clean themselves and alert their users when action is required.
Energy efficiency – now a mandatory standard – is combined with sophisticated and customisable aesthetics. Appliances are becoming part of the décor, and voice interaction and touchless interfaces complete a user experience that is increasingly seamless, elegant and bespoke.
Pietro Landini (Smeg), Iain Tennant (Harvey Norman), Adam Evans (Harvey Norman), Chris Coen (Harvey Norman), Gabriele Flisi (Smeg), Chris Horne (Smeg), Anthony Delaney (Smeg) & Antony Giliberti (Smeg).
Ria Ilano, Emma Nunan & Melinda Norton (Winning Appliances) with Fabio Valente (Fisher & Paykel).
Kris Bailey (e&s) Wayne Viles (Unox Casa) & Nicholas Cioffi (Unox Casa).
Himal Jekishan, Hass Mahdi & Andy Grenville (Electrolux).
Biag Capasso, Nick Wells & Tania Garonzi (JB Hi-Fi Group / The Good Guys).
Lorenzo Poser (Falmec), Chris Ottaway (e&s), Mark Meldrum (e&s), Andrew Dean (Spartan), Con Tsoutouras (Spartan), Maurizio Amanda (Falmec), Owen Holbourn (Franke), Paul Baddeley (e&s), Sam Musson (Narta), Andrew Wall (Falmec), Ben Whitford (Whitfords), Alistair Robins (Narta) & John McDermott (Franke).
Smeg presents several new cooking products and confirms robotics partnership
Smeg unveiled a large number of new products to the market during the EuroCucina exhibition. In an exclusive interview with Appliance Retailer, Smeg CEO and chairman, Vittorio Bertazzoni shared the importance of Milan Design Week to the company.
“Milan Design Week and EuroCucina is an important opportunity for the world to come together. This year for Smeg the focus has been on cooking – not only products like the new Musa range, but also the small appliances released at the show are focused on cooking. We also see a lot of opportunity for our electric barbecues – as Australia is the land of barbecues,” Bertazzoni said.
Smeg described the flagship Musa range of cooking products as “a new aesthetic for the modern kitchen using a convergence of geometry and curvature interpreted through a calibrated alternation of glossy and opaque surfaces that alters perception with distance and the play of light”.
“Musa is the result of our expertise in product design and aesthetics. It is an expression of the values that have guided Smeg for over 75 years: the quest for quality, attention to detail and the ability to combine innovation and style,” Bertazzoni said.
“With this collection, we are presenting not only new appliances, but also a coherent visual language that can dialogue with the spaces in the home and the people living there, thus confirming the identity and aesthetic vision that sets the brand apart.”
Bertazzoni said that while he was proud of the entire portfolio of new products released at the exhibition, the Musa range represents the highlight.
“I love all of the new products but I think the new Musa collection is wonderful. It is made in collaboration with a great designer and a good friend of mine – Carlo Borromeo – who is young and fresh and these products are probably my favourite and my best,” Bertazzoni said.
1. Smeg Isola cooktops and matching rangehoods.
2. Smeg CEO and chairman, Vittorio Bertazzoni with the new Musa range of ovens.
3. Smeg’s microwave will compete at the premium end of the market.
The Musa range, developed by Smeg in conjunction with the BorromeodeSilva studio, includes ovens available in matt black and silver as well as induction hobs, rangehoods, wall-mounted drawers and a built-in coffee machine.
Also launched is the Isola range of products developed in conjunction with Stefano Boeri Interiors. The range includes elevated cooktops with rounded shapes and a raised rim that can be illuminated and matched with sophisticated lighting rails and suspended rangehoods.
The Portofino range of freestanding cookers that continue to be manufactured entirely in Italy after 10 years since launch received a technology upgrade and new colours inspired by the Mediterranean. Available in 90cm, 120cm and 150cm configurations, the Portofino range now delivers better energy efficiency through its Eco-Logic Smart technology reducing cooking and pre-heating times supported by Vapour Clean steam-assisted cleaning, as well as a pyrolytic function.
New matt colours in the Portofino range – also featured across the FAB refrigeration range – include Anthracite, Storm Blue, Emerald Green and Amber Clay, as well as Moonlight described as “a captivatingly luminous and natural shade”.
Smeg has updated the colours for the Dolce Stil Novo range of ovens – changing the copper trim to titanium – however consumers can manually change the trim to either copper or stainless steel with a newly released trim kit available as an accessory.
Smeg also released a new range of benchtop microwaves targeting the premium end of the category with two products, a nine-in-one combi microwave as well as a multifunction microwave with grill, both offering a unique soft-close door.
Other new products in the Smeg small appliances range included a new semi-professional coffee machine utilising technology from its prosumer La Pavoni brand, a square open-lid air fryer with moisture delivery system and ceramic-coated basket and a multi-grill that can be completely opened to create two separately controlled cooking surfaces.
The Portofino range of freestanding cookers received a technology upgrade and new colours.
4. Smeg Portofino cookers featuring the matt Moonlight colour configuration.
5. Smeg has partnered with American robotics company, 1X and showcased a humanoid robot,
Bertazzoni also announced a partnership with American robotics company, 1X showcasing a humanoid robot, Neo, which was first developed in Europe 10 years ago. It is a ‘tendon-driven’ robot that will be sold in the US market in 2026 for US$20,000 or on a subscription for US$499 per month.
It is expected that Neo will be present within the company’s global showrooms to demonstrate how to use products in a home environment. Bertazzoni confirmed that over the last 12 months, Smeg has shipped small domestic appliances and major appliances to the 1X team in Silicon Valley so that Neo can be trained and become familiar with the products.
Neo has been specifically developed to work in the domestic environment. Standing 1.68 metres tall, and weighing 30kg, it operates at 22 decibels and is completely waterproof. Its manufacturer claims it can recognise ingredients, suggest recipes and can operate commonly used appliances. It has been designed to learn over time so it can progressively expand its functionality to increase its long-term value.
Neo on its stand.
Beko reframes reliability for the modern kitchen
Beko built its entire EuroCucina exhibition around one core idea: reliable performance over time. Rather than presenting reliability as a traditional functional claim, Beko positioned it as a holistic commitment across its entire range, centred on consistency, durability, and proven performance year after year.
This philosophy was brought to life through a unified messaging platform across the booth, anchored by the overarching theme: ‘Proven Performance. Absolute Confidence’. The approach connected every major category with long-term performance claims, including vitamin preservation performance proven for 10 years in refrigeration, wash and dry performance proven for 10 years in dishwashers, even cooking performance proven for 10 years in ovens, and impact resistance preserved over time up to 10 years in cooktops.
The messaging was consistently structured throughout the space, creating a cohesive experience designed to reinforce trust and longevity as key purchase drivers in the modern kitchen.
Within the Level One experience zone, Beko focused on showcasing its premium cooking platforms highlighting SteamFusion technology that promises up to 40% more juices and colour, and cooktop technologies that deliver up to 40% more even cooking, as well as demonstrations of GiantZone and PanSense features. Dishwashers were positioned around the statement: ‘No matter the load, the result is clean’.
In its connected home zone, Beko focused on energy optimisation and smart living under the headline: ‘Simply Connected. Intelligently Efficient’. The space demonstrated how connected technologies can help consumers manage efficiency more intuitively, including PyroPro technology, which claims to halve cleaning time using 47% less energy.
An interactive ecosystem experience allowed visitors to engage directly with Beko’s connected home platform and visualise how appliances work together.
One of the product highlights on the stand was the ARIS modular refrigeration concept, a future-facing refrigeration system designed around flexibility, adaptability and changing lifestyle needs. ARIS explored how refrigeration
could evolve beyond fixed-format appliances into modular systems.
Adjacent to the concept area, Beko showcased its evolving design language through a dedicated colour zone featuring its Blueberry Velvet finish across ovens and compact ovens. The installation reinforced a broader message that reliability and long-term performance no longer need to come at the expense of personal expression and contemporary kitchen aesthetics.
Speaking during a press session, Beko Europe CEO, Akın Garzanlı said the shift toward built-in appliances remains one of the defining transformations within the home appliance industry.
“There has been a strong trend towards builtin appliances,” Garzanlı said. “But above all, the major change over the last 25 years has been energy efficiency. Compared to products from 25 years ago, today’s appliances consume around 50% less energy.”
That emphasis on efficiency, integration and long-term sustainability was reflected throughout the Beko stand, where connected technologies, adaptive performance and resource efficiency featured prominently across cooking, refrigeration and dish care categories.
BELOW: A unified messaging platform across the booth was anchored by the overarching theme: ‘Proven Performance. Absolute Confidence’.
Garzanlı also reinforced that sustainability is no longer simply an environmental ambition for manufacturers; it is increasingly becoming a commercial and operational advantage.
“We’ve been talking about sustainability for 10 years and invested heavily in our factories to become the most sustainable appliance company in the world,” he said. “Most of our plants have solar panels, and all our energy is sustainable. At first, it was an expensive solution, but now sustainability is paying off.”
Garzanlı said Beko remains firmly committed to European manufacturing and has no intention of shifting production away from the region.
“We don’t want to close factories in Europe,” he said. “We have been investing in Europe for decades, with 11 factories and six R&D centres across Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, employing around 14,000 people.”
Artificial Intelligence also emerged as a major discussion point, with Garzanlı outlining Beko’s approach to integrating AI across both operations and products.
“Our people are our most important asset,” he said. “Three years ago, we decided to embrace AI not to eliminate jobs, but to reduce operational work so employees can focus more on creative thinking.”
Internally, Beko has focused AI deployment on removing repetitive, low-value administrative tasks, while externally, the technology is increasingly embedded into appliances. For example, washing machines capable of automatically detecting fabric type, load size and soil levels to optimise wash cycles, as well as refrigeration systems that can identify areas requiring additional airflow or cooling performance.
ABOVE: Beko focused on showcasing its premium cooking platforms highlighting SteamFusion technology that promises up to 40% more juices and colour.
LEFT: Beko Europe CEO, Akın Garzanlı.
BELOW: Long-term performance claims included vitamin preservation performance proven for 10 years in refrigeration.
Bertazzoni hosts Australian retailers for Echoes of Matter installation
Bertazzoni hosted Australian retailers at its showroom for Milan Design Week 2026 with groups including Bing Lee, BSR, Designer Appliances, e&s and Spartan Appliances.
The Bertazzoni showroom was opened during the Salone del Mobile exhibition in 2025 and is located at Via Durini in the design district of Milan. This year, the showroom hosted an installation called Echoes of Matter.
“Echoes of Matter is a journey into matter, a revelation of a secret rhythm, a limbo concealed within refractions of light,” the company said.
“Bertazzoni and visual agency Framedealer are presenting two symbiotic video installations – a sensorial exploration into glass and metal, essential elements in the creation of unique products, which are pioneering Italian cuisine and design since 1882.
“Glass, both as a material and as a transparent substance is capable of reflecting, multiplying and simultaneously denying presence. Metal is the natural element of the project, capable of transforming function into form and creating a tactile experience that enhances beauty and design.”
Metal is the natural element of the project, capable of transforming function into form and creating a tactile experience that enhances beauty and design.
Mark Tragear (Bertazzoni Australia) & Valentina Bertazzoni.
Kate Scanlon (e&s), Mark Meldrum (e&s), Sam Zalin (Bing Lee) & Peter Harris (Bing Lee).
Nicola Bertazzoni & Paul Baddeley (e&s).
Miele confirms local launch of fully integrated outdoor cooking portfolio
Miele has chosen Australia as the next market to sell its outdoor cooking appliances, modules and accessories expected to launch by September.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Miele co-owner, Dr Markus Miele at EuroCucina in Milan, he told Appliance Retailer that the outdoor cooking products have recently commenced sales in the German speaking DACH markets and that he will now accelerate the production for the Australian market.
“We have had a number of customers pushing us and asking when will this happen in Australia,” Dr Miele said. “In Germany we have specific retailers that are dedicated to selling outdoor cooking products – however in Australia a lot of our dealers are already selling outdoor cooking products. In Australia we don’t need to open new sales channels and that makes it a bit easier for us.”
Appliance Retailer understands that the first product to be launched in the Australian market will be the Miele Fire Pro – unveiled at IFA Berlin in 2025. The Miele Fire Pro IQ is expected to be launched in Australia in time for spring 2027.
The Miele ‘Dreams’ concept allows consumers to create their own modular alfresco cooking solution using 17 different modules including the BBQ product as a centrepiece. Other modules include sinks and taps, additional gas hobs, refrigeration as well as numerous storage solutions. Complementing the launch will be 53 separate accessories including cooking and cleaning utensils and storage solutions.
Sirius delivers ‘showstopper’ world-first wine refrigerator
Sirius introduced a wine refrigerator with integrated blast chiller featuring capacity for three bottles representing a world-first in the category.
Described as a “showstopper”, this latest product was included in a new range of wine refrigeration products released by the Italian-based appliance brand that is also known for its rangehoods and cooktop technology such as the recently launched Allegra induction cooktop with integrated downdraft within the Valentina range.
Sirius is represented in Australia by Arisit and national sales and marketing manager, Rachael Williams said her team was surprised by the patented technology and innovation.
“Sirius surprised even us as their distributor with the launch of the new wine refrigeration range at EuroCucina. We knew there was a new wine range in the pipeline, but we didn’t know it was going to offer such high specifications, be so beautifully finished and the blast chiller component was a real showstopper,” Williams told Appliance Retailer
“Being able to bring to market a world-first wine refrigerator with three-bottle blast chilling capacity with stunning cabinetry integration, as well as innovative knock-on-door opening feature makes this new range very special.
“This innovation is very typical of Sirius, and this range shows superior understated quality and design. We’re looking forward to launching this into the Australian market later this year.”
Dr Markus Miele & Miele ANZ marketing director, Lisa Saunders announce the launch of Miele outdoor cooking in Australia.
Chris Coen (Harvey Norman), Adam Evans (Harvey Norman), Rachael C Williams (Arisit), Giacomo Fava (Sirius), Adam Mills (Sirius) & Iain Tennant (Harvey Norman).
Sirius introduced a world-first wine refrigerator with integrated blast chiller.
Fisher & Paykel makes a return to EuroCucina with nature-inspired exhibition
Fisher & Paykel returned to the EuroCucina exhibition for the first time in eight years with a stand themed Nature – Ritual, showcasing the brand’s State of the Art Collection within an environment inspired by natural landscapes of New Zealand.
“Throughout Nature — Ritual, appliances are presented not as standalone objects, but as part of an architecture of living — expressing Fisher & Paykel’s approach to life-centred luxury, where design expression, product intelligence and performance come together to elevate life in the home,” the company said in a statement describing the exhibition stand.
Appliances from Fisher & Paykel’s State of the Art Collection were integrated into four scenarios – Tea Experience, The Kitchen as a Monolith, Wine Experience and Fabric Care Experience.
In the Tea Experience, visitors were welcomed with tea — a universal gesture of hospitality. Kawakawa tea, associated with wellbeing, is gently steeped on a monumental slab of inductionheated stone and served in handmade ceramic vessels. Fisher & Paykel’s Series 11 60cm Minimal Style ovens presented within carved tōtara surrounds were the product highlight.
The Kitchen as Monolith presented the kitchen as a singular architectural presence, with carved tōtara surfaces and basalt forms framing seamlessly integrated food care and wine care solutions. A modular induction cooktop fits flush and DishDrawer dishwashers with 20mm stone fronts presented the kitchen as a unified design composition. The debut of Fisher & Paykel’s Series 11 30-inch Minimal Style oven with steam assist was the product highlight.
The Wine Experience illustrated the potential of architectural cellaring and tasting within the home. Seamlessly integrated Column Wine Cabinets with precise temperature control and tasting modes heightened the experience. The 61cm Series 11 Integrated Column Wine Cabinet was the product highlight.
The Fabric Care experience debuted Fisher & Paykel’s new minimalist fabric care ecosystem. Designed as an extension of the luxury wardrobe, fibre-specific treatments, steam care and intelligent sensing technologies preserve garments. The Series 11 Minimal Style Fabric Care Cabinet was the product highlight.
Fisher & Paykel’s Series 11 60cm Minimal Style ovens were presented in the Tea Experience.
The Fabric Care experience debuted Fisher & Paykel’s new minimalist fabric care ecosystem.
Liebherr holds private event in central Milan for Australian retailers
Liebherr hosted an intimate event during Milan Design Week attended by several prominent and premium Australian appliance retailers. The event provided Liebherr and its local distributor, Andi-Co the opportunity to view new products coming to the Australian market including a new French Door product later this year.
During the event, Andi-Co CEO, Tim Luce told Appliance Retailer that the partnership between the two companies remains very strong.
“Andi-Co has had a long relationship with Liebherr. We work closely with the great team from Liebherr in the Asia Pacific and they have some amazing products. We are very fortunate to be able to deal with a family-oriented business that is very similar to AndiCo with the same values and the same philosophies. We are very excited about the future.”
Liebherr global managing director – sales and marketing, Steffen Nagel, welcomed guests to the event with a short speech:
“Milan is a perfect place for our product and brand presentation because it is recognised globally as the place
where design meets functionality,” Nagel told the audience.
“The trend is clear, design and technology merge in seamless kitchens. For us, at Liebherr it is about enriching modern living spaces with products and solutions that make life easier. Liebherr offers products with long-lasting quality, timeless design with meaningful functionality to improve our daily life. Together this creates real added value for our customers who are looking for simplicity and clarity in this disconnected and complex world.
“We want to discuss questions that are highly relevant for our industry – how our living spaces have evolved and how can daily life benefit from technology’s progress. And how can design and sustainability meet people’s lifestyle. In these uncertain times with multiple crises, it is important to take time for fruitful conversations. It is important to focus on the positives. It is important to give a clear direction, show confidence and build trust.
“This is exactly what we stand for at Liebherr – you can rely on us. Our people, our products and solutions are reflecting this. Let’s be brilliant, let’s be brave and let’s be part of an inspiring journey.”
“We want to discuss questions that are highly relevant for our industry – how our living spaces have evolved and how can daily life benefit from technology’s progress.”
Alistair Robins (Narta), Mark Meldrum (e&s), Peita Laws (Andi-Co), Chris Ottaway (e&s) & Ben Miller (Bing Lee).
Liebherr head of Asia Pacific, Gian Paolo Glückler.
Peter Harris (Bing Lee), Joanne Edwards (Andi-Co) & Tim Luce (Andi-Co).
Liebherr global managing director – sales and marketing, Steffen Nagel.
V-ZUG launches ‘invisible’ integrated induction cooktop
V-ZUG kicked off 2026 Milan Design Week with the first event from an appliance company held at the V-ZUG studio in the centre of Milan attended by the architecture and interior design community.
V-ZUG’s 2026 Milan Design Week activation
– Table Rituals – was conceived by architect and designer, Elisa Ossino and “frames daily life as design material”, with human presence defining the experience and state of the art technology operating with quiet precision in parallel.
“With Table Rituals, I wanted to create a space where everyday gestures become visible again –quiet, poetic and shared. Technology steps back and makes room for humans, for movements and rituals. What often escapes our notice unfolds here into its own form of beauty,” Ossino said.
“The Integra induction seamlessly blends a cooktop, workspace and table into one creating a fluid surface that invites interaction and sharing.”
V-ZUG launched what it called an ‘invisible’ integrated induction cooktop. The V-ZUG V6000 Integra induction cooktop featuring a ceramic surface is currently a prototype but is expected to be in full production by next year.
V-ZUG Australia head of marketing, Sally Lukey told Appliance Retailer more about the product.
“Milan Design Week is the perfect time for us to preview a new innovation for V-ZUG in cooktops with the V6000 Integra. The European launch of the V6000 Integra will be April 2027 with Australia to follow later next year,” Lukey said.
V-ZUG describes the materials used to make the cooktop as MDi (Minerals, Design and innovation).
“The MDi material, made from the purest natural minerals, is aesthetically pleasing, durable and made for real life. It withstands, heat, cold, cuts and heavy use – while remaining an architectural statement.
“The V6000 Integra transforms the worktop into a single, continuous mineral surface, which can also be extended beyond the cooking area. The induction underneath is powerful – yet almost invisible. The result is a space that exudes tranquillity and brings pure timeless design to life,” the company said.
“Our product and design teams have collaborated with Inalco, a Spanish family-owned producer of ceramics including this unique natural mineral MDi surface. The material will showcase three exclusive colourways to complement our signature black, platinum and pearl mirror glass appliances. The Integra induction seamlessly blends a cooktop, workspace and table into one creating a fluid surface that invites interaction and sharing,” Lukey said.
ABOVE: Dance performance at the V-ZUG event.
TOP RIGHT: V-ZUG V6000 Integra induction cooktop featuring a ceramic surface.
BELOW: V-ZUG Australian head of marketing, Sally Lukey with head of marketing communications, Marzena Ferguson & chief marketing officer, Barbara Hans.
Precision Matters for ASKO in Milan
ASKO presented a vision of the home under the guiding theme ‘Precision Matters’ where technical perfection and human emotion converge.
ASKO has expanded its Celsius built-in oven range with the Elements series, featuring a full-glass aesthetic in Pearl Black and Pearl Grey, with soft tones and a subtle sparkle inspired by Scandinavian geology. A key innovation is the integrated calibration function, which automatically detects and corrects thermal deviations. Once calibrated, temperature fluctuations are reduced to +/- 1 °C combined with a specialised temperature probe.
The DW60 dishwasher series offers an unmatched capacity of 17 EU place settings across four flexible basket levels and a patented UV Cleanse mode, which eliminates up to 99.99999% of bacteria, fungi, and viruses even during low-temperature energy-saving cycles. A standout feature is the 8 Steel construction where eight of the most critical components are crafted from high-
grade stainless steel tested for the equivalent of 20 years of use.
With Nordic Fresh 2.0, available as integrated built-in models Series 5 or freestanding, ASKO redefines refrigeration. OptiFlow technology maintains a consistent temperature across all shelves and rapidly restores the climate after the door is opened. This is complemented by an advanced air circulation system and a dry backwall. In the fruit and vegetable drawer, Auto Humidity Control automatically maintains optimum levels between 85–90%, significantly extending the life of fresh produce.
Inspired by the washing machine that began ASKO’s story in 1950, the new generation of Scandinavian Laundry Care 2.0 combines timeless craftsmanship with ground-breaking innovation. At the heart of this evolution are Steel Seal, where durable steel replaces rubber for a cleaner, more hygienic wash, and Quattro Construction 2.0, an exclusive suspension system that eliminates noise and vibrations.
Gaggenau holds special Milan architectural event
Gaggenau created a special event at Milan Design Week 2026 showcasing an architectural installation called Presence. Set within the iconic Milan venue – Villa Necchi Campiglio – Presence marks the third chapter in Gaggenau’s Milan Design Week series following events held in 2024 and 2022.
Culinary artistry remains central to the brand’s identity, and for Presence, this is elevated through a unique collaboration with three-Michelin star chef, Tohru Nakamura, whose creations are designed to complement and enhance the architectural experience. AR
Aleks Efeian (BSH) with the new Expressive Cooling products at the
LEFT:
Gaggenau installation within Villa Necchi.
Gaggenau Expressive Oven.
ASKO DW60 dishwasher series.
New generation of ASKO Scandinavian Laundry Care 2.0.
OUTLOOK
Indoor air quality an essential in air supply
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
The air treatment category has declined in value, with revenue down 10% versus the previous year, while volumes recovered by 5% over the last 12 months, data from NielsenIQ showed. This gap is being driven by a 14% decline in ASPs –rather than weaker demand – from a clear shift to lower-priced Cleaner Mono models, which have overtaken Combi devices as the largest segment by value, growing 12%. Despite a double-digit decline, Cleaner Combi devices remain the second largest segment by revenue, clearly ahead of all remaining segments.
Additional growth in Humidifier Mono devices, which rose 24%, added further weight on overall category ASPs. At the same time, premium Combi devices offering Cleaning, Cooling and Heating continued to play a relevant role due to the year-round usage proposition, showing consistent sales peaks during key promotion periods in June (EOFY) and November (Black Friday).
Overall, this highlights that demand for air treatment is not just weather driven, but shaped by promotion-led, delay-then-buy behaviour, with consumers choosing either value-oriented mono solutions or premium, multifunctional all-season devices.
“
Building trust through genuine performance and long-term value will be critical moving forward.
DREAME
Patrick Wang
Business Director – ANZ
Dreame has seen the air treatment category continue to grow strongly over the past 12 months, particularly in the premium segment, driven by increasing concerns around bushfire smoke, pollen, allergies, and respiratory health.
“Consumers are increasingly prioritising performance, smart features, low running costs, and long-life filters, while products designed for specific scenarios such as allergy season, pets, and bedrooms are becoming more popular,” Patrick Wang said.
Consumers are primarily looking for strong purification performance, long-lasting filters, smart connectivity, low noise levels, and energy efficiency. “Our products are designed around these needs by combining H13 HEPA filtration, high CADR performance, app control, realtime air quality monitoring, quiet sleep modes, and long-life filters that help reduce long-term maintenance costs.”
The biggest opportunities for the category come from growing health awareness, increasing demand for premium and specialised products, and expansion into commercial and regional markets.
“At the same time, the category faces challenges including aggressive price competition, consumer skepticism caused by exaggerated claims, and increasing competition from alternative air quality solutions. Building trust through genuine performance and long-term value will be critical moving forward.”
Dreame FP10 Furcatch Air Purifier
` Sealed hair collection bin delivers a 99.99% bacteria reduction rate
` LoopBoost Airflow
` CataFresh powerful odour removal
` Six-stage deep purification
` Pet weighing tray
RRP: $899
Wang said Dreame’s marketing strategy for 2026 focuses on seasonal campaigns around allergy and bushfire periods, supported by digital content, social media, retail demonstrations, and stronger in-store education.
“We will continue highlighting key consumer benefits such as breathing safety, smoke protection, smart functionality, and low filter replacement costs. We will also work closely with retailers to grow the category through stronger marketing support, staff training and in-store demonstrations. By helping consumers better understand the value of air purification and focusing on long-term performance and health benefits, we believe we can continue driving sustainable growth together.” AR
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Compact Pro
` Suits smaller bedroom and office spaces
` Designed for everyday air quality maintenance
` Covers up to 23m²
` Captures dust, pet dander and smoke
` Filter lasts up to five years
RRP: $249
SHARK
Taylah Ide-Miller Product Specialist
Shark has seen continued momentum across the air treatment category reflecting a greater focus on creating healthier, more comfortable living environments at home.
Indoor air quality has become an important purchase driver, as households become more aware of allergens, dust, pet dander, odours and seasonal respiratory concerns, according to Taylah Ide-Miller.
“This is particularly relevant in Australia, where dust, pollen, pollution allergens and bushfire smoke can impact indoor air quality.”
A key trend she said, is a shift toward smart, intuitive air treatment solutions that go beyond basic functionality. “Consumers want products that respond to their environment in real time and integrate seamlessly into modern homes. There is also growing demand for products that combine performance, convenience and sleek design, that work hard and look considered within the space.”
“
Our air treatment range is designed to deliver powerful purification, intelligent automatic adjustment and user-friendly
maintenance,
ensuring consumers feel confident in the appliance’s performance. ”
Also, that the product is effectively capturing airborne particles such as allergens, dust and fine pollutants. Advanced HEPA-level filtration and odour reduction capabilities continue to be key decision drivers, while intelligent sensing technology is becoming increasingly important, she said.
Consumers expect appliances to work smarter, automatically detecting changes in air quality and adjusting performance without manual intervention. “At Shark, our product innovation is built around solving real household pain points. Our air treatment range is designed to deliver powerful purification, intelligent automatic adjustment and user-friendly maintenance, ensuring consumers feel confident in the appliance’s performance.”
As more households understand the impact of indoor environments on sleep, allergies, respiratory health, and overall comfort, there is significant headroom for category growth. “This is particularly true as consumers increasingly view air treatment as an essential home appliance rather than an occasional or seasonal purchase.”
And education is another issue to consider as many consumers still underestimate the impact of indoor pollutants or are unsure about the differences between filtration technologies, room coverage and smart features. “For retailers, this creates an important role in helping shoppers navigate the category and understand the value of investing in trusted, high-performance products.”
The year ahead presents a significant opportunity for retailers to capitalise on a category that continues to evolve from “nice to have” into a home essential, according to Ide-Miller.
“Consumers are more informed, wellness-focused and increasingly willing to invest in products that improve their everyday environment. Retailers who lean into education, premium innovation and clear product differentiation will be well placed to unlock growth,” she said. AR
VERSUNI – PHILIPS DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
James Shepherd Marketing Manager – Home Life
The air treatment category has shifted from a niche health add-on to a mainstream home essential, driven by two parallel factors: heightened awareness of indoor air quality and the influence of seasonal events such as bushfire smoke, pollen spikes and extreme heat driving heavy air conditioner use.
According to James Shepherd, these trends have accelerated and while Australia has relatively clean and stable air conditions, consumers spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Poor air quality from indoor pollutants plays a clear role in the lift of traffic and conversion for air purifiers and humidifiers, especially in the lead up to spring allergy season and winter when heating and air conditioning dry out indoor air.
“Trends we are observing include educationdriven demand as consumers discover that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air from pets, cooking byproducts, aerosols, mould, dust mites and pollutants from building materials and furnishings.
“Air purifiers are no longer seasonal purchases tied only to bushfire or pollen events and chosen as permanent solutions for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and households with elderly or asthmatic members. Shoppers are increasingly pairing air purifiers with humidifiers or dehumidifiers, treating the category as a coordinated system rather than isolated appliances,” he said.
Philips Nanocloud Air Purifier
HU4210/04
` Large capacity 3.5L tank with long runtime reduces frequent refilling ` Nanocloud technology disperse 99% less bacteria with no visible wet or damp spots Adjustable humidity settings and auto mode that respond to room moisture Quiet evaporative operation (6-25dB) Modern, compact design
Core consumer priorities include health and wellbeing with clear evidence of improved indoor air quality, strong filtration performance, easy-tounderstand indicators, ease of use, quiet operation and seamless integration into daily life.
Other priorities are smart and connected features with remote control, app integration and automatic adjustment based on air quality sensors, along with affordability and transparency on running costs with energy efficiency, clear filter replacement frequency, and low total cost of ownership messaging.
Key challenges are around consumer misunderstanding. “Some shoppers still perceive air treatment as only for extreme events or wrongly assume that Australian air is clean, so I don’t need it,” Shepherd said.
“The category requires clear, evidence-based messaging that focuses on indoor pollutants, pets, cooking, and air conditioning-induced dryness. Filter replacement, maintenance, and perceived noise can lead to dissatisfaction if not managed at point of sale. Retailers need simple, transparent messaging on filter life, noise levels, and total cost of ownership.”
He said while there are a variety of standards which brands can claim effectiveness and room size a purifier is designed for, a few new brands on the market are claiming higher room sizes with lower CADR performance. “This is a way to keep unit cost down, although will inevitably risk consumer disappointment and reputational spillover onto the broader category.”
Retail-focused support comprises refreshed POS material explaining key benefits in simple language tailored to the air-treatment category, with retail campaigns around the spring allergy and winter respiratory seasons and back to school.
His message to retailers is to focus on sales all year, “not just seasons, using clear, jargon free language around pets, cooking, dry air and allergies that lowers the perceived complexity barrier and increases conversion”. AR
“
Some shoppers still perceive air treatment as only for extreme events or wrongly assume that Australian air is clean, so I don’t need it.
“
With products now used more consistently throughout the day and across seasons, an increasing importance is placed on offering a range of size options to suit different needs and room types… ”
BREVILLE
Natasha Del Rosario Senior Category Manager
The air treatment category has remained resilient over the past 12 months, driven by sustained consumer focus on health, wellbeing and indoor air quality, was Natasha Del Rosario’s assessment of the market.
“Performance has diverged across price tiers with entry level picking up on strong growth off the back of accessibility and ongoing promotional activity. Mid-tier remains highly competitive, with increasing new entrant pressure holding a significant share of category value, although demand has been more measured, reflecting more deliberate purchasing behaviour,” she said.
Multifunctionality is gaining traction, particularly in premium segments, as consumers look to consolidate appliances and drive year-round use, together with a focus on energy efficiency and longterm running costs. Increased daily use, including overnight operation, is further shaping expectations around noise, performance and efficiency.
Performance and ease of use remain the primary purchase drivers. Category-specific performance measures are also critical, such as purification performance, filtration type and CADR for air purifiers, and extraction capacity for dehumidifiers, particularly as consumers navigate more complex, multifunctional models, according to Del Rosario.
“A key opportunity lies in rethinking form and design, as more households adopt multiple units across different rooms. With products now used more consistently throughout the day and across seasons, an increasing importance is placed on offering a range of size options to suit different needs and room types and finishes that better integrate into the home.”
Breville Air Multifunction AirRounder Max Connect LPH808
` Three-in-one product with air purifier, fan and heater
` Effective air purification CADR 244m3/h, powerful tower fan airflow and fast 2,200W heating
` Advanced three-stage air purification with anti-viral protection
` SensAir System adjusts purification levels in real-time based on air quality readings
` Breville Home Connect app for remote monitoring and control
RRP: $799
Price sensitivity remains a key challenge, particularly in the air purifier category. “Entry level remains highly competitive, driven by a broad range of brands and ongoing promotional activity, and is often where consumers first enter the category. A significant share of value continues to sit within premium segments. This creates tension between accessibility and performance, reinforcing the need to deliver clear, meaningful improvements in both design and functionality to justify trade-up.”
In 2026, Breville will direct its marketing on education and conversion across both digital and in-store and invest in search, social and content partnerships to reach consumers at key decision-making moments. Education is also important when it comes to helping shoppers better understand air quality and the role of different product tiers to support more confident purchase decisions.
“While consumers have become more health conscious and informed, greater access to information can also create confusion, so clarity in product segmentation and value proposition is more important than ever.
“Clear range structuring and targeted education are essential to help consumers understand the benefits of moving between price tiers, particularly across key purchase drivers and category-specific performance metrics such as filtration performance and moisture removal capacity, alongside room coverage and energy efficiency,” she said.
“While innovation in premium and multifunctional products continues to play a role, success will come from delivering a clear and compelling value proposition at every level. Retailers who balance accessible entrylevel options with well-differentiated premium offerings will be best placed to drive growth.” AR
TV market buoyed by big screens and Mini LED
Big-screen TVs are showing solid growth with the 75-inch and above segment up 16% year-over-year to 1.18 million users, according to insights from Worldpanel by Numerator. Interestingly, the market is seeing the biggest growth in the midtier with TVs priced between $1,000 and $2,000 accounting for more than half (53%) of unit sales, while TVs priced between $2,001 and $3,500 account for almost one in three (30%) unit sales. The premium segment – TVs priced above $3,501 – only holds 5% of total unit share.
Screen size is the leading consideration for over half (55%) of TV buyers, followed by good price or promotion (46%) and picture quality (37%). A TV that offers all of the streaming apps is the most desirable feature for 50% of future purchasers, ahead of better picture quality (42%) and a larger screen (40%).
Visiting a retail store or website are the leading touchpoints and sources of
BY EMILY BENCIC
information prior to purchase, followed by price comparison sites and the advice of a salesperson, with review sites rounding out the top five touchpoints.
‘Ease of use’ has become the top market influence for one in four buyers (26%) as ‘best value’ drops back to second position. A premium brand is important among 24% of total buyers while 21% will purchase the same TV brand they are replacing.
NielsenIQ data for the 12 months to March 2026 shows incremental growth in the TV market, with volume up 1%, but revenue down 3%. When focusing on the most recent six months, units contracted 3% and value dropped 6%, owing to a particularly soft Black Friday and Christmas period. This led to stock being marked down throughout Q1 2026 ahead of the rollout of new 2026 ranges.
Despite this, there are many bright spots such as the uptake of Mini LED
technology that now accounts for onethird of market revenue. OLED sales also surged during the reported period, recording double-digit revenue growth after a soft year prior. Finally, large display sizes – 79-inch and above – continue to account for a growing proportion of the market with 8% growth in revenue.
Soundbars trended in the same direction as TVs in the 12 months to March 2026, however the declines were more significant with units and value down 5% and 9% respectively. Each of the major segments performed similarly – wireless subs, single soundbars, and soundbars with a subwoofer – although those equipped with rear speakers performed the best, limiting year-on-year value decline to single digits. Additionally, models equipped with Dolby Atmos performed slightly better, and are increasingly common, with close to one in every two sales made having this functionality.
Not all MiniLED TVs are created equal.
“This year, Hisense is expanding access to cutting-edge entertainment at a wider range of price points and sizes from 55-inch to 116-inch.
HISENSE
Michelle Wee General Manager Marketing
Despite economic uncertainty and sales growth shifting from volume to value, the home entertainment market remains resilient, according to Hisense.
“Though consumers might be upgrading less frequently, when they do, they are prioritising larger and more premium models with advanced features. This indicates a stronger preference toward solutions which offer the best and most complete entertainment package available,” Michelle Wee said.
As the originator of RGB MiniLED technology and the global leader in big-screen TV, according to analysis from Omdia, Hisense’s 2026 RGB MiniLED TV range is well positioned to meet the needs of today’s customers.
“Hisense was the first to introduce RGB MiniLED to its range, which uses individually controlled red, green and blue LEDs to deliver highly accurate, vibrant colour. This approach not only delivers best-in-class picture performance but can also reduce power consumption by up to 20%,” Wee said.
“This year, Hisense is expanding access to cutting-edge entertainment at a wider range of price points and sizes from 55-inch to 116-inch. We have also introduced advanced Anti-Glare Matte and Anti-Reflection Pro technology that minimises reflections and visual distractions, keeping the screen clear and comfortable.”
Hisense UR9
Series RGB MiniLED TV
` RGB MiniLED technology achieves up to 100% of BT.2020 colour coverage
` Anti-Reflection and Glare-Free technology reduces unwanted glare
` Powered by Hisense’s Hi-View AI Engine RGB, red, green and blue light is independently optimised for precise colour control and realtime brightness synergy
` 4.1.2 multi-channel surround sound tuned by French audio expert Devialet
` Native 180Hz Game Mode (on 75- and 85inch models) with VRR and auto low latency
RRP: From $3,999
As an Official Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup, Hisense is committed to delivering products that give customers the best seat in the house. “We know customers will be on the lookout for featurepacked entertainment solutions that put them at the heart of the game, and we believe our RGB MiniLED TVs are well placed to deliver on this promise across every price point.”
From a marketing perspective, Hisense will continue to invest in the brand, nurturing its partnerships and refining its product offering. “Product-led campaigns and activations will focus on showcasing RGB MiniLED technology and its benefits. Through regional launches and innovation showcases in Australia and New Zealand, we aim to help educate media, content creators and retailers on the ongoing display revolution and what sets Hisense apart from the industry,” Wee said.
“We are excited to work alongside our retail partners to deliver best-in-class entertainment solutions, especially during key cultural moments like the FIFA World Cup. With a myriad of technologies being introduced this year, we are doubling down on our retail training programs to help demystify RGB MiniLED technology and prioritising consumer education on why this technology sets a new benchmark in entertainment,” she added. AR
AUSTERE
Deena Ghazarian
Founder & CEO
The home entertainment accessory category has remained steady over the past 12 months, according to Austere, driven by continued upgrades in premium TVs, gaming consoles, and soundbars. As consumers invest in larger screens and higher-performance entertainment systems, demand for certified HDMI cables and connectivity solutions continues to grow.
“We are seeing several key trends including increased adoption of larger televisions, especially OLED, the introduction of Micro RGB TVs generating significant consumer interest, growing demand for gaming-focused connectivity solutions, consumers seeking cleaner, more organised installations and retailers focusing on premium attachment opportunities at the point of sale,” Deena Ghazarian said.
“As entertainment systems become more sophisticated, connectivity has become a critical component of the overall user experience rather than an afterthought.”
Consumers are looking for reliability, performance, and simplicity with guaranteed support for 4K/120 video formats, high refresh rate compatibility for gaming, uncompressed and surround sound audio,
durability and premium construction, and easyto-understand packaging and product selection, among the most important features.
“Our cable portfolio is designed to remove confusion from the buying process while unlocking the performance consumers expect from modern entertainment systems. We focus on certified specifications, premium materials, and clear merchandising, which empower customers to confidently choose the right solution for their needs.”
Major sporting events have historically driven increased interest in home entertainment upgrades, and Austere expects the FIFA World Cup to be no exception.
“Large-scale events create opportunities for consumers to enhance their viewing experience by upgrading their televisions and purchasing sound systems. Every hardware upgrade creates an opportunity for premium connectivity products like Austere to ensure customers receive all the hardware performance they have paid for.”
Austere III Series HDMI Cable
` Premium certified HDMI performance delivers vibrant 4K/60 HDR picture quality
` 18Gbps bandwidth ensures smooth, dependable transmission of high-quality video and audio signals
` High-Fidelity ARC technology enables both upstream and downstream communication over a single HDMI cable
` WovenArmor High-Flex construction reinforced with Kevlar combines premium durability with installationfriendly flexibility
` Lifetime warranty
RRP: From $99.95
Austere’s marketing strategy focuses on supporting retailers through education, merchandising, and collaborations with key brands and programs. Key initiatives include instore merchandising designed to improve visibility and conversion, retail sales associate training focused on connectivity solutions and digital content highlighting the benefits of premium cable performance.
“We also develop strategic hardware bundles that pair TVs, audio systems, and gaming consoles with the correct connectivity solutions, including collaborations with leading industry brands such as JBL. In addition, collaborative retailer marketing programs that demonstrate the role connectivity plays in the overall home entertainment experience to maximise performance. Our goal is to help retailers educate consumers to get the best performance from their systems,” Ghazarian said.
“The retailers that win will focus on complete solutions rather than individual products, ensuring every entertainment purchase is supported by the right connectivity ecosystem. HDMI cables remain one of the strongest attachment opportunities in home entertainment to deliver the proper audio with a soundbar, which is necessary for every setup. By focusing on performance, reliability, and long-term durability, retailers can help customers protect their investment while increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
Not all MiniLED TVs are created equal.
Hisense focuses on performance, using advanced local dimming and precise light control to unlock the full potential of True MiniLED technology.
The result is deeper blacks, brighter highlights and stronger contrast, helping showcase the benefits of True MiniLED performance through a difference you can see.
*Source: Omdia, 2023-2025. The ranking data refers to the shipments of Hisense Group.
LG
Tony Brown
General Manager – Media Entertainment
Solutions Marketing & Content Business
LG described the home entertainment market as “resilient” as consumers prioritise premium experiences and preference larger screens.
“Demand for premium technologies such as OLED and Mini LED continues to grow. Picture quality remains the number one purchase driver, as consumers seek richer colours, deeper blacks and better brightness,” Tony Brown said.
“AI is also reshaping the category as consumers increasingly expect their TV to do more than display content. They want intelligent personalisation, intuitive content discovery, as well as picture and sound that automatically adapts to their environment.”
LG expects major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup to provide a meaningful uplift to the category. “Consumers want to recreate the stadium experience at home and for many Australians, live sport is one of the biggest triggers to upgrade, particularly when combined with compelling retail offers and new technology launches.”
LG is investing in integrated marketing campaigns across earned, owned, paid and retail channels, to support category growth. “We’re also working with retailers to drive education and conversion through in-store displays, point-of-sale materials and promotional support. Retailers that can effectively demonstrate the difference between technologies and AI-powered personalisation will be best placed to drive conversion.” AR
TAURIS
Philip
Peclaris Director
The home entertainment category has remained steady over the past year, supported by the ongoing strength of the audiophile and vinyl community, as well as the rapid shift toward larger-format TVs, according to Tauris. “Vinyl continues to grow, and true audiophiles remain one of the most loyal, high-value segments in the market,” Philip Peclaris said.
At the same time, TV sizes have increased with 75-inch and above becoming more mainstream, creating strong demand for larger, stronger and more stable entertainment units. “Consumers want furniture that can safely support these bigger displays, or look great under them, while also accommodating amplifiers, turntables, subwoofers and multi-channel audio systems.”
LG OLED evo
AI G6 Series
` OLED evo technology with Perfect Black and True Colour in any light
` Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen3 for advanced AI picture and sound optimisation
` AI Hub with AI Concierge, AI Voice ID and personalised recommendations
` Up to 165Hz VRR, NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium for gaming
` Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for cinematic entertainment
RRP: From $1,999
Hollywood Hi-Fi Rack
` Gas-lift top for easy turntable access
` IR-friendly tempered glass door
` Built-in ventilation for amplifier longevity
` Cable management channels for clean signal paths
` Includes six black vinyl record dividers
RRP: $799 (Hi-Fi Unit only)
Consumers prioritise strength and stability for heavy amplifiers, receivers and ultra large TVs, ventilation to keep equipment cool, stability for turntables, CD players and high-fidelity audio, cable management and future-proof sizing for larger screens and evolving systems.
“Tauris AV is engineered around these needs. Every unit is built on the brand’s core values of ‘strong, safe and secure’, with reinforced frames, weight-bearing shelves, airflow provisions and layouts designed to protect the longevity of premium AV equipment.
“Consumers are investing in bigger screens and better sound, and they need furniture that can keep up. Tauris remains committed to supporting retailers with great margins, relevant products and reliable supply,” Peclaris said. AR
Dreame S100 Series Mini LED 4K TV
` Dreame Master Sound System with 11 drivers, up to 70W output and AI Sound Tuner
` Dreamind Pro AI Processor
` QLED with Mini LED picture quality
` Full Array Local Dimming and full range HDR
` Gaming Console Mode, 4K 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM and MEMC
RRP: TBC
DREAME
Patrick Wang Business Director – ANZ
With breakthroughs in Mini LED technology, this category has seen growth as customers focus on size over ultra-premium offerings, according to Dreame. “Customers are seeing less value in buying a smaller, more premium panel and are instead trending to larger Mini LED screens,” Patrick Wang said.
“Our S100 TV delivers a full array Mini LED for bright colours and deep blacks and delivers a fast refresh rate for sports and gaming. With stronger processing power, viewers expect more from their TVs such as upscaling older HD content and optimising sound based on what they are watching. With rising electricity prices, energyconscious purchasing has also become a priority.”
Dreame expects the FIFA World Cup to increase TV sales, in line with trends during other major sporting events. “Soccer is the biggest sport in the world and the World Cup is the most viewed event. Large bright panels with sports focused features will be strongly desired.”
The company has a multi-dimensional marketing strategy to drive brand visibility and conversion including high-impact media campaigns and strategic KOL/influencer partnerships. This is supported by social media and targeted in-store digital and physical advertising. AR
TCL
Jason Carrick
General Manager – Sales
TCL believes the past 12 months have been “challenging” for the home entertainment market due to the volatility in interest rates, rising cost of living and lack of disposable income, which has seen consumers tighten their purse strings.
“However, TCL has been able to buck this trend by offering customers premium value and giving them more for their money,” Jason Carrick said. “It is important to note that while customers are looking for value – this doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest price. They are willing to pay for the right product. Easy access to apps is paramount, which is where TCL’s Google TV excels.”
When asked about the FIFA World Cup, Carrick said any major sporting event helps drive promotion and awareness to the category. “These events are a great opportunity to present super large screens and new smart features that help customers enjoy a more cinematic experience.”
TCL 85-inch
C8L Premium
SQD Mini LED Google TV
` Also available in 98-inch
` 144Hz VRR and up to 288Hz at 1080p
` Bang & Olufsen audio system
` Freesync Premium Pro
` Anti-reflective borderfree vision
RRP: $4,999
After being the first brand to launch Mini LED in the Australian market, TCL is further advancing its product line-up with new SQD Mini LED models including the flagship X11L, the C8L and the C7L SQD Mini LED. SQD Mini LED that promise more precise light control, richer colour performance, and a more refined viewing experience.
“Super large screens present the biggest opportunity for growth in our market today. With the latest picture technology, customers can sit closer to the screen and enjoy a cinema experience at home. We believe SQD Mini LED is the best Mini LED product in the market, which is why TCL has bucked the trend and stood by its SQD development,” Carrick said. AR
OUR PURPOSE
We stand apart from traditional technology accessory manufacturers through our commitment to designing a new generation of products that elevate how you connect with your electronic devices. We believe accessories should do more than simply function. They should enhance performance, improve reliability, and contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
We were created on the belief that what we use to connect our products matters, and that accessories should be held to the same standard as the devices they support Too often, the experience is limited not by the TV, audio system, or source, but by the accessories used to connect them. We set out to change that by designing products that deliver uncompromised performance while also elevating the overall look and feel of the home entertainment environment.
OUR PASSION
We are passionate about creating accessories that challenge the status quo in what they offer, how they perform, what they look like, and how they are packaged, all backed by a lifetime guarantee.
We offer accessories that are sophisticated, stylish, and perform at the highest level.
More Than Expected Always.
TECHNOLOGICALLY SUPERIOR
Austere’s products are designed with the most advanced technologies to deliver ultimate performance and maximize your home entertainment experience.
aD E S I G N S E TS U S A PA RT
De
BEYOND THE PRODUCTS
We
PACKAGING WITH A PURPOSE
“The most impressive packaging I have ever seen for any such device...the excellence in the product does not end there!... The device as a whole is a showpiece.”
The Gadgeteer
DIGITAL COAX
SAMSUNG
Simon Howe Director – Visual Display
The home entertainment category has remained steady over the last 12 months, according to Samsung, with the strongest growth from larger screen sizes, particularly 75-inch and above.
“We have also seen a strong acceleration in the 98-inch-plus segment over the past two years, which is the fastest growing area of our TV portfolio,” Simon Howe said. “In 2026, we are supporting this growth by introducing 50% more 98-inch-plus TVs to our range, and with Micro RGB – a new type of backlighting technology –to improve colour accuracy and overall picture quality for displays right up to 130-inch.”
Samsung is also seeing strong growth of its lifestyle TV, The Frame, as Australians continue to prefer a TV that can support their home décor when they aren’t watching content.
“Australians continue to feature more The Frame TVs per household than any other country in the world. In 2026, 90% of our TV range can access Samsung’s Art Store, bringing the world’s most renowned galleries and artists to living rooms,” Howe said.
Samsung insights show that on-screen glare is a massive distraction, with one in five Australians admitting to abandoning a show before it ended due to glare.
Samsung Micro RGB R95H
` Micro RGB technology utilises individually controlled red, green, and blue micro RGB LEDs – verified by VDE to each measure less than 100µm, arranged in an ultra-fine pattern behind the panel
` Micro RGB AI Engine Pro for individual control of micro-sized RGB backlights
` Micro RGB Precision Colour 100 delivers beyond cinema colour with a ≥100% BT.2020 gamut ratio
` Vision AI Companion makes discovery richer and more personalised
` Glare Free for comfortable viewing day and night with Samsung’s most advanced anti-glare, certified technology RRP: From $5,299
“A few years ago, Samsung’s certified Glare-Free technology was exclusive to our premium OLED TV. In 2026, Samsung’s line-up features 24 TVs with a Glare-Free coating across Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED and The Frame Pro models, which is a 50% year-on-year increase.”
When asked about the FIFA World Cup, Howe said major sporting events are historically strong drivers for the category, and Samsung expects that trend to continue.
“Sport is one of the biggest catalysts for consumers upgrading their TVs, which typically means larger screen sizes, enhanced motion performance, premium picture quality, and better sound. Samsung customers are already highly engaged with live sport viewing, and we’ve seen increasing demand for large screen TVs and soundbars as consumers look to recreate a stadium-like experience in the home,” he said.
“Innovations such as AI Soccer Mode driven by our new Samsung Vision AI Companion technology will play a central role in helping Australians personalise the way they experience the World Cup from home, with the TV primed to automatically optimise picture and sound settings to the viewing environment, alongside the ability to mute the commentator or crowd noise when watching the matches on free-to-air TV.”
The biggest opportunity for retailers, according to Howe, is helping consumers understand the value of investing in a complete entertainment experience, rather than simply purchasing a TV.
“Consumers are researching online more than ever, but in-store demonstrations and knowledgeable advice remain incredibly influential, particularly for premium shoppers considering larger screen sizes or new display technologies,” Howe said.
“Creating impactful in-store experiences that showcase 98-inch and larger displays is critical because consumers often don’t fully appreciate the immersion and picture quality benefits until they see them in person.
“In a big sporting year, retailers also have an opportunity to demonstrate ecosystem benefits, whether that’s pairing a big screen TV with a soundbar for more immersive viewing or demonstrating how mobile connectivity and smart features can personalise entertainment experiences. Retailers who can effectively communicate long-term value, premium innovation and ease of use will be best positioned for success.” AR
EPSON Paige van Saarloos Senior Product Manager
Epson has reported considerable growth in the home entertainment market over the past 12 months, with an especially large spike over the most recent Christmas period.
“We’re seeing increasing demand for larger, more immersive viewing experiences at home, as well as a shift toward more flexible, lifestyle-friendly display solutions,” Paige van Saarloos said.
“Having a large and bright screen is important to customers, as well as quick and easy set-up on-the-go. Our projectors use 3LCD technology to deliver bright, vibrant images, making them well suited for viewing in environments with ambient light. Our EF series includes features such as auto correction and auto focus, allowing users to move the projector between rooms and be ready to watch within seconds.”
When asked about the impact of major events like the FIFA World Cup, van Saarloos said Epson typically sees a slight boost in sales “These moments create demand for larger screen experiences, as people look to bring the energy and excitement into their homes.”
According to van Saarloos, it is an ideal time for retailers to move beyond traditional TV solutions and highlight the benefits of projection. “Having in-store demonstrations is often helpful, as seeing these models in action plays a key role in helping customers fully understand the experience and value they offer.” AR
Sony BRAVIA 9 II True RGB TV
` Independently driven red, green, and blue LEDs for precise colour reproduction in bright living room environments
` Powered by Sony’s RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro
` X-Wide Angle Pro for consistency from wide viewing angle
Epson Mini Smart Home Laser
Projector EF-22B
` Built-in Google TV
` Large image size up to 150-inches
` Auto correction for easy set-up
` Built-in speakers
` 1,000 lumens colour and white brightness
RRP: $1,099
` RGB Triluminos Max and Luminance Booster Pro for smoother gradation and accurate hues at higher brightness levels
` Immersive Black Screen Pro, a newly engineered glare-free and low reflection screen treatment delivers rich, deep blacks
RRP: From $5,999
SONY Michael Bell Head of Home Entertainment
The overall market has been stable over the past 12 months, according to Sony, as customers continue to choose larger screen sizes. “We continue to expand our extra-large screen line-up. The larger the TV, the more important the picture quality and colour accuracy,” Michael Bell said.
Sony expects a modest boost to sales in Australia to coincide with the World Cup, which will align with “the usual end-of-fiscal year sales as the primary driver during this time”.
Sony has just introduced its True RGB TV models, which combine individual red, green and blue diodes with Sony’s advanced backlight control and processing technologies to deliver what the brand says is its best colour and picture quality to date.
“Our marketing plans aim to deliver clear, consistent messaging that helps both salespeople and customers understand the inherent advantages of Sony’s True RGB technology over competing RGB technologies,” Bell said. “There is a great opportunity to get customers excited and Sony will invest to encourage customers into retail stores to see it for themselves.” AR
Premium does it for sales
BY KYMBERLY MARTIN
Premium was the word to emerge for this report, a feature it seems many consumers are vying for when it comes to the outdoor cooking experience. From an industry perspective, architects, designers and builders are also becoming an important part of the alfresco space.
Schweigen is one company working with specifiers early in the process. “If you are in at the design stage, the outcome is very different,” according to Anthony Fletcher.
Education popped up in responses too, with Ninja’s Will Tran noting that it was important for retailers to reinforce the relevance of outdoor beyond the summer months. A view also put
forward by Brandon Le at Glen Dimplex, who said the category should be promoted as a long-term lifestyle investment.
Outdoor cooking options are no longer limited to traditional BBQ grilling either, with Electrolux seeing “a growing diversity in cooking styles, flavours and cuisine,” Despina Sierra said.
As for challenges, ILVE’s Daniel Bertuccio believes retailers should avoid chasing the lower end of the market. “Margins, opportunities and the upsell all sit at the premium end,” he said.
Despite unsteady market conditions, challenges and opportunities co-exist, and the outlook for the category from most respondents was positive.
Sirius Drop In Five Burner Gas BBQ
SIR-DG3101BLK
` Twin skin hood to retain heat
` Five burners including two powerful infrared burners for ultimate searing experience
` Flame failure to cut off gas supply
` Teppanyaki plate for versatile cooking needs
` Easy Natural Gas conversion to connect BBQ to mains
RRP: $3,699
ARISIT
Rachael Williams
National Sales & Marketing Manager
Alfresco living has transformed dramatically over the past few years, moving well beyond basic cart BBQs and bar fridges, with a majority of homes including a dedicated ‘alfresco’ area when building or renovating. “We’re creating stylish outdoor living areas that seamlessly blend with our indoor comforts, often featuring technology products like integrated sound systems and connected appliances, alongside luxury fittings, all specifically designed for entertaining, relaxing, and extending our indoor lifestyle outdoors,”
Rachael Williams said.
“The alfresco area is designed around family, friends, and entertaining so naturally it revolves around food. Cooking appliances are the major
consideration for customers when designing an outdoor living area and include products from high-end BBQs to pizza ovens and smokers. Arisit has an offering to suit every alfresco design with high-quality BBQs and high-powered rangehoods alongside outdoor bar fridges and outdoor wine fridges, that suit most price points. Sirius BBQs are certified for enclosed alfresco areas.
“While we tend to BBQ all-year-round, it is still largely a seasonal experience, with Australia Day, Boxing Day and Christmas during warmer months the most popular times, with spikes in sales for traditional ‘replacement’ cart styles, which make up a lot of the average 500,000 BBQs sold every year.
“When consumers are looking to upgrade their outdoor living area to higher quality appliances that are considered a long-term purchase, like built-in BBQs, there is more consistency throughout the year,” she said.
Arisit has Butcher’s BBQ packs and Husky fridges promotions for the remainder of 2026, in addition to content creation educating consumers on features, as well as a BBQ cooking campaign.
“On average 39% of home buyers rank outdoor living spaces highly and 80% of households own a BBQ. Alfresco living is a part of Australian life, so we need to spend more time on this category to sell the best outdoor living consumers want.” AR
“We have seen a notable increase in sales across our extensive range of undermount alfresco hoods. This growth reflects a shift toward more integrated and streamlined outdoor kitchen designs.
”
HAUS GROUP
Matty Searle
General Manager – ANZ
Over the last 12 months, Haus Group has experienced significant growth within the alfresco category. As outdoor living continues to become an increasingly important part of the modern home, the company has focused on developing a product range that delivers directly to evolving customer demand and lifestyle trends.
“While the traditional BBQ canopy continues to perform strongly, we have seen a notable increase in sales across our extensive range of undermount alfresco hoods. This growth reflects a shift toward more integrated and streamlined outdoor kitchen designs, where functionality, aesthetics, and premium performance are equally valued,” Matty Searle said.
By recognising these market trends early, Haus Group has been able to position itself with a comprehensive alfresco offering that caters to a wide range of outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces.
“We believe the most important features for consumers in their alfresco area are powerful extraction performance and low noise operation which our German-made motors and ducting systems exceed.”
Products are manufactured using Marine Grade 316 stainless steel, ensuring they withstand the harsh conditions that outdoor cooking environments can create. “Combine this with the ability to choose custom colouring, along with Whispair’s lifetime warranty on electronics and lighting, it is the perfect solution for any alfresco cooking area,” Searle said.
Whispair X7N18S5.2EPP New York 180 Island Mounted Alfresco
` AISI 316 - 1mm high grade stainless steel
` Two 2,010m3 German-made motor systems
` H-25 stainless steel baffle filters
` Lifetime warranty on electronics and lighting
` Custom finishes available
RRP: $10,480
A key opportunity in the alfresco market is growing consumer awareness that investing in high-quality products can significantly enhance the overall outdoor cooking experience. “We believe this category will continue to grow given the Australian outdoor entertaining culture.”
Haus Group product specialists are dedicated to delivering exceptional knowledge, service, and support to the market. “Our marketing strategy not only elevates our own brands but also showcases our valued partners creating strong and long-lasting relationships. Our relationships extend to other high-end brands that we align our products with, including Cosentino stone which can be found in all of our displays, creating sophisticated luxury.”
Searle added: “At Haus, we are driven by a commitment to innovation and a passion for challenging convention, continually setting new benchmarks within the industry. Our products are recognised for their iconic design, exceptional performance, and superiority within their category.” AR
A timeless barbecue that looks as good as it cooks.
Are you Sirius?
The 5 Burner Gas BBQ
This sleek stainless-steel finish and durable construction offer a timeless aesthetic, while the advanced cooking features including multiple burners, a teppanyaki plate, and a motorised rotisserie, ensure you can create restaurant-quality meals right in your backyard. Certified for indoor and outdoor installation, this BBQ seamlessly integrates into any outdoor kitchen design. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or searing, it delivers both sophistication and top-tier performance for an elevated cooking experience.
ELECTROLUX
Despina Sierra Category Manager – ANZ
Despina Sierra said the BBQ and alfresco category has delivered a solid performance over the past year, supported by lifestyle-driven demand rather than seasonal or promotional uplift. “While macro pressures including cost-of-living and discretionary spend scrutiny have moderated entry-level volume growth, value, quality and versatility-led segments have outperformed,” she said.
“Consumers are cooking outdoors more frequently, trading up in quality, expanding into new cooking formats, and using BBQs across a wider range of meals and occasions. BBQs are no longer reserved for traditional grilling moments and instead, are being used as a versatile, everyday cooking solution.
“We are seeing a growing diversity of cooking styles, flavours, and cuisines being brought outdoors, reflecting Australia’s multicultural food culture and increasingly health-conscious lifestyles. Consumers are confidently preparing plant-based meals, lighter dishes, and nontraditional BBQ recipes alongside classic proteins, broadening the relevance of BBQ cooking across households and demographics.”
She said this shift was illustrated in recipes developed by chef Tom Walton for BeefEater for the Eucalyptus Green BIGG BUGG. Designed and engineered locally, the colour palette reflects an authentic understanding of Australian homes and outdoor living. A dark built-in finish is launching soon, responding to demand for premium, integrated alfresco solutions.
BeefEater BIGG
BUGG Two-Burner BBQ B722GB
` Eucalyptus Green finish personalises the alfresco space with a contemporary, designforward BBQ
` Two independently controlled stainless steel burners with Quartz Start ignition
` Integrated trolley design provides mobility, added preparation space and storage
` Spring-assist hood and integrated thermometer
` Dual temperature control ensures even heat without flare-ups
RRP: $999
“
BBQs are no longer reserved for traditional grilling moments and instead, are being used as a versatile, everyday cooking solution.
”
According to Sierra, consumers want solutions tailored to different households including portable BBQs for apartment and renter living, familysized options for busy households and premium built-in and lifestyle solutions for entertainers and empty nesters.
While the BBQ and alfresco category is operating in a complex economic environment, Sierra said this is also unlocking meaningful opportunities driven by shifting consumer priorities and behaviours.
“Consumers are navigating one of the most challenging economic periods in recent years, leading to more considered and value-focused purchasing decisions. They are delaying replacement purchases, expecting products to last longer and seeking clear justification for premium pricing. This places pressure on brands to demonstrate durability, reliability, and long-term value, rather than short-term price competitiveness.
“With consumers expecting products to last longer, durability has become a key differentiator, particularly in the Australian climate. This creates opportunities for brands that clearly communicate long-lasting construction and reliability over the full lifecycle of the product. Accessories and modular add-ons also play a role in extending product lifespan and usage, increasing overall perceived value. Consumers are also factoring after-sales service and support, with their purchase decisions,” she said.
The company’s 2026 marketing approach is on premiumisation, design leadership, and community engagement, “positioning BeefEater built-in BBQs as an integrated design feature, not just an appliance, highlighting aesthetics, finishes, performance and longevity within contemporary outdoor spaces, supporting partners with tools, education and content”.
“Social media will remain a key channel to reinforce versatility, lifestyle relevance, and brand affinity, ensuring BeefEater remains top of mind for consumers throughout the year,” Sierra said. AR
ILVE
Daniel Bertuccio
Head of Marketing – ANZ
This market has felt cost-of-living pressures as entry-level products flood the market, but the obvious compromise in quality is the trade-off, according to Daniel Bertuccio. “Premium and built-in has held up, and in some segments grown, assisted by new builds, increases in landscape architecture and an appreciation for an outdoor oasis. A shift from trolley to built-in is the dominant story at the premium end, along with outdoor cabinetry, integrated hoods and beverage cooling,” he said. “Charcoal, wood-fired and hybrid units are no longer fringe and pizza ovens have crossed over into mainstream consideration.”
Buyers at the premium end are prioritising cooking performance and versatility, build quality and longevity, along with design integration with the rest of the kitchen. Heat output, recovery time and the ability to roast, sear and slow-cook in the same unit have moved from nice-to-have to expected. “The outdoor kitchen is no longer a secondary appliance purchase but a genuine ‘must-have’ and treated like a design project with the entire home.”
As for challenges, he said the renovation ‘boom’ from the 2022 peak has slowed, while uncertainty around gas regulation is creating consumer hesitation. “The category is still partly defined by consumer perception from the heavily discounted end of the market, which means premium brands have to work harder to justify the price gap.”
Bertuccio’s message to retailers is not to chase the bottom of the market. “Margins, the opportunity and the upsell sit at the premium end. Investing in store space and product displays help sell the sizzle.” AR
Schweigen CL7372S
Silent Black Alfresco Rangehood
` German-engineered Isodrive® motor system for silent operation
` Quality 304 grade stainless steel construction for durability
` Remote control with five speed settings, auto shut-off and LED lighting
` Dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffles that are guaranteed for life and bonus Schweigen SteeFlex™ high performance safety ducting
` 10-year motor warranty and five-year canopy warranty
RRP: From $7,459
ILVE Built-In Outdoor BBQ HBBQ100/SS
` AISI 304 stainless steel construction in hob-style design
` Gas burners with flame failure
` Three in-line gas burners with a total power output of 9.45kW for fast, effective cooking
` Two solid stainless steel removable ribbed grill plates
` One anti-warp stainless steel flat surface fry top hotplate
RRP: $5,999
SCHWEIGEN
Anthony Fletcher Director
For Schweigen, this category continues to grow, and according to Anthony Fletcher, outdoor living is here to stay. “Consumers have moved beyond the standalone BBQ. They’re investing in properly designed and fitted outdoor kitchens, with a greater expectation around performance, finish and usability,” he said.
There are three main drivers: premiumisation with customers spending more if they understand the benefits; performance particularly with highheat, high-intensity cooking, and noise as people don’t want a loud rangehood when entertaining.
“Customers want it to work properly, they don’t want to hear it, and they want it to last. Our Isodrive system removes the motor from the rangehood and places it away from where you cook, for powerful, silent air extraction,” he said.
“Performance is critical because BBQ cooking generates significantly more smoke and grease than indoor cooking. The product must also be built for Australian conditions.”
The silent BBQ alfresco rangehood category has strong margin potential, however, education is a challenge as some consumers don’t initially see alfresco ventilation as essential. “There’s also some complexity with offboard-motor installations, which means retailers and installers need to be confident in how they sell and specify,” he said.
His message is: don’t undersell it. “This isn’t an accessory, it’s a core part of the outdoor kitchen and if you treat it that way and take the time to explain the benefits, there’s an opportunity to increase value and margin. Demonstration is critical too, so a customer can see and hear the difference.” AR
WORLDWIDE APPLIANCES
Evan Manolis Head of Product
The alfresco category is enjoying growth, driven by outdoor kitchens and built-in BBQs. “Outdoor kitchens are a key part of alfresco design, with an opportunity for BBQ outdoor living retailers to provide well designed, good quality and value for money solutions,” Evan Manolis said.
Products that are readily available with some elements of customisation to suit varying consumer preferences and situations will continue to perform well, he said.
“Outdoor kitchens with modules designed to look stylish, also deliver a quality of build to suit Australian outdoor environments and are of high interest for consumers.”
Key challenges remain in the battle for consumer spend and the justification for replacing the family BBQ now.
“Stylish, well-designed kitchens provide multiple cooking options as consumers incorporate gas BBQs, charcoal cookers, refrigeration and pizza ovens in these areas,” Manolis said.
His assessment of the pizza oven category is that growth prospects remain. “Consumers are seeing pizza ovens as an entertaining piece for family and friends to be involved with making pizzas and sharing good food. The ability to cook other dishes – aside from pizza –present an opportunity to use these appliances throughout the year.” AR
Everdure Kiln P Portable Gas Pizza
Oven EKILNPB
` 13-inch pizza oven with rotating pizza stone
` Digital display with temperature reading and battery life indicator
` Patented Air Foil Lattice burner with 30% more energy efficiency than traditional steel tube burners
` Compact and lightweight at 11.5kg
` Available in black or Woodland Green
RRP: $849
Euro Alfresco Classic Kitchen Range
` 10-year warranty on cabinetry
` Three-year warranty on appliances
` Australian made
` Stone benchtops
` Semi-customable cabinetry colours and finishes
RRP: From $9,990
EURO ALFRESCO
Robert Covino Sales Operations Manager
Euro Alfresco has noticed a trend for custom designed alfresco kitchens to suit the configuration of the consumers space, ensuring colour selections are flowing from indoor to outdoor. Add-on accessories are also on the rise including cutlery trays, pull out bins, pop-up power points, sinks and taps, according to Robert Covino. “The idea is having convenience at their fingertips to cook within the space.”
Euro Alfresco designs and engineers each component and appliance that brings the kitchen together to function as a one-piece product. The intention is to showcase Euro Alfresco as a nationwide, one-stop provider of alfresco kitchens and outdoor appliances. “Our challenge is educating retailers and customers that we can fully customise colours and configurations.”
The company is aligned with approved retailers that support Euro Alfresco with TV advertising, catalogues, together with social media and website activity. “Social media collaborations with sporting athletes like Nick Kyrgios has also helped grow the brand name,” Covino said, adding: “We work with retailers to ensure they have displays demonstrating the latest colour and design trends.” AR
GLEN DIMPLEX
Brandon Le Product Manager – Outdoor Room
Glen Dimplex has recognised a clear shift in how consumers approach BBQ and alfresco purchases, planning their outdoor spaces more carefully and looking beyond the BBQ to create functional entertaining areas.
“There is high demand for modular kitchens, add-on extensions, accessories and customisation, allowing customers to tailor a set-up suited to their space, cooking style and lifestyle,” Brandon Le said.
“Customers are showing strong interest in infrared cooking and how it delivers better results. Feedback consistently highlights the importance of even cooking, faster heat-up times, reduced food scorching and flare-ups. Ease of use is also a key factor, with simple ignition, easy cleaning and low maintenance some of the major benefits.
“There is also increased demand for more compact outdoor kitchens, which has led to the launch of our compact range and in addition, curiosity and sales of electric BBQs continue to grow, as customers look for efficient solutions that suit changing lifestyles and living environments.”
The BBQ and alfresco category is evolving beyond a seasonal purchase, with customers increasingly treating their outdoor space as a long-term lifestyle investment. Retailers who focus on education, particularly around cooking performance and technology, and showcase flexible, modular outdoor kitchen solutions will be well-placed to meet changing customer needs. AR
WEBER
Nicole Parker Marketing & Sales Director –
ANZ
The BBQ and alfresco category has demonstrated reasonable resilience, and largely held steady, with demand proving more durable than many discretionary categories. Purchase intent appears to be holding firm as barbecues and alfresco setups are often viewed as an extension of the home, helping to insulate the category from sharper declines, Nicole Parker said.
“Consumers are investing more time, effort and money into barbecuing. This shift is driving deeper engagement with the category, from experimenting with new cooking styles and techniques to investing in accessories and complementary products. Versatility remains one of the most important features for today’s barbecue consumers,” she said.
Glen Dimplex Premium Xplor Outdoor Kitchen Range
` Four high intensity ceramic infrared burners delivering 13MJ/h each for controllable even heat from 140°C to 350°C+
` High-heat searing to slow roasting that adapts to various cooking styles
` Sintered stone benchtops are moisture, heat, scratch and stain resistant with no ongoing maintenance required
` Outdoor rated and corrosion-free cabinets designed for outdoor use
` Modular options including double side cabinets, flat benchtops, 304 stainless steel underbench sink with cover, single or double fridge
RRP: From $6,499
While the category has been resilient, macroeconomic pressure on discretionary spend continues to present challenges, alongside shifting promotional dynamics. “It’s important for retailers to think beyond price and create compelling reasons to ‘buy now’ whether through bundles, accessories, exclusive offers, or experiential elements.” AR
Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Barbecue
` Full temperature range from 80° to 315°C to smoke, sear, bake and roast on the same barbecue
` Extra-large cooking capacity on two levels
` Weber Connect app to monitor and control the barbecue remotely from a smartphone
` SmokeBoost setting holds temperature at 80°C optimising smoke absorption and intensifying flavour
` Smooth, continuous pellet flow ensures worry-free remote cooking for up to 20 hours
RRP: $2,199
SITRO GROUP
Nick Di Pietrantonio
General Manager – Product & Marketing
From a Gasmate perspective, the BBQ and alfresco category has shown resilience, underpinned by continued consumer investment across home and outdoor lifestyle spaces. This follows the strong value being placed on entertaining at home, with outdoor areas increasingly viewed as a true extension of the interior living environment, according to Nick Di Pietrantonio.
“We are seeing demand across both premium and mainstream segments, particularly from consumers seeking products that combine performance, design and long-term value. A key trend has been the evolution from standalone BBQ purchases to more considered outdoor lifestyle solutions, including modular outdoor kitchens, built-in cooking products and coordinated entertainment spaces,” he said.
“Gasmate is well positioned to meet these needs through a broad offering spanning outdoor kitchens, built-in BBQs and trolley BBQs.”
He said opportunities will come from the growth of outdoor living as a lifestyle priority with elevated alfresco solutions that blend cooking, entertaining and design, helping consumers trade up to premium and feature-led products.
Challenges remain around cost-of-living pressures and a highly competitive retail environment, in addition to broader global uncertainty and ongoing economic volatility. “In this landscape, success will come from offering genuine innovation, clear value and brand trust.
“The category remains highly relevant and full of opportunity for retailers who align with trusted brands, compelling product ranges and strong instore execution,” Di Pietrantonio said. AR
NINJA Will Tran Senior Product Manager
Ninja has seen strong and sustained growth coming from investment in outdoor spaces and a preference for entertaining at home.
“Outdoor cooking is evolving beyond traditional seasonal barbecue occasions into a more yearround lifestyle category, particularly across Australia and New Zealand where alfresco living is embedded in how consumers socialise,” Will Tran said.
Gasmate Galaxy
Gen 2 Six-Burner
Outdoor Kitchen
` Premium modular outdoor kitchen system
` Powerful six-burner BBQ centrepiece
` Expandable with sink, fridge, storage and drawer modules
` Flexible layouts to suit different spaces
` Contemporary premium design for alfresco living
RRP: From $3,999
“A key trend is the shift toward multi-functional outdoor appliances that allow consumers to do more with less. Rather than purchasing multiple products, shoppers are looking for solutions that can grill, smoke, roast and bake in one.”
He added: “There is increased demand for electric outdoor cooking, driven by convenience, ease of use and suitability for a wider range of living environments, including smaller outdoor spaces.”
Tran said the main challenge for the category is consumer education and differentiation. “As new formats such as electric outdoor cooking continue to emerge, it’s important for retailers to clearly communicate the benefits and use versus more traditional options.
“Our message to retailers is to view BBQ and alfresco as a high-growth, year-round lifestyle category, rather than a seasonal purchase. Retailers who lean into this with strong in-store storytelling and merchandising will be best placed to capture demand.” AR
Ninja Woodfire
Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
` Real woodfire flavour using 100% natural wood pellets
` 2-in-1 functionality with grill and smoker in one appliance
` Electric-powered for simple plug-in convenience
` Compact, space-efficient design ideal for patios and balconies
` Precise temperature control for consistent cooking results
RRP: $699
Premium segment dominates the market as wireless open ear gains momentum
BY EMILY BENCIC
Value growth continues to outperform unit growth in the Australian headphone category, indicating a premiumisation trend, according to NielsenIQ data for the 12 months to March 2026. True wireless remains the largest and most competitive segment, representing around 40% of units and 50% of total value, although momentum slowed toward the end of 2025 amid intensified competition.
Within this landscape, the wireless headband segment continues to hold its position as the secondlargest. The standout performer, however, is wireless open ear, now the fastestevolving segment both in Australia and globally, driven by demand for fitness use, comfort and situational awareness.
In Australia, coming from a small base, wireless open ear recorded exceptional growth, with unit sales up more than 100% and value increasing almost at the same rate.
Shokz sees an opportunity to bring the open-ear listening experience into more active and everyday moments, but education remains a key challenge.
“Retailers need clear and simple ways to explain where openear audio fits in everyday life. The strongest retail conversations will focus on the core benefits of open-ear listening including comfort, secure fit, situational awareness, long-wearability and versatility across different scenarios,” Coco Zhong said.
“For newer features such as OpenFit Pro’s Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction, it is important to focus on how this helps support clearer listening in busy environments, while maintaining the comfort and awareness of an open-ear design. Long-term
success will depend on continued education, product trial and clear use-case-based merchandising.”
Belkin echoed this sentiment, saying one of the biggest opportunities for the category is continued growth in fitness and lifestyle audio, particularly open-ear and semi-in-ear true wireless products that allow users to stay aware of their surroundings.
Data from Worldpanel by Numerator shows wireless headphones hit a ceiling after peaking at one in two owners in 2025. Apple leads the market in wireless earbuds with 31% total share and 57% share among iPhone users. Samsung, JBL, Sony and BOSE round out the top five.
Sennheiser believes the premium end of the category presents the biggest opportunity as consumers are increasingly willing to invest in higher-quality audio experiences, particularly in the $300 and above segment.
“Demand for all-day communication and listening devices remains structurally strong. There is also growth in immersive audio formats. Spatial audio, gaming audio, and cinematic listening experiences continue to expand the role of headphones in entertainment,” Jonathan Morley said.
“The biggest challenge is market saturation at the entry level with the sub-$200 segment becoming highly competitive and price driven. There is also feature parity across brands with ANC, battery life, and connectivity increasingly standardised, and faster innovation cycles are placing pressure on differentiation and long-term value messaging.”
SENNHEISER
Jonathan Morley General Manager – ANZ
Sennheiser described the performance of the personal audio category as “resilient and highly dynamic” over the past 12 months, driven by demand for wireless convenience, highperformance wired audiophile solutions, and increasingly, high-fidelity sound experiences.
The company sees three defining trends, according to Jonathan Morley. “Firstly, true wireless and wireless over-ear headphones continue to drive volume at scale, while a dedicated audiophile audience continues to invest in premium wired, high-resolution audio. Rather than one replacing the other, the category is expanding across both use cases,” he said.
“Secondly, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has moved from a differentiator to an expected core feature across mid-to-premium segments. Thirdly, at the top end, we’re seeing sustained interest in high-resolution audio, lossless codecs, and products that bridge the gap between portability and reference-grade sound.
“At the same time, usage patterns are expanding beyond music listening into hybrid work, wellness, gaming, and immersive entertainment, reinforcing headphones as an essential device rather than a discretionary accessory. Consumers are increasingly prioritising a blend of sound performance, intelligent features, and everyday usability.”
As headphones become integral to longer listening sessions, ergonomics and endurance are key considerations. Across the range, Sennheiser focuses on lightweight construction, refined fit and extended battery to support sustained, all-day use without fatigue.
“To support greater flexibility in daily use, Sennheiser’s adaptive ANC systems are designed to respond dynamically to external sound, while transparency modes allow natural awareness of surroundings when required,” Morley said.
“In addition, Sennheiser products are engineered for stable wireless performance and support multipoint connectivity to switch between work and personal devices without interruption.”
Sennheiser believes the premium end of the category presents the biggest opportunity as consumers are increasingly willing to invest in higher-quality audio experiences, particularly in the $300 and above segment.
Sennheiser HDB
630 – Hi-Fi Audio
Now Wireless
` Sennheiser’s in-house 42mm transducer delivers neutral sound
` Audiophile tuning with adaptive ANC and transparency mode
` Advanced parametric equalizer and crossfeed feature
` Up to 60 hours battery life with ANC on
` Included BTD 700 Bluetooth USB-C dongle
RRP: $999
“Demand for all-day communication and listening devices remains structurally strong. There is also growth in immersive audio formats. Spatial audio, gaming audio, and cinematic listening experiences continue to expand the role of headphones in entertainment. There is a growing opportunity to bring hi-fi-grade performance into wireless, everyday form factors,” Morley said.
The biggest challenge for the category is market saturation at the entry level with the sub-$200 segment becoming highly competitive and price driven. “There is also feature parity across brands with ANC, battery life, and connectivity increasingly standardised, and faster innovation cycles are placing pressure on differentiation and long-term value messaging.”
In 2025, Sennheiser celebrated its 80th anniversary with a national campaign that reached over 9.8 million Australians, supported by key product launches, including the MOMENTUM 4 80th Edition, ACCENTUM Open and the HDB 630.
“Building on this momentum, our focus in 2026 is to further scale our presence across brand and retail environments. We will continue to invest in high-impact media to drive awareness of our superior sound credentials, while strengthening in-store and retail media execution,” Morley said.
“Our message to retailers is to priortise experience over specification alone with a focus on demonstration-led selling. Invest in premium storytelling as growth is increasingly concentrated in mid-to-high tier performance audio and lean into lifestyle positioning as audio becomes embedded in work, wellness, travel, and entertainment ecosystems.” AR
SHOKZ
Coco Zhong
Marketing Lead – ANZ
As the number one open-ear headphone brand in Australia, Shokz has recorded positive sales momentum in the category, performing strongly across key retail channels.
“Reflecting the continued strength of sport and performance-led open-ear audio, the OpenRun line-up remains our most popular product series, with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 our most popular product,” Coco Zhong said.
“We are also seeing growing interest in lifestyleoriented open-ear formats, with products such as OpenFit Pro and OpenDots ONE reiterating demand for more versatile headphones that support both active and everyday use.”
Consumers are looking for products that move seamlessly across different daily scenarios, prioritising comfort, long-wearability, secure fit during exercise, situational awareness and all-day usability.
Shokz’s latest launch, the OpenFit Pro, are the brand’s first headphones with Open-Ear Noise Reduction, combining the brand’s signature open-ear design with advanced noise control technology. Its triple-microphone system and ear-adaptive algorithm analyse in-ear noise in real-time to provide more consistent, personalised noise reduction, helping users enjoy clearer, more powerful sound in noisy environments.
Shokz OpenFit Pro
` Shokz Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction for a smarter balance of awareness and focus
` More immersive openear sound through Shokz SuperBoost, DirectPitch technology and Dolby Atmos optimisation
` Designed for secure all-day comfort, with ergonomic titanium ear hooks and Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0
` Up to 50 hours total playback and a 10-minute charge for up to four hours playtime
` AI-enhanced call clarity, IP55 water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 6.1, multipoint pairing and smart wear detection
RRP: $399
“Sound quality remains an important focus in open-ear audio, which is why Shokz continues to innovate with proprietary technologies designed to improve clarity, bass, immersion and everyday usability,” Zhong said.
Shokz sees an opportunity to bring the open-ear listening experience into more active and everyday moments, but education remains a key challenge.
“Retailers need clear and simple ways to explain where open-ear audio fits in everyday life. The strongest retail conversations will focus on the core benefits of open-ear listening including comfort, secure fit, situational awareness, long-wearability and versatility across different scenarios,” Zhong said.
“For newer features such as OpenFit Pro’s OpenEar Active Noise Reduction, it is important to focus on how this helps support clearer listening in busy environments, while maintaining the comfort and awareness of an open-ear design. Long-term success will depend on continued education, product trial and clear use-case-based merchandising that helps consumers choose the right Shokz product for their lifestyle.”
Sport, running and fitness will remain a major focus for Shokz this year, with the brand appointed Official Headphone Partner of six 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors races, and the Chasing Stars program, which will support 200 runners worldwide as they pursue the six Majors. In Australia, this gives Shokz a strong platform around major running moments, including the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS held in August 2026.
“Shokz will continue to bring products to life through community-led experiences such as Shokz Fit Day, which toured Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast across March and April. Hosted in local gyms, the sessions gave consumers the opportunity to train with Shokz Athletes and Friends, experience Shokz products in a workout environment, and take part in a 60-minute PT-coached workout, stretch reset and post-session social.”
Shokz’s marketing support will also focus on digital, social, PR, creator partnerships, retail education, product comparison tools, seasonal campaigns and in-store trial.
“The goal is to make open-ear audio easier for consumers to understand, easier for retailers to sell, and more visible across the sport, fitness and lifestyle moments where Shokz products are most relevant,” Zhong said. AR
SAMSUNG
Simon Howe Director – Visual Display
The personal audio and home theatre category has grown over the past 12 months, driven by consumers spending more time streaming content, watching live sport and upgrading to larger screen TVs, according to Samsung.
“We’ve seen particularly strong momentum in soundbars, with category usage growing almost 10% year-on-year,” Simon Howe said.
“Over the past 12 months, Samsung insights also reveal a growing demand for flexibility in how audio products fit into the home. While premium soundbars continue to perform well, there is rising interest in lifestyle audio products that blend seamlessly into living spaces.
“At the same time, consumers increasingly expect connected ecosystems rather than standalone devices. Features like Q-Symphony, wireless connectivity and multi-device audio control are becoming major purchase drivers.”
Consumers are prioritising three key features –immersive sound quality, simplicity of connectivity and products that integrate naturally into the home environment.
“Immersive audio is especially important as Australians consume more sports, blockbuster entertainment and streaming content. Our latest Q-series soundbars continue to deliver market-
leading surround sound, particularly when paired with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony, which combines TV and soundbar speakers together for a more expansive soundstage,” Howe said.
“Ease of use is another major priority. Consumers want products that work seamlessly out of the box, whether they’re streaming music from a phone, connecting to a TV wirelessly or grouping speakers throughout the home. Our new Samsung Audio app has been designed to simplify that experience, allowing users to control speakers, create stereo pairings or use wireless speakers as rear channels alongside a soundbar.
“Design is also becoming increasingly important. Consumers don’t always want technology to dominate a room aesthetically, which is why we’ve expanded into lifestyle audio products like Music Frame and the Music Studio 7 and Music Studio 5 wireless speakers. These products are designed to deliver premium sound performance while fitting almost inconspicuously into modern living spaces.”
Samsung Music Studio 7 Wireless Speaker
` 3.1.1 channel audio, wireless Dolby Atmos 3D and Hi-Resolution Audio
` Samsung’s new Pattern Control technology directs sound, reduces distortion, and disperses audio more evenly
` Dynamic Bass Control preserves low frequencies and reduces distortion
` SpaceFit Sound Pro customises audio based on room dimensions and layout
` Q-Symphony supports pairing up to five Samsung sound devices
RRP: $749
One of the biggest opportunities for the category is the continued growth in premium home entertainment and enhancing that experience through better audio solutions. Among Samsung premium TV owners, same brand soundbar ownership continues to rise, demonstrating that consumers increasingly value an integrated entertainment ecosystem.
“Another opportunity is expanding audio beyond traditional soundbars. Lifestyle audio products and flexible wireless speaker systems are opening the category to consumers who may not have previously considered adding dedicated audio products into their homes.”
In a year of big sport, 2026 is an opportunity for retailers to position audio as an essential part of the home entertainment experience rather than an optional add-on. Samsung insights show that consumers upgrading to larger premium TVs are actively seeking more immersive sound experiences, and many who initially purchase a TV alone return shortly afterwards to buy a soundbar or wireless speaker solution.
“This creates a strong opportunity for retailers to drive attachment sales and showcase complete entertainment ecosystems in-store,” Howe said.
“Retailers who demonstrate the benefits of integrated experiences such as Samsung TVs paired with Q-series soundbars, Music Studio speakers, will be best positioned to capture that demand. Consumers respond strongly when they can hear and experience the difference for themselves.” AR
BELKIN
Jamie Laing-Reece Head of Product Management – ANZ
Belkin has seen true wireless earbuds continue to lead as the everyday listening choice for most consumers. At the same time, there is renewed momentum in over-ear headphones and wired solutions, particularly among shoppers prioritising longer battery life, comfort, reliability and simple plug-and-play use.
“We’re also seeing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) move from a premium differentiator to an expected feature across more price tiers. At Belkin, our SoundForm portfolio has evolved alongside these shifts, bringing premium features and thoughtful design to a wider range of users,” Jamie Laing-Reece said.
Comfort remains the number one priority, especially as people wear audio products for longer periods across work, travel, fitness and entertainment. Battery life is equally critical, with consumers expecting products that can last all day or all week depending on the category.
“There has also been an increase in versatile audio products which can blend across life activities such as sweat resistance, battery life and ability to hear the environment. Products such as the Belkin SoundForm ClearFit allows great sound quality, with the added feature of ‘hear-through’.”
Belkin SoundForm Isolate Noise
Cancelling Headphones
` 60 hours battery life
` Hybrid ANC combines feedforward and feedback microphones to deliver an advanced 25dB noise reduction
` Isolate effect offers relaxing ocean wave sounds to tune out surroundings
` Selectable listening modes include Belkin Signature Sound, ANC and Hear Thru
` Multipoint two-device connection for seamless switching between audio sources
RRP: $89.95
With strong demand for features such as ANC, clear call quality, multipoint connectivity and intuitive controls, the SoundForm Isolate delivers on these essentials while maintaining accessible price points, dependable performance and ergonomic comfort.
“One of the biggest opportunities is continued growth in fitness and lifestyle audio, particularly open-ear and semi-in-ear true wireless products that allow users to stay aware of their surroundings while exercising or commuting,”
Consumers are increasingly seeking more specialised products tailored to how they live, work and move, while also being price conscious as they seek out quality products that don’t break the bank.
“The challenge for brands and retailers is navigating a highly crowded category where shoppers have many choices. Clear merchandising, strong value propositions and trusted brand credibility are becoming more important than ever,” Laing-Reece said.
“Sustainability also continues to be important and an area in which Belkin is leading, using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials across its audio range with 100% plastic free packaging.”
When asked about her message to retailers, Laing-Reece said success will come from aligning product ranging and merchandising with real consumer use cases.
“Today’s shoppers are looking for different solutions for work, travel, fitness, gaming and family use. At Belkin, we approach audio through that lens – combining consumer insight, thoughtful design and new technology to create products that serve a broad range of needs. Retailers that simplify choice and help shoppers find the right fit will be best positioned for growth.” AR
PANASONIC
Chris Moore
Product Marketing Manager
– Personal Audio
Panasonic is seeing earbuds become more intuitive to support the needs of users in a distracting and busy world. Advanced noise cancelling capabilities, coupled with better voice clarity and connectivity to multiple devices, are critical as they allow users to seamlessly switch between work and home devices.
“Technics offers a high-quality, full-featured product that is built to last. We focus on communicating this message to ensure consumers understand it’s important to spend a little extra to purchase a known brand that offers the latest feature set,” Chris Moore said.
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds deliver clean, distraction-free sound in a range of situations, with features such as proprietary Magnetic Fluid Driver, Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC) that works with the environment, background noise and individual ear shape, Voice Focus AI for improved call quality, and Multipoint connectivity.
“We offer self-training modules to retail partners and Technics earbuds are promoted in regular e-newsletters, linking to retailers’ websites. Panasonic also works with independent reviewers to test products so that customers can access detailed reviews of award-winning models, as well as partner with influencers to introduce Technics to new demographics,” Moore said.
“The Technics brand is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year; a legacy of commitment to superior audio supported with ongoing R&D. Technics is a product that will be with customers for the long-haul.” AR
Technics EAHAZ100 earbuds
` Magnetic Fluid Driver creates clean, highquality sound
` Adaptive ANC technology adjusts according to the situation
` Voice Focus AI uses noise reduction along with exclusive tuning to deliver distraction-free call quality
` Multipoint connectivity offers seamless switching between up to three devices
` Spatial audio optimised for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking
RRP: $499
LG xboom
Grab Portable
Bluetooth Speaker
` Easy-to-grab design with adjustable straps
` Dome tweeter by Peerless for vibrant and dynamic sound
` IP67 water and dust resistant, passed seven military-standard tests
` Up to 20 hours playtime
` AI Sound & Space Calibration automatically adjusts the sound to suit the genre and space
RRP: $229
LG
Tony Brown
General
Manager
- Media Entertainment Solutions Marketing & Content Business
The personal audio category continues to evolve as consumers seek more flexibility, portability and personalisation in how they listen, according to LG. “Portable Bluetooth speakers remain strong performers, driven by lifestyle trends including fitness, commuting and outdoor socialising. Consumers are also prioritising premium sound quality, longer battery life, durability and seamless multi-device connectivity,” Tony Brown said.
“Audio devices are now lifestyle accessories as much as technology products. Battery life and fast charging remain critical, while water resistance and rugged durability are increasingly important for active and outdoor lifestyles.”
The biggest opportunity lies in premiumisation. “Consumers are willing to spend more when products offer clear differentiation in sound quality, design and functionality.”
However, the category is highly competitive and price-sensitive with many low-cost alternatives. “Brands need to clearly communicate value beyond price, particularly sound performance, battery life and ecosystem integration.”
LG is investing in digital-first campaigns, social media amplification and retail activations. “Our focus is on demonstrating how audio enhances everyday moments from workouts and travel to entertaining and relaxing at home. We are also working with retailers on education and merchandising support to improve in-store engagement and conversion,” Brown said. AR
Westinghouse SDA introduces vacuum value
The new Westinghouse WHVCSV05SB delivers exceptional value through genuine performance. Its powerful 350W brushless motor and up to 32kPa suction are paired with a sleek digital LED touchscreen that puts modes, battery status and alerts at your fingertips. With additions like Auto Mode dirt-sensing, HEPA filtration, up to 50 minutes of runtime, easy maneuverability, accessories and a wall mount, it offers uncommon consumer value.
RRP: $349
The Tauris advantage: AV solutions
Ready to capture the vinyl boom? The Hollywood Hi-Fi Rack is part of Tauris’ long-standing audiophile legacy, built on decades of innovation in safe, strong AV furniture. Designed for turntable lovers, it includes a gas-lift top for easy access, an IR-friendly tempered glass door, built-in ventilation, cable management and a sturdy wooden plinth for stability. Audiophiles value its thoughtful engineering and timeless design.
RRP: $799
What’s Hot
Cooking has never been so effortless
Midea Easy-Lift dishwasher for easier living
For busy Australian families where full dishwashers are a daily occurrence, Midea is adding true convenience, safety and innovation to Australian kitchens with the Easy-Lift Dishwasher. Eliminating the need to bend down to load or unload the bottom tray with an innovative Easy-Lift Basket that can be raised to 25cm with a load of up to 18kg, the Easy-Lift Dishwasher is energy efficient, with a 5.5-star water rating, 4.5-star energy rating and space-maximising Spacemaster Design. This allows for up to 46mm of additional internal height and up to 9% more capacity compared to conventional 60cm dishwashers. It is packed with other premium features, including Ion Dishfresh technology, which eliminates up to 99.8% of pollutants. The Midea Easy-Lift Dishwasher is designed to combine accessibility, comfort and performance, built to complement modern living spaces and evolving household needs long-term, with a lifespan of up to 15 years, and the ability to operate for 75,000 cycles.
RRP: $1,269
Swedes don’t guess, they know. Precision is embedded in everything they do. Now, Electrolux brings that quiet confidence into Australian kitchens. In partnership with award-winning chef Matt Stone, Electrolux introduces its new Steam Oven range — transforming steam from a practical feature into a refined way of living. At the centre is the Electrolux Full Steam Oven (EVES6810BF) designed to challenge outdated perceptions of steam cooking. Powered by advanced technology, it delivers exceptional precision and versatility. “You can achieve crisp skin on duck, tender greens and soft, delicate desserts — all from the same oven,” says Matt Stone. Paired with intelligent features like AI Taste Assist, an intuitive touch display, and effortless steam cleaning, results in cooking without compromise, delivering better flavour, greater control, and less effort.
RRP: $3,399
Heritage style meets induction power
The Beko BRC916IMB 90cm Range Cooker brings premium heritage-inspired design to a wider audience, delivering a statement piece for designer-style kitchens at an accessible price. Finished in sleek black enamel, it pairs timeless aesthetics with a modern five-zone induction cooktop, offering fast, responsive heat and energy-efficient precision. Its triple cavity design provides exceptional versatility, including a 79L fan oven, a multi-function side oven and a dedicated electric grill with telescopic shelving for added convenience. An intuitive LED display and included splashback enhance usability, while its 90cm footprint ensures it fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchen spaces, combining style, flexibility and performance.
RRP: $6,099
SMEG MultiGrill combines
five appliances in one
SMEG has expanded its cooking range with the launch of the MultiGrill, an all-in-one grill that combines the functionality of five appliances in a single compact unit. Combining Contact, BBQ and Oven cooking modes with interchangeable grill, griddle and waffle plates, the MultiGrill moves between a wide range of everyday meals, from toasted sandwiches and waffles through to vegetables, seafood, burgers and seared meats. It moves easily between quick weekday meals and more relaxed weekend cooking, offering multiple ways to cook in one appliance. Powered by 2,000W with heating elements built directly into the plates, it delivers faster heat-up times and more even cooking results. Independent temperature controls from 60°C to 230°C, dedicated cooking presets and an intuitive LCD display provide precision and ease, while a high-temperature sear function exceeding 250°C helps lock in flavour and achieve a caramelised finish. PFAS-free ceramic plates, dishwasher-safe components and a removable drip tray support easier clean-up, while SMEG’s signature 50’s-inspired aesthetic completes the design.
RRP: $449
Smarter dishwashing starts here
The Beko BDFB1650ADX Freestanding Dishwasher delivers intelligent, hands-free cleaning designed for modern living. Its AutoDose system automatically dispenses the precise amount of detergent for up to one month, ensuring consistent results while reducing waste and effort. SelfDry technology enhances efficiency by automatically opening the door at the end of each cycle, allowing natural air circulation for effective, energy-saving drying. With HomeWhiz Wi-Fi connectivity, users can monitor detergent levels, control cycles remotely and access additional programs with ease. Smart sensors in the Auto Program optimise every wash, while Quick & Shine cleans and dries a full load in under an hour. AquaIntense tackles tougher stains, supported by AquaStop protection.
RRP: $1,299
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Enjoy like Roger Federer. The Z10 creates an impressive 51 specialities from the four worlds of indulgence of Hot Brew, Light Brew, Cold Brew and Sweet Foam.
Roger Federer, Swiss tennis icon and JURA brand ambassador since 2006.