Appliance Retailer October 2020

APPLIANCE

NOW IN ITS 24TH YEAR

RETAILER

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

/// OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

HOME CAFÉ

ACCELERATED DEMAND FOR QUALITY AT-HOME COFFEE EXPERIENCES

COOLING

ENERGY EFFICIENCY REMAINS TOP PRIORITY

WINE CABINETS

MORE CONSUMER EDUCATION REQUIRED TO FURTHER LEVERAGE GROWTH

FLOORCARE

STICK VACS AND ROBOTICS CHOSEN FOR CONVENIENCE

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REFRIGERATION

FOOD STOCKPILING DRIVES FRIDGE AND FREEZER SALES

BBQ & ALFRESCO

LUXURY OUTDOORS NO LONGER AN OPTION NOW A NECESSITY

Better Everyday

designed for environment

• >96% of our waste goes to recycling • Zero waste to landfill in all manufacturing sites by 2022 www.whirlpool.com.au

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

Average Net Distribution Per Issue: 5,139 AMAA/CAB Yearly Audit Period ending 31st March 2019.

No signs of spending slowdown

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f it’s a product for the home (or getting fit), it’s selling.

Speaking with Harvey Norman chairman, Gerry Harvey after the retailer posted a 30% sales increase for the first quarter of FY21 – a result never seen before in the history of the company – all categories are still experiencing growth whether it’s appliances, furniture or bedding. Even fitness equipment – a category Harvey Norman only sells online – has continued on a growth trajectory with sales increasing by up to 300%.

Although Harvey wasn’t confident that these levels can be maintained over the last quarter of the year, he said “it’s not impossible”, admitting that he didn’t even expect the growth seen from July to September. And he knows he is not alone.

In an exclusive interview with JB Hi-Fi CEO, Richard Murray told Appliance Retailer that big-screen TVs, wireless headphones, fitness products, as well as a range of small appliances including food preparation, coffee machines and stick vacuum cleaners were performing exceptionally well.

Murray also noted that many consumers are now coming into JB Hi-Fi

and The Good Guys stores knowing specifically what they want to buy as they are doing more research prior to purchase which he described as a “twin-edged sword” as it restricts opportunity for addon attachment sales.

“It is very efficient, but we believe with a knowledgeable sales force we believe we solve a lot of problems for customers during the sales conversation such as – you have bought a new TV but do you need cables or a wall-mount,” he said.

And of course there’s nonpublicly-listed retailers experiencing unprecedented growth levels across the board and they too have shared a positive outlook for the remainder of 2020.

However, stock shortages and significant product delays are ongoing, and the issue could deepen if there is heightened demand during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and Boxing Day sales events.

Editor Emily Bencic

MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM The Intermedia Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities.

As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.

This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody.

PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests.

The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100 per cent biodegradable.

James Wells

Emily Bencic

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON

Kymberly Martin

Ben Curtis

Alyssa Coundouris

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

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[ON THE COVER]

BE YOUR OWN BARISTA

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Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

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VOLUME 26 / ISSUE #5

IN THIS ISSUE

41 EDITORʼS NOTE

03

No signs of spending slowdown

Household goods still experiencing massive growth

NEWS

06

Winning Group acquires bathroom retailer Rogerseller

Promotes Jo Devery to head of retail

08

Amazon teams up with Myer for parcel collection; Vitamix signs on distributor

An alternative delivery option for customers; With full product line-up, local logistics, and customer service

14

Our exclusive interview with new EHP local head John Featherstone

How the company is pivoting during COVID-19 by adapting its global optimisation strategy for the local market

16

Magimix MD shares her bold ambitions for Australia

Looking for strategic retail partnerships to support marketing campaigns designed to grow brand awareness

FEATURES

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HOME CAFÉ

Coffee machines, whether automatic, manual, or capsule, were one of the largest growing categories in small appliances after the pandemic hit as consumers shopped for an at-home quality coffee solution.

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REFRIGERATION

With food stockpiling during the initial stage of lockdown, refrigerators and freezers

became one of the most sought-after appliances.

Energy efficiency continues to influence purchasing decisions too with the release of models with up to 6-star energy ratings.

41

BBQ & ALFRESCO

Spending more time at home means consumers are not only investing in their indoor living areas but their alfresco spaces too, demanding more than just a BBQ to create a luxury haven that can be enjoyed all year round.

50

COOLING

Split systems continue to be the most popular segment in the cooling category, although portable air conditioners and fans are great alternatives for consumers who are unable to have a fixed unit or require a secondary source of cooling.

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60

WINE CABINETS

There is still an education job to be done for consumers to better understand the benefits of storing their wines in an ideal environment provided by wine cellars.

64

FLOORCARE

Stick vacuums remain a popular choice due to their convenience and newfound capability of cleaning a full house. Robotic vacuums are also growing rapidly as consumers embrace the latest technology.

WHAT’S HOT

70

Pick of the crop

Smeg rated number one by Canstar Blue, Vitamix Ascent Series Smart System and Dimplex wide angled multi-directional portable air conditioners www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR NEWS

Winning Group acquires bathroom retailer, promotes Jo Devery

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Above: Winning Group has acquired bathroom retailer, Rogerseller.

Below: Winning Group’s Jo Devery has been promoted to CEO of Winning Retail (pictured here with Winning Group CEO, John Winning at the Winning Appliances Chadstone showroom opening).

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inning Group has acquired bathroom retailer, Rogerseller to expand its offering to include bathroom fittings and fixtures. Rogerseller has three showrooms in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, closely located to Winning Appliances showrooms in those states.

Winning Group CEO, John Winning said the acquisition of Rogerseller complements the group’s current kitchen, laundry and home appliance offering. “Both the Winning Group and Rogerseller share many similarities, including being centuryold family-run businesses, having a strong focus on providing exceptional customer service and offering customers the world’s best brands,” he said.

“We have achieved strong growth over the past 12 months and we will continue to look for strategic acquisitions and investments to complement our customer offering.”

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Winning Group chief operating officer, Jo Devery has been promoted to a new role as CEO of Winning Retail to oversee and hold executive accountability for Winning Appliances, Winning Appliances Commercial, Rogerseller and Customer Experience.

“Jo has been with the company for almost seven years and has contributed to the success of the business. I am confident that under her leadership, our bricks and mortar retail businesses of Winning Appliances and Rogerseller will continue to achieve our company mission of providing the best shopping experience in the world,” Winning said.

“I am excited and proud to take on the role as CEO of Winning Retail and to continue the Group’s century-old tradition of innovating and providing exceptional customer experiences.

We are delighted that Rogerseller is joining the Winning Group and that we will now be able to offer a multi-sensory shopping experience for kitchens, laundries and bathrooms,” Devery said.

“I want to thank John Winning for his continued support and I look forward to working with the Winning Appliances and Rogerseller teams located around the country to achieve our company mission and to impress every customer.”

Rogerseller managing director, James Edmonds added: “We are very proud to be succeeding the 125-year old Rogerseller brand and business to such an aligned and passionate family owned company in the Winning Group.

Our fantastic Rogerseller team members, loyal and long-standing clients, and key supplier partners will all be welcomed as part of Australia’s leading kitchen, laundry and bathroom retailer.” AR

NEWS AR

OWEN HOLBOURN PROMOTED TO SENIOR ROLE AT ASKO

Owen Holbourn has been promoted to a new role as sales and marketing director at Asko Australia.

Owen Holbourn has been promoted to a new role as sales and marketing director at Asko Australia. Holbourn joined the company in July 2016 as sales director and has taken on the added responsibility of marketing.

“It’s an exciting time for Asko with a product pipeline containing innovations through our range of cooking, dishwashing and laundry appliances,” Holbourn told Appliance Retailer shortly after the promotion was confirmed.

“Considering the challenges we’ve all experienced this year, we’ve been delighted with the results we’ve achieved in partnership with our retailers.”

Holbourn joined Asko after four years at Miele Australia and New Zealand including two years as head of key accounts and prior to this, he worked for two years as head of own retail managing Miele’s own retail stores including Experience Centres and Clearance Outlets. He also spent two years as marketing manager with BMW in Sydney and three years with Audi in the UK before joining the appliance industry.

In May, Holbourn said sales have been strong for the brand particularly following the release of its new series of dishwashers during

the Covid pandemic with local and international travel restrictions resulting in more consumers remaining at home.

“Our new dishwashers have enabled us to build on our long heritage of premium dishwashers and so far, it has exceeded our expectations,” he said.

“Consumers are spending their money wisely – it appears that they are looking for quality, which plays to our strengths. This been shown by our price points that have been maintained or increased.”

Holbourn also confirmed in May that Asko has more products in the pipeline – initially, the Asko Elements 5-in-1 combination oven – which made its debut at IFA 2019.

“It is a traditional oven, steam oven and microwave combined into one appliance with some unique first to market features. The new 5-in-1 combination oven completes the Elements range by complementing other products for customers that want the full suite of cooking appliances. It provides new innovation to increase ASPs and give retailers the opportunity to engage with customers on new technology. It pushes the boundaries and beyond that, we have more innovation arriving in early 2021.” AR

Retravision marketing and buying team moves into new office The Retravision marketing and buying team has moved into a new office in Mount Lawley, Perth with the admin support office staying in Bunbury, approximately 170km south of Mount Lawley.

The new office measures 160 square metres for the team of five staff members.

Retravision general manager for retail, Glen Mortimer said the marketing and buying teams needed to move to metro Perth to help maintain close supplier, agency, and media p wartner relationships, as well as provide a central point for store training.

“Mount Lawley is a vibrant precinct close to the city with easy access to the Perth freeway system. This allows a central point to conduct training sessions and work closely with local suppliers, our agency and media partners,” Mortimer told Appliance Retailer.

When asked how Retravision’s marketing approach has shifted during COVID-19, he said the group has maintained consistent messaging throughout.

“We have been driving our core brand values, lowest price guarantee, 60-day price promise and RAC partnership offering an additional 5% discount to RAC members, plus being part of the local community for over 50 years.”

Moving into the last quarter of 2020, Mortimer expects sales to remain strong with several campaigns planned to

drive additional bonuses and customer value and in 2021, the group will celebrate its 60th birthday.

“With no immediate end in sight to international travel restrictions, we have seen consumers looking to upgrade and renovate the heart of the home with stylish and feature rich kitchen solutions including cooking appliances, French Door refrigeration and dishwashers, as well as large 75- or 85-inch TVs for the home entertainment areas.” AR

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR NEWS

Amazon teams up with Myer for parcel collection Amazon parcel pick up points are now available in 21 Myer stores, providing Amazon customers with an alternative parcel delivery option and access to Myer’s range of products and customer service in-store.

Upon checkout on Amazon Australia’s site customers select the most convenient Myer store location and when their parcel is ready for pick up, they receive an email notification with a unique code to present upon collection at the chosen Myer store. Customers will have seven days to collect their parcel.

Delivery to an Amazon Hub at Myer works with free expedited delivery and standard delivery and is available to Amazon Prime customers at no extra cost. There are plans for additional Myer stores, including regional locations, to introduce Amazon Hub pre-Christmas.

Myer chief customer office, Geoff Ikin said the partnership is about combining services to create greater convenience for customers.

“It is solution led thinking for time poor customers, who can access Myer’s great range of services and brands that we believe Amazon customers will take advantage of when collecting their parcel,” he said.

Amazon parcel pick up points are now available in selected Myer stores.

“Additionally, given the current restrictions, and with many customers rightly concerned about multiple trips to fulfil their shopping needs, Myer is uniquely placed to offer easy access and parking, and a safe environment where customers can shop our range of products and services, as well as collect their Amazon purchases.

“Our Click & Collect counters are a one-stop-shop for many services in addition to collection or drop off, customers are able to buy gift cards, create a registry, return items, speak with a dedicated team member or pick up their purchase.”

Amazon Australia director of operations, Craig Fuller said the company is committed to making ecommerce rooted in low prices, vast selection and convenience.

“We are excited to partner with one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted retailers, Myer, to provide customers around Australia with new and alternative delivery locations for their orders. Not only does it provide our customers with more control, but it enables them to enjoy a quick and simple pickup experience at Myer’s network of conveniently located stores.” AR

VITAMIX SIGNS ON DISTRIBUTOR

Fackelmann Housewares Australia and Fackelmann Housewares New Zealand has become a distributor of the Vitamix brand.

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Fackelmann Housewares Australia and Fackelmann Housewares New Zealand has become a distributor of the Vitamix brand in both markets with a full product line-up, local logistics, and customer service.

Fackelmann Housewares is a leading supplier of housewares products in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and forms part of the international network of family owned Fackelmann Brands.

The company markets and distributes an assortment of tools and gadgets, cutlery, knives, bakeware and glassware under brands including Wiltshire, Stanley Rogers, Furi, Luigi Bormioli, Wüsthof, Leifheit, Soehnle, Dr.Oetker, Zenker, Fackelmann, Totally Bamboo, Primula and ion8.

Vitamix vice president for commercial and international sales, Lisa Klein said, “As a family-owned company with more than 100 years of history, Fackelmann

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Housewares has a heritage closely aligned to that of Vitamix. It successfully manufactures and distributes a broad assortment of iconic brands that Vitamix will complement perfectly. Fackelmann Housewares has a deep history and knowledge of the homeware markets in Australia and New Zealand, and this partnership will further strengthen and extend Vitamix’s presence.”

Fackelmann Housewares Australia CEO, Mark Batson added: “Our team is thrilled to welcome such a premium brand to the Fackelmann family and expand our housewares portfolio. Vitamix is undeniably the number one highperformance blender in the world, and we are honoured to be able to support the vision of Vitamix in the years ahead. The passion and experience of our teams, both here and in New Zealand, will allow us to continue to grow upon the success of Vitamix within both markets.” AR

NEWS AR

Radio Rentals South Australia relaunches as online only business Investor group, Aspire42 has breathed new life into Radio Rentals South Australia with the launch of a new online appliance rental business, Snaffle, upon acquiring the Radio Rentals brand name and inRent receivables book.

Radio Rentals was strategically withdrawn from the market in April 2019, impacting retail and online sales operations in South Australia, Queensland (trading as R.T. Edwards) and New South Wales (trading as gedd!t). The consumer rental business, inRent, which finances rental contracts through various retailers, was owned by a separate entity and not impacted by the Radio Rentals exit.

Aspire42 chief marketing officer, Paul Winslow said the Radio Rentals name was an “attractive option” to complement the group’s existing consumer leasing brands – Essential Appliance Rentals and Make It Mine.

“To take on an iconic name and have it as an integral part of the history of our new brand was an added bonus on the commercial opportunity to take on the inRent book of business. We can now offer loyal customers a new rental option within a business that serves the whole country,” he told Appliance Retailer.

The rental and subscription economy are such a common part of modern life and Aspire42 wants to bring the consumer leasing industry in line with that and away from its historical association, Winslow said.

“It’s about how we treat our customers. In the first instance we look to give them a better deal. That starts with pricing; we want to break the mould of compounding the cost of a rental if you take out a longer contract. We don’t believe people should be penalised for wanting to pay for products in this way.”

When asked how consumer buying behaviour has evolved over the past few months as a result of COVID-19, Winslow believes the fundamental change has been the accelerated move to online shopping away from bricks and mortar stores.

Radio Rentals South Australia has relaunched as an online appliance rental business, Snaffle.

“This process has been happening for years, but COVID-19 has just fast-forwarded the evolution. Our approach mirrors that trend in terms of the move to online, but we are very much looking to what comes next in terms of how people want to access the products they want. We have also seen a big increase in sales of electricals, particularly in the early months of lockdown,” he said.

Snaffle will initially focus on former Radio Rentals and inRent customers, offering new rental contracts from one to three years with low prices and flexible rental terms on home appliances, furnishings, and electronics.

Radio Rentals South Australia is a different business from the Thorn Radio Rentals business that operates across the rest of Australia and closed its stores in April this year. AR

Chris Coen fills sales director role at EHP Electrolux Home Products has officially appointed Chris Coen as sales director, after serving in an interim capacity following the recent departure of Michael Doyle.

Coen was previously product line director for taste for over 12 months and has been with Electrolux for the past 14 years.

Electrolux general manager for Australia and New Zealand, John Featherstone said: “I am pleased to announce that Chris Coen has been appointed to lead the Australian sales team as director – sales. Chris has been serving in an interim capacity following the recent departure of Michael Doyle.

“I would also like to acknowledge the great service Michael gave over the previous four years and thank him for his work over this period. I wish Michael the very best for the future.

“My sincere congratulations to Chris for every success in his new role.” AR

Chris Coen has been appointed sales director at Electrolux Home Products.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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Nespresso wants to make every cup of its coffee carbon neutral by 2022.

AR NEWS

NESPRESSO COMMITS TO CARBON NEUTRAL COFFEE BY 2022 Nespresso has committed to making every cup of its coffee carbon neutral by 2022 for both at-home and professional customers.

This goal builds on more than 10 years of work during which Nespresso has reduced its carbon emissions and compensated the remainder through agroforestry.

Nespresso achieved carbon neutrality in its business operations in 2017 so its new commitment will tackle emissions in its supply chain and product life cycle.

“Climate change is a reality and our future depend on going further and faster on our sustainability commitments.

That is why we are accelerating our commitments to offer our consumers a way to drink a carbon neutral cup of coffee by 2022.

A coffee, made from the finest and rarest beans, sustainably sourced,” Nespresso CEO Guillaume Le Cunff said.

“Our business and the coffee industry can be a force for good in the world and I hope that our commitment will encourage others to follow.”

Nespresso aims to achieve carbon neutrality by using sustainable energy within its operations as it drives towards 100% renewable energy in all boutiques and increasing the use of biogas within the manufacturing process. Nespresso will also increase the use of recycled plastic within Nespresso machines, as well as recycled and low carbon virgin aluminium within coffee capsules.

The company will also use trees to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, while investing in nature and building a regenerative agricultural system. Planting trees provides the shade needed to improve the quality and quantity of a coffee harvest, while the roots help protect against soil erosion and landslides and promote soil regeneration.

With its partner Pur Projet, Nespresso will triple its insetting in coffee producing countries such as Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, and invest in projects to support forest conservation and restoration, as well as implement clean energy solutions within farming communities. AR

AOL becomes first Australian pure-play retailer to sell Miele Appliances Online has signed a partnership with Miele to become Australia’s first pure-play retailer to sell Miele major appliances direct across cooking, washing and refrigeration.

Customers will receive Appliances Online’s 24/7 local customer service, delivery, and removal of old appliances.

Winning Group CEO, John Winning said, “We are delighted and proud to announce that Appliances Online will be the first pure-play retailer in the country to directly sell new Miele major appliances and to provide customers purchasing Miele, with Appliances Online’s award-winning legendary service.”

He added: “Miele is a world-leading and respected brand and through this partnership, we are excited to provide our customers with convenience and ease, to shop from a range of their appliances, by simply adding to cart.

“Miele and Appliances Online share many synergies including a passion for an uncompromising commitment to innovation, quality, and the customer. Miele is globally 10

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

recognised for producing high quality and innovative appliances and at Appliances Online, we continue to innovate the customer experience to achieve our company mission to provide the best shopping experience in the world.”

Miele Australia and New Zealand managing director, Yves Dalcourt commented, “We have had a long-standing relationship with the Winning family business and we now look forward to extending that relationship by providing a great customer experience through Appliances Online.” AR

Appliances Online has become Australia’s first pure-play retailer to sell Miele major appliances.

BRING HOME

A RICH BUTTERY FAVOURITE BLENDED WITH SMOOTH ESPRESSO For orders of NESCAFE® Dolce Gusto® new GENIO S Plus machine, please contact Breville® Australia on 1300 139 798

AR NEWS

Retailers deliver solid FY20 results with record sales growth

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ationwide lockdowns when COVID-19 first hit Australia initiated panic buying of not only food and toilet paper, but also home appliances and tech equipment to enable consumers to work and learn from home. The unprecedented demand for household goods has delivered sales growth never seen before by major retailers. Appliance Retailer provides a recap of the sales results posted by the key publicly listed retailers.

HARVEY NORMAN PROFIT INCREASES BY ALMOST 20%

Harvey Norman chairman, Gerry Harvey described the retailer’s FY20 results as “the best we have put out in our life” in an exclusive interview with Appliance Retailer.

Total revenue rose 7.6% to $8.23 billion to the year ending June 30, 2020.

Net profit jumped to $480.5 million, a rise

of almost 20%.

Harvey said the strong sales came from all departments, including furniture, bedding, computers, and electricals, but sales for big screen TVs were a standout. “All the new technology has taken them to new levels which are much improved from the screens of five years ago. Computers are selling well too and everything in small appliances has gone through the roof.”

In a more recent trading update, Harvey Norman aggregated sales revenue increased 30.6% for the period from 1 July to 17 September 2020 with comparable aggregate sales up 30.3%. Australian franchisees reported total sales growth of 33.8%.

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Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Unaudited preliminary accounts show profit before tax and non-controlling interests (excluding the net impact of AASB 16 Leases) was $178.1 million for the period from 1 July to 31 August 2020, an increase of circa 185.8%.

At the time, Harvey said: “We are seeing growth in every category, including those that we only sell online like fitness equipment which has seen up to 300% growth.”

When asked if these sales were likely to continue to Christmas, Harvey said “it’s not impossible” but was cautiously optimistic with the reduction in JobKeeper payments. He said Western Australia is the best performing state in the country, albeit marginally, which he attributes to the strength of the mining and resources sector. Over in Victoria where stores are shut, Click & Collect has gone from “tiny to enormous”.

JB HI-FI SALES GROW 11.6%

JB Hi-Fi reported a net profit increase of 21% to $302 million and sales were up by 11.6% to $7.9 billion boosted by travel restrictions and more people working from home.

Speaking about the growth of online sales within the business during Covid-19, JB Hi-Fi CEO Richard Murray reflected on the results that show that online sales now represent 7.3% and 7.5% of sales within the JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys businesses, respectively.

When asked whether Covid-19 will be a tipping point for online sales moving forward, Murray confirmed that online was an important part of the business – representing more the icing and not the cake as such – when it came to pleasing his customers.

“I appreciate the online-only retailers want to talk about online only, but as an omni-channel retailer with a number of channels, we just want to make sure our customers enjoy shopping with us.

Our job is to delight customers however they would like to shop with us. It is not about just online or just in-store, it is the trust that both brands have built up with their customers over decades and how we can reinforce this when they engage with us – sometimes they want a low-involvement purchase and they want it shipped quickly and at other times – they want to come in store because they are renovating or they are purchasing a premium item they really want to understand.”

In relation to products categories, televisions above 75-inches and headphones – particularly wireless models – performed well. “Obviously anything connected with people spending more time at home is flying, but also the fitness category in performing well – people are very focused on keeping fit at the moment,” he said.

In small appliances, the food preparation, coffee, and stick vac categories were called out as strong performing categories with Smeg, Breville and Dyson as key performers. In the major appliance categories, Miele was a strong performer in premium cooking and Murray also identified the connected home as an area to watch.

KOGAN.COM FOUNDER WELCOMES ‘RETAIL REVOLUTION’

Kogan.com’s gross sales increased 39.3% year-on-year to $768.9 million in FY20, while adjusted EBITDA grew 57.6% to $497 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) jumped 55.9% to $26.8 million.

Kogan.com has benefited from what has been described as a ‘retail revolution’ by founder and CEO, Ruslan Kogan, with more shoppers embracing ecommerce and record numbers of first-time customers who have made repeat purchases at a 40% faster pace than previously.

“For us, this is a very exciting trend that shows once customers learn about shopping online, they change their ongoing behaviour. Once someone discovers the benefits of online shopping, I struggle to see why they would ever go back to the old way of doing things. After almost 15 years of preparation, the revolution occurring in retail represents a significant opportunity for Kogan.com,” he said.

Kogan.com welcomed 152,000 new active customers in the month of August – the largest monthly increase in the history of the business – with total active customers reaching 2.461 million at 31 August 2020. Gross sales momentum continued, growing more than 117% year-on-year in August, following an increase of more than 110% in July.

WESFARMERS GROUP BENEFITS FROM CUSTOMERS WORKING AND LEARNING FROM HOME

Revenue and earnings for Bunnings both increased 13.9%, demonstrating the “resilience of its operating model and ability to adapt to changing customer needs”, according to Wesfarmers managing director, Rob Scott.

Bunnings accelerated the development of its digital offer, completed the rollout of Click and Deliver and launched its New Zealand e-commerce platform ahead of schedule.

Total sales increased 23.4% in the second half with store-on-store sales up 25.8%. Higher sales growth in the second half reflected customers spending more time working and undertaking projects at home with gardening and painting products the stand-out categories.

Kmart Group revenue was up 7.2%, however, Target recorded a loss for the year due to lower sales and higher clearance activity. Total sales for Kmart increased 5.4% for the year with comparable sales increasing 4.3%. Terms have been agreed upon for the conversion of 27 Target stores to Kmart stores and the first phase of the Target store support office restructure has been completed.

Officeworks revenue grew by 20.4% and earnings were up 13.8% for the period with strong sales growth both in-store and online due to demand for technology, home office furniture and education products.

Wesfarmers said there is significant uncertainty for the future as retail sales will be impacted by any further trading restrictions and gradual removal of government stimulus measures, including early superannuation access. Retail sales may also be impacted by some customer purchases in FY20 being brought forward from FY21.

“

NEWS AR

Our job is to delight customers however they would like to shop with us. It is not about just online or just in-store, it is the trust that both brands have built up with their customers over decades and how we can reinforce this when they engage with us.

Richard Murray JB Hi-Fi CEO

”

BIG W ONLINE SALES ALMOST DOUBLE

Sales at Big W increased 10.5% in FY20 compared to the previous financial year, with comparable sales up 11.2%. Sales accelerated in Q4 with comparable sales increasing 31.8% on an Easter-adjusted basis.

All categories experienced positive sales growth with Everyday & Home categories benefitting from strong demand for home appliances, office equipment, heating, and cleaning products.

Online sales saw growth of 181% in Q4 supported by the roll out of 18 additional hub stores, the introduction of contactless drive-up and lay-by online solutions. For FY20, online sales increased 67% due to increased demand for home delivery and pick up following the onset of COVID-19.

At the end of June, inventory levels were below typical levels with average inventory days reducing by 15.4 days compared to the prior year. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR PROFILE The new local head of Electrolux Home Products – John Featherstone has been faced with numerous challenges including the Covid pandemic and the unexpected outbreak of the Khapra Beetle.

Optimistic optimisation

BY JAMES WELLS

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his year has been a baptism of fire for the new local head of Electrolux Home Products – John Featherstone.

Joining the whitegoods industry after a long and established career in telecommunications and technology, he has been faced with numerous challenges including the Covid pandemic and the unexpected outbreak of the Khapra Beetle.

However, it was well before managing the outbreak of Covid – or beetles for that matter – that Featherstone started implementing pathways to a new business structure that prepared the business to react quickly and strategically to the sudden impacts faced over the last few months.

As Featherstone took over the reins of the business from long serving Electrolux employee and former managing director, Mike Putt, his first job was to set about the journey to reshape the business which represents up to one in three dollars for certain categories in the appliance industry.

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Featherstone says the introduction of the global optimisation strategy where the main architecture was developed at the head office in Stockholm, also needed a local flavour in order to be successful.

“The optimisation strategy we are currently implementing is an end to end process allowing us to be agile and adapt for future challenges.

We are putting a local flavour on a globally implemented strategy which is based on numerous interviews conducted by external consultants to deliver improved outcomes relating to operational excellence,” Featherstone said.

“The essence of the strategy is around putting consumers at the heart of the business because they are the most critical part to Electrolux becoming more effective in the channels where we operate.

“There is a spectrum of preparedness across the retailers we work with in terms of their propensity to measure outcomes and implement new methods of operating. We understand that there is a

PROFILE AR combination of traditional and progressive retailers and not everyone is going to be shifting at the same time. Undertaking a new approach to sales and marketing will be able to deliver improved training outcomes such as who is trained, as well as when and how this is taking place.

The way we go to market and the way we execute in store – including at a distance – will deliver streamlined outcomes for Electrolux and its retailers.

“We are starting a journey that will deliver efficiencies in terms of engagement, continuity of supply, enhanced training and support tools, but we also recognise it will not be perfect from day one. We are going to work with our partners and we will step through this at their pace – it is not a case of our way or the highway. It is also something that we are implementing internally with departments such as marketing so there is a separate journey for our staff as well.”

COVID – A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

“UNDERTAKING A NEW APPROACH TO SALES AND MARKETING WILL BE ABLE TO DELIVER IMPROVED

TRAINING OUTCOMES… THE WAY WE GO TO MARKET AND THE WAY

WE EXECUTE IN STORE – INCLUDING AT A DISTANCE – WILL DELIVER

STREAMLINED OUTCOMES FOR

ELECTROLUX AND ITS RETAILERS.”

The global rollout of the optimisation strategy was already in process before the Covid pandemic exploded, but Featherstone believes that this is an ideal time to be implementing change.

"The plan forward is about looking at all of the different parts of the business and how we can be more effective including more touch points, higher frequency, but at the same time being more focused on how this will be conducted on a progressive basis – breaking down each of the silos one at a time. These are the sorts of conversations we are having and Covid will be the catalyst for this change.

“For Electrolux, retailers and consumers will see a stronger focus on having the right products as well as focus on premium positioning. From a sales perspective it will be about adapting to businesses in close proximity as well as those in remote locations, but there are no steadfast rules – the backbone of the strategy is optimisation in terms of what is best for the customer and their needs.

"During Covid, we have not been able to have the one-on-one conversations with retailers we would have expected when this plan was initially activated, so a new strategy will be required moving forward.

When retailers look across their floors, they see a range of brands and people they are dealing with representing those brands. They are operating with the same

mindset that we have – what is the best way to optimise the selling process. Is it really sustainable for a sales representative to practically take up residence in my store and spend four or more hours in a store?

We think there is a better approach and we intend to lead by example.”

COPING WITH THE KHAPRA BEETLE

It was early August when Featherstone was altered to the existence of Khapra Beetles within the packaging of some Westinghouse refrigerators shipped from the company’s Rayong facility in Thailand.

“I never knew what a Khapra Beetle was and we had never heard of it, so we set about understanding what it was and what we could do about it. We started working with Border Security and isolated the problem down to a single container. Then it was a process of contacting the heads of the various retail businesses to discuss the stock that has been received.”

As a result of the outbreak, Featherstone closed the Casula distribution centre in Sydney and other distribution facilities were closed by The Good Guys in Canberra and Winning Appliances in Sydney. Three of The Good Guys stores in Canberra were also closed for fumigation.

“What I really liked, was that the industry saw this as an industry problem and that Electrolux was a victim as much as the entire industry. There was a genuine interest in wanting to work together as an industry and share information – which is unlike some other industries I have worked in previously.

The strong relationships resulted in customers reaching out with offers to temporarily use their distribution centres and we offered help to our competitors in relation to impacted containers.

“The Khapra Beetle outbreak was a true test of our agility and it is a testament to our team and in particular our director of operations, Derek Haley, to be able to move as quickly as we did to set up a temporary pop-up distribution centre while we undertook direction from Border Force in relation to fumigation.

“I am fortunate to have arrived into a role at precisely the same time that we are introducing this new way of working – as it has highlighted that this new strategy works – and the reaction to the Khapra Beetle outbreak was another good example of our ability to be nimble and flexible during a crisis." AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR PROFILE

Magimix MD shares her bold ambitions for the brand in Australia

Magimix is market leader in value in food processors and cooking food processors in major European markets with up to 60% market share, dependent on market and category. However, the brand has been low profile in Australia for many years, according to newly appointed managing director for Australia, Wivina Chaneliere, who says it’s now time to reawaken the brand and show what it can really do.

BY EMILY BENCIC

16

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

PROFILE AR warranty including our blenders with a glass jug.

The brand’s core focus is on food preparation only, made in Burgundy – the heart of gastronomy in France – with huge R&D investment, hence the slogan, ‘built better to last longer’.”

Magimix will expand its product portfolio in Australia over the coming years with additional products. Distribution of the Magimix cold press juicer was recently extended also, following an exclusive with TVSN. It is now available at David Jones, Peters of Kensington, Minimax, Kitchen Warehouse, and some loyalty programs.

“Consumers are passionate about the Magimix brand with Facebook fan pages that share recipes and feedback from retailers has been overwhelming for the brand.”

“W

e want to be at the top end of the food prep category as a premium brand and we will invest in the category to drive consumers into stores,” Chaneliere told Appliance Retailer.

“Magimix is currently available through David Jones, Myer, Kitchen Warehouse, MiniMax, Peters of Kensington, and TVSN, as well as some loyalty programs but I want to resume our partnership with independent kitchen stores. For various reasons some stopped supporting small appliances but as high-end specialist stores, they understand customer expectations and have knowledgeable store staff to sell a high-end food processor.”

Chaneliere said she is looking for strategic partnerships as distribution will be kept tight and the brand will never be sold online only.

“There needs to be a strong bricks and mortar presence in parallel to an online presence because consumers want to see and touch the machines and feel what they are getting.”

Her plan is to implement a 360-degree marketing plan to drive brand awareness for Magimix because there is some confusion among consumers when it comes to Magimix’s French heritage with other market players, Bamix and Thermomix being Swiss and German respectively.

“Magimix is still made in France and its food processors are all equipped with induction motors that come with a 30-year warranty. Magimix is a very trusted and successful brand and the product quality is the main asset with all products equipped with the same technology as the commercial industry,” she said.

“Consumers who purchase the product know that it will still be there and working 30 years later.

The motors on all our products have a 30-year

COOKING FOOD PROCESSOR MARKET PRESENTS HUGE OPPORTUNITY Left: The Cook Expert replaces up to 15 small appliances in the kitchen.

Above: The Magimix Juice Expert 3 is now available through various traditional retailers following an exclusive deal with TVSN.

Household penetration in Australia for the cooking food processor (CFP) category sits at around 5% so there is huge opportunity for growth outside of the party plan market, according to Chaneliere.

“Many European countries have managed to develop the category. In France, the size of the retail market for CFP is as big as the party plan market with hundreds of thousands of machines.

Similarly, in Germany and Spain, the market is very developed and high street retailers are enjoying strong revenue, so there is no reason why Australia can’t do the same,” she said.

“We are talking about a small appliance that sells at the same price as an oven, cooktop and refrigerator – it’s a small footprint with a high price tag. What’s not to like about that?

“To the high street SDA retailers, I ask you – why have you left the CFP category? You need to jump back in because it is the future of SDA food preparation and cooking, particularly with COVID-19 as more people cook from home.

Magimix enables consumers to cook homemade meals in minutes, save money and time and have peace of mind with a 30-year warranty – it ticks all the boxes.”

During her 25-year career in SDA in Australia, Chaneliere has built many product categories including the steam generator, air fryer, garment steamer and electrical pressure cooker, and she believes the CFP category has the potential to become the next leading category.

“One of the reasons I accepted the role with Magimix was because just before I left Tefal, this category was starting to emerge and then a few years later just slumped. I have unfinished business in Australia with this category and I would love to see it become the leading food prep category in the near future. Magimix has the best version of the CFP so it was the best way to resume my mission for this category.” ➤ www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR PROFILE

THE COOK EXPERT

The Magimix Food Processor CS 5200 XL has three bowls in one, an induction motor and a handy storage box to house accessories.

Magimix History Magimix was first established in 1961 by Pierre Verdun, a butcher from Montceau les Mines, a small village located in the heart of Burgundy, a region noted for its gastronomy, and Robert Comte created the first food preparation machine with a blade on the bottom of the pot.

The idea was to create a single machine that could perform a variety of routine tasks for professional chefs such as chopping, grinding, kneading and shredding. It was patented and became the first multi-function food processor in the world. Verdun’s wife then asked for a smaller version of the product for domestic use and in 1971, the first compact domestic food processer was created under the brand name Magiwmix.

The brand was quickly developed around the world and

18

in the US under the name Cuisinart.

After a tumultuous relationship between Cuisinart and RobotCoupe, Verdun left the company in 1980 when groupe Hameur took over the two brands and remains the sole owner of the company with over 150 employees and an international brand presence.

Magimix entered the Australian market in 1998 with Cambur as the distributor and was officially launched at the Sydney Fair in 1999. The brand was developed across a select distribution model which focused on department stores and independent kitchen chains.

With the closure of Cambur in 2018, Magimix created its own subsidiary and distributes the brand direct in Australia. The head office is now based in the same office as Robot-Coupe in Artarmon, Sydney.

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

The Cook Expert, commonly known as the cooking food processor, multifunctional all-in-one appliance or thermo machine, replaces up to 15 small appliances in the kitchen including the blender, food processor, chopper, mixer, kitchen machine, steamer, rice cooker, slow cooker, pots and pans, ice cream maker, juicer, citrus press, sous vide and yogurt maker.

With a 30-year repair – not replacement – warranty, the appliance is sustainable as it does not contribute to landfill like other cheap appliances.

Consumers can cook homemade meals in minutes such as risottos, curry, mousses, cakes, and even bread with the Cook Expert controlling the proving to the degree. It also saves money as consumers can easily cook pantry staples like mayonnaise, custard, stock, soups, and dips from scratch.

Effective 1 October, Magimix increased the price of the Cook Expert to $2,299, which is the highest price point in the category. Chaneliere outlined why it is best-in-class.

1. It has the largest bowl capacity at 2.5 litres compared to other cooking food processors (CFP) in the market 2. It is the only CFP Induction based heating technology for users to control the temperature to the degree 3. It is the only CFP with a dual walled bowl to keep food warm longer 4. It is the only CFP that has a 100% stainless steel steam bowl 5. It has a large glass see through lid to control what is happening inside 6. The software is 100% free once the machine is purchased and the company keeps customers informed of all upgrades 7. It is the only CFP that provides a 30-year warranty 8. It is the only CFP that offers a high-performance food processor The Cook Expert is two appliances in one. The metal bowl enables the machine to steam, cook and slow cook, while the standard food processor does the chopping, kneading, shredding, slicing, emulsifying and grating.

It comes with an array of accessories with additional attachments sold separately including a spiraliser, French fry kit, juicer, larger steamer, additional slicing and shredding discs, puree maker, dough hooks and more.

There are thousands of recipes on the accompanying app with additional recipes on Facebook fan pages. Recipes can be easily transferred directly onto the Cook Expert and there are cookbooks available.

On Product Review, the Cook Expert has received over 400 reviews with a rating of 4.8 stars and has been awarded the best all-in-one cooking machine for the past four years, Magimix food processors have been Choice recommended for many years and with their low noise levels, numerous Magimix products have also received the Quiet Award. AR

FEATURE

Home CafĂŠ Automatic | Manual | Capsule/Portioned Machines | Milk Frothers | Coffee Accessories

Better Everyday

AR HOME CAFÉ

COVID restrictions accelerate demand for

at-home coffee experiences

BY EMILY BENCIC

C

offee machines, including automatic, manual, and capsule, were one of the largest growing categories in small appliances tracked by GfK from April to June 2020.

More broadly, for the period from September 2019 to July 2020, the category experienced 35% unit growth and 43% value growth compared to the previous corresponding period, according to GfK data.

While all sub-types in the market saw double digit growth, manual machines achieved the greatest uplift, growing by more than 75% in volume year-on-year during the April to July 2020 period alone.

Euromonitor data registered 2% growth for coffee machines in 2020 with consumers seeking to replicate the café quality coffee experience at home with customisation of bean type, strength and temperature.

“Less customisation and environmental concerns linked to capsules used for pod machines are not allowing significant growth. The shift from high volume

turnover items is visible as consumers are looking for better performance models and high-quality features,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said.

According to Nespresso, the portioned machine segment still accounts for more than one in two espresso and single serve filtered coffee machines sold.

“Nespresso continues to dominate the single serve category, with further growth fueled by the work from home model, together with new launches, strong promotional activity during key retail buying periods, and a consumer’s desire for a machine which provides a range of quality coffees, with ease of use,” B2C commercial director, John Ciaglia said.

Nestlé data has shown that instant coffee remains the most popular segment for in-home coffee accounting for 65% of the total market, despite being in decline.

“There is a significant opportunity to trade these consumers up to better quality coffee experiences at home,” marketing manager, Bryan Win said.

HOME CAFÉ AR

DE’LONGHI

Jessica Hull Category Manager With people spending more time at home throughout 2020 and into the foreseeable future, demand for all types of domestic coffee machines is continuing to strengthen, according to De’Longhi’s Jessica Hull.

“Australian consumers love their coffee and amid the uncertainty, they are looking for the best way to replicate their favourite coffee at home,” she said.

Hull described Australians as “very discerning” when it comes to coffee quality, and when creating coffee at home, they are looking to replicate the same barista quality they receive from their local café.

“The ability to customise coffee at home to achieve the same result is important. De’Longhi fully automatic machines allow consumers to customise the type of beans, strength, quantity, milk foam, temperature and recipe they desire at the touch of a button.

“However, it can be challenging for consumers to find a coffee machine that best suits their lifestyle, so education is key for them to find the right machine and coffee experience that meets their needs,” she said.

PROMOTION

De’Longhi continues to focus on coffee awareness and education with strong consumer media campaigns through a multitude of channels, as well as consumer bonuses during key gifting periods and a virtual barista service for premium machines, providing a tailored one-on-one coffee consultation.

De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro EC9665.M

`Bean

Adapt technology to control grind, dose and temperature `Dual

milk systems – LatteCrema Automatic or MyLatteArt Manual `Dynamic

pre-infusion adapts to the density of the dose `Smart

Tamping Station for consistent pressure without mess RRP: $1,999

“De’Longhi has coffee machines for every coffee segment whether the consumer prefers a slow drip coffee machine, the simplicity of a capsule, the craft and experimentation of a self-made manual machine, or a fully automatic tailor-made machine producing barista coffee at the touch of a button.”

De’Longhi’s latest innovation in manual pump coffee machines is the La Specialista Maestro featuring De’Longhi’s Bean Adapt technology for users to control the grind, dose and temperature to get the best flavour and extraction out of their coffee beans.

“The La Specialista Maestro also features dual milk systems – De’Longhi’s LatteCrema automatic milk system and the new MyLatteArt steam wand to texture micro foam for latte art creations. Sensor Grinding technology delivers a consistent coffee dose, a Smart Tamping Station means consistent pressure without mess, Dynamic pre-infusion adapts the pre-infusion to the density of the dose, and Active Temperature Control stabilises the temperature for ideal coffee brewing,” Hull said. AR

Better Everyday

AR HOME CAFÉ

NESTLÉ

Bryan Win Marketing Manager COVID-19 has shifted coffee consumption from out-of-home to in-home, accelerating the purchase of capsule machines and consumption of coffee pods, Nestlé’s Bryan Win said.

“We expect this trend to continue post-COVID due to the high coffee quality of pods, accessibility to shoppers, variety on offer and value for money proposition.”

Nestlé data has shown that the category including capsule, solo traditional and fully automatic machines, experienced 36% growth in units for the year to June 2020. Further, the single serve capsule machine category including grocery and mass channels, saw growth of 23% in the same period.

Jura Z8

`21 programmable specialities `4.3-inch

highresolution touchscreen colour display `Two pumps and two heating systems for coffee and milk to be prepared in parallel `The Professional Aroma Grinder produces 12.2% more aroma and consistently high grind quality over the entire service life RRP: $4,690

JURA

Melinda Nuzzaco Marketing Executive

There has also been a significant increase in online shopping and surprisingly much of the growth has come from the elderly and retirees who were under indexed in online shopping pre-COVID, Win said.

Jura’s Melinda Nuzzaco shared a relatively positive outlook for the coffee machine category as consumers invest more in their homes during COVID-19.

Nestlé continues to support the Starbucks brand with capsules for the Nescafé Dolce Gusto (NDG) systems remaining a key focus. In time for Christmas, Nestlé will introduce a limited-edition, seasonal Starbucks favourite coffee flavour, Toffee Nut Latte.

“This has been further amplified with reduced spend on travel and entertainment in combination with lockdown restrictions for many cafes, further limiting access to barista-quality coffee,” she said.

“The timing could not be more ideal to bring home a unique coffee shop experience, given the ‘new normal’. Home has been recast as the coffee shop with more ease and convenience,” Win said.

A new NDG machine, the Genio S, will also be launched ahead of Christmas available in all-inclusive bundle packs with bonus Starbucks pods and accessories from RRP $99. AR

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S

`Compact

and sleek design `Temperature

control for increased personalisation `LED ring customises size of drink from short to XL `Espresso

Boost technology for more intense and concentrated espresso RRP: Starting from $99

A recent Jura study showed that 72% of consumers intending on buying a coffee machine in the next six to 12 months already owned a machine, which suggests the need to upgrade due to increased usage by family members at home.

“With such a focus on the home there is an opportunity to upgrade consumers with the latest products and innovations that will provide comfort to those who are staying at home.”

This includes Wi-Fi enabled products and accessories which are making their way into the coffee machine category.

“Now more than ever there is an expectation that all appliances in the home work together with perfect synergy. Advancements in Wi-Fi technology means that accessories such as the milk fridge can communicate to the coffee machine wirelessly alerting the user to actionable messages.

Now it is also possible to prepare a coffee from a smart device, including an Apple Watch.”

However, during COVID-19, there has been increased pressure on supply due to the unplanned spike in demand and Nuzzaco expects this to continue as supply chains recover from production challenges and lengthy freight delays. AR

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Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Better Everyday

AR HOME CAFÉ

NEWELL BRANDS

Elena Pintado Senior Manager – Brand Marketing Appliances and Cookware

Lavazza Smeg A Modo Mio

`Heat

up time is less than 30 seconds `Only

44dB of sound during operation `Intuitive

and userfriendly interface `Available

in black, cream and red RRP: $349

LAVAZZA

Lavazza is uniquely placed as a provider of coffee machines, fresh beans, capsules and office solutions to fulfil the overall coffee market, according to Marcus Lo Russo.

In November, Lavazza will release a new A Modo Mio coffee machine in partnership with Smeg, combining unique design and advanced technology.

A Modo Mio is Lavazza’s patented capsule technology. Each capsule is sealed and vacuumpacked, contains 7.5 grams of coffee which is up to 50% more than regular coffee pods, is individually pre-tamped to maximise flavour, texture and quality, and offers a slower extraction for a richer and creamier coffee. AR 24

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

“Whilst consumers may have more time at home, they are on the lookout for brands and products that help make the step toward a manual coffee machine easier and less intimidating.”

The Sunbeam Mini Barista and Barista Max are now available in a matte black finish. The Mini Barista features a café size 58mm group head, Auto Shot control, powerful steam wand and an intuitive easy to use control panel. AR

“With the explosive growth of manual and fully automatic coffee machines, we’ve seen beans continue to sell at record rates – more than 30% up in grocery channels on previous years,” he said.

“Australian consumers continue to be hugely engaged in this space with recent Lavazza research revealing that 90% of the Australian population drinks an espresso-based beverage, consuming on average of 3.1 coffees per day. In particular, consumers aged between 25 and 44 years old are choosing espresso-style beverages over traditional instant, percolator or plunger coffee at a rate of more than 50 to 80% higher,” Lo Russo said.

“Manual espresso machines continue to show exceptional growth as Australia’s love of coffee intensifies and consumer expectations of the athome coffee experience evolve and increase,” she said.

Coffee machines are always on the kitchen counter, so they need to look the part with smart, sleek on-trend colours in high demand. “We see the continued popularity and growth of matte black kitchen appliances as a classic way to add style to any kitchen,” Pintado said.

Marcus Lo Russo Category Strategy & Development Manager

In response to this growth, Lavazza has launched a new range of slow drum roasted and speciallypicked beans to suit these machines.

As people spend more time at home, the need for reliable, quick, and easy access to coffee is driving the category forward, according to Newell Brands’ Elena Pintado.

Sunbeam Barista Max

`Tap & Go integrated grinder `Temp

IQ Shot Control for consistent temperature and flavour `Auto

Shot control automatically pours the right amount every time `Accessories

include café size 58mm group head, café tamper, 460ml café milk jug, two single floor filter baskets, cleaning pin and grinder brush RRP: $699

SUNBEAM PROMOTION

The Sunbeam New Black Classics campaign will run across digital media, influencer, and social media channels until December.

Coffee pleasure –

freshly ground, not capsuled.

Roger Federer Greatest tennis champion of all time

The elegant Z8 impresses even the most discerning coffee lovers – like Roger Federer. With its sculptural design, featuring top and front sections made of 3 mm thick aluminium, it makes a statement in any surroundings. With cutting-edge technologies like the Professional Aroma Grinder, P.E.P.® and fine foam technology, it offers 21 different speciality coffees from the fiery short ristretto to the delicious long barista lungo, all prepared at the touch of a button. The 4.3" touchscreen display makes operation easy and intuitive. Thanks to the Smart Connect you can even operate the Z8 from your smartphone, while the I.W.S. automatically detects the water filter. JURA – If you love coffee. jura.com

AR HOME CAFÉ

NESPRESSO

John Ciaglia B2C Commercial Director The category has performed well during COVID-19 with strong demand for coffee machines to replicate the café experience at home, Nespresso’s John Ciaglia said.

Smeg Milk Frother MFF01

`500-watt

motor `Stainless

steel carafe with Tritan lid `Induction

system with auto switch off `600mL

heating capacity and 250mL frothing capacity

“Before COVID, many people purchased take away coffees, or consumed coffee in the workplace, and they have now been enticed to purchase a coffee machine to continue enjoying quality coffee at home,” he said.

RRP: $269

“Similarly, many people have upgraded their machine as they are using it more regularly.

COVID has shown us that the Australian coffee culture is well entrenched, and for many, quality coffee is seen as a necessity, rather than a luxury.”

SMEG

Arthur Banbas National Manager – Small Domestic Appliances

When asked about the key trends driving growth, he said consumers are looking for machines that are versatile, affordable, and convenient, but still deliver consistent coffee quality. There is also increasing demand for products that are environmentally friendly.

“Our Vertuo range ticks all the boxes with its patented Centrifusion coffee extraction system and intelligent barcode recognition technology. It makes quality coffee in five different cup sizes at the touch of a button with over 25 blends of roast and ground coffee to choose from,” he said.

While COVID has been positive for sales performance, the pandemic has also presented challenges for the execution of in-store tastings and demonstrations.

“We have had to pivot to provide a sales experience in innovative ways, including greater emphasis on demonstrations together with continued investment in communication assets, such as videos,” he said. AR

Consumers are seeking barista style brews from the comfort of their home using quality, stylish appliances that perform well, Smeg’s Arthur Banbas said.

Nespresso Vertuo Next

`30 second heat up `Available

in eight colours `Contemporary

design in compact footprint `Made

with 54% recycled plastic and packaging is 100% recyclable RRP: From $249

“They ultimately want a range of products to suit their individual needs and will invest in coffee machines and accessories they can use year-round.

Milk frothers and grinders play a significant role in this as they deliver a personalised cafe experience for users to make coffee their way including iced coffee and cold brew which are popular choices during the warmer months.”

Smeg’s drip coffee machine and milk frother guarantee the perfect brew, cold or hot. The drip coffee machine ensures freshly brewed coffee in the morning with an auto start function and digital timer. For iced lattes, the Smeg milk frother features a gentle, multipurpose induction system to aerate cold milk.

Smeg’s conical burr grinder allows consumers to sample a range of beans or create their own blend. Offering 30 grinding steps in three macro segments, the fine ground is perfect for an espresso style brew while the medium ground is the key to drip coffee.

“The challenge of converting instant coffee drinkers to coffee connoisseurs continues,” Banbas said. “Consumers are seeking fuss-free café quality coffee and Smeg’s offering delivers easy to use coffee solutions for at home coffee connoisseurs.”

In November, in collaboration with Lavazza, Smeg will launch a coffee capsule machine. Available in red, cream and black, it is complemented by Smeg’s milk frother. AR

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Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

AR HOME CAFÉ

BOSCH

Christine Haas Product Manager The coffee machine category has undergone recent changes due to COVID-19 with Bosch experiencing an uptick in interest and sales of its fully automatic coffee machines.

“With consumers not able to go out to enjoy a barista-made coffee as often as they might like, they still want to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the comfort of their home,” Christine Haas said.

“We expect market growth to continue as people adapt to this new norm of coffee consumption, and enjoy professional standards of hot beverages at home.”

Gaggenau Fully Automatic Coffee Machine 400 Series CM 470 111

`Rotary

knob and TFT touch display operation `Ability

to save up to eight personalised configurations `Continuous

flow heater means no waiting time and constant brewing temperature `Empty

grinding function switches between different beans without mixing them together RRP: $6,999

GAGGENAU

Olya Yemchenko Brand Communications Manager

When asked about category trends, Haas said coffee machines are gaining further consideration when it comes to fitting into the kitchen design.

“The integration of built-in appliances in stacked tower or horizontal configurations not only includes ovens, steam ovens and vacuum drawers, but also integrated coffee machines to perfectly round out a gourmet experience.”

As for new technology, Haas highlighted the Bosch MyCoffee feature that can save an individual coffee order and store up to eight beverages with the preferred strength, size, temperature and milk quantity, delivered at the touch of a button.

“Easy to clean coffee machines are also a must.

A short steam draft cleans the milk system automatically after each milk beverage. Cleaning in the dishwasher once a week is all it takes,” she said. AR 28

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Bosch Series 8 Built-In Fully Automatic Coffee Machine CTL636EB6

`One-touch

preparation `MyCoffee

function can save up to eight beverage favourites `SensoFlow

system delivers the ideal brewing temperature consistently `Fully

automatic steam cleaning for the milk system after each beverage is made RRP: $4,699

The Australian café culture has shifted to more specialised coffee preferences, according to Gaggenau’s Olya Yemchenko, so the key is to offer this within a home setting.

“Gaggenau built-in machines satisfy customised coffee preferences by allowing users to personalise and store different beverages for all members of the household to enjoy their coffee the way they like it at the touch of a button,” she said.

The strongest market trend is a focus on design and integration of built-in appliances in stacked tower or horizontal configurations. “The inclusion of builtin coffee machines alongside ovens, steam ovens and vacuum drawers creates a visually striking assortment, while catering to culinary ambitions.”

With Gaggenau fully automatic machines, consumers can benefit from two grinding and brewing cycles to make two cups of coffee simultaneously. The fixed inlet and outlet water connection removes the need to fill the water tank or empty the drip tray. AR

FEATURE

Refrigeration French Door | Side by Side | Top Mount | Bottom Mount

AR REFRIGERATION

Covid-19 and connectivity the big influencers for refrigerator sales

W

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

hile the majority of Australian homes contain a single refrigerator, 30% of households report owning two or more units, reaching a high 37% in Queensland, according to the latest household appliance research from BIS Oxford Economics. “Unsurprisingly, 2-door models dominate Australian kitchens with 72% ownership, however, this figure is down on previous years, as refrigerators with three or more doors/drawers have gained traction and are now present in 11% of kitchens,” associate director, Paul Giles said.

“Across all recent refrigerator purchases the average price paid is $1,074, the most likely source of product research is online reviews and 2-door side-by-side models receive the highest consumer recommendation, just ahead of 2-door bottom mounts,” he said.

Retail volume of refrigeration appliances increased 2% in 2020 as food stockpiling during the initial stage of lockdown supported overall volume sales. Energy efficiency is influencing purchasing decisions too with manufacturers releasing models with up to 6-star energy ratings, according to Euromonitor research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas. “Additionally, there has been a lot of innovation as leading players are launching connected refrigeration appliances and introducing new features to minimise food waste.

“Double door top mount freezers continue to remain the most popular option with a wide range of SKUs, followed by double door bottom mount freezers,” she said.

New Westinghouse research found people are turning to the kitchen as a pandemic coping mechanism, with 62% cooking more in this period of self-isolation.

E VERY APPLIAN C E I N D ESIG N ER DAR K

westing h o u se.com . a u

N OW YO U C A N CO O R D I NATE E VERY K ITC H EN A PPLIA N C E WITH A S PI R E .

O U R N E W DA R K STAI N LES S R A N G E .

REFRIGERATION AR

Westinghouse French Door Fridge WHE6874BA `SmartSplit

asymmetrical door for more usable space `FreshSeal

easy glide crispers with automatic humidity control `Slide

back and flip up shelf for tall and large items RRP: $3,499

Recent Westinghouse research found people are turning to the kitchen as a pandemic coping mechanism, with more than six in 10 Australians (62%) cooking more in this period of selfisolation. With people staying in and spending time batch cooking and meal prepping, the ability to customise fridge or freezer space has become more relevant than ever, Henley said.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS

John Henley Category Manager – Taste/Food Preservation The refrigeration category is embracing innovations that enable greater connectivity and customisation for a more personal and effective experience, depending on consumer needs, according to John Henley.

“We are also seeing the impact of COVID-19, which means consumers are staying at home more and looking to upgrade their appliances, resulting in an uptake in sales in the refrigeration category,” he said.

“Consumers are increasingly looking to customise their appliances, particularly for convertible compartments that enable them to switch up the configuration of their fridge or freezer, a consistently strong trend in the category.”

Connectivity is another strong trend, and consumers are embracing the ability to communicate seamlessly with their fridges.

“With the Electrolux Life app, users can confidently know that their produce is in the desired conditions by being able to monitor and adjust the temperature from a smartphone.

Further, reminders are sent when it is time to change the filter cartridge, or an alert is received when the door is accidentally left open.”

The impact COVID-19 has had on consumer behaviour has increased reliance on digital content and the importance of online product ratings and reviews to influence consumer purchase, he said.

The Westinghouse 680 litre French door fridge with FlexSpace convertible drawer was launched in September. At the press of a button, the drawer converts from a fridge to a freezer. There are five predefined temperature settings, ranging from -23°C to +7°C providing the ideal storage environment for different foods, so fridge or freezer space can be extended depending on particular needs. A further two 680 litre models featuring the FlexiSpace convertible compartment were launched in October in stainless steel and dark stainless steel. These were designed for consumers who prefer an organised freezer section with drawers and door bins. AR

AR REFRIGERATION

“

Customers in the replacement market who have had experience with entry-level models have a greater desire for newer designs, more storage capacity, and are willing to pay for key features from reliable brands.

”

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Garth Hickey National Retail Sales Manager Despite the challenges 2020 has presented, Mitsubishi Electric is looking to the coming season with some optimism. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the pandemic and its distressing effect on the health and economic outcomes for many Australians,” Garth Hickey said. “As many settled into working from home, and with reduced travel opportunities, there has been a realignment of priorities with a focus on home comfort and improvements. Depending on the changing nature of this pandemic, we may see some continued growth in the category.”

Demand is coming from larger models, particularly the French door segments and from customers who are spending more time at home for work or because of travel restrictions. Some customers are upgrading their refrigerators out of necessity as they require a larger capacity, or, as part of kitchen upgrades, Hickey said.

“Customers in the replacement market who have had experience with entry-level models have a greater desire for newer designs, more storage capacity, and are willing to pay for key features from reliable brands. The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home, and the refrigerator is one of the appliances customers are interested in upgrading,” he said.

Earlier this year Mitsubishi Electric released a 492 litre 3-door bottom mount refrigerator. The unique design comes with externally accessible vegetable and freezer drawers and a non-plumbed automatic ice maker which Hickey believes has growth potential. “The black stainless finish is on trend with modern kitchen designs and retailers who range this model will have something a little different in their offering. The 3-door design also encourages customers to be organised.”

According to Hickey, the situation around COVID-19 is constantly changing and continues to present a challenge for suppliers and retailers alike. AR

Mitsubishi Electric 3-Door Bottom Mount MR-CX492EP-BST `4.0 star energy rating with 492 litre capacity `Vegetable

and freezer drawers `Non-plumbed

automatic ice maker RRP: $2,199 32

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

FRIDG E TO FREE ZER AT TH E TOUC H O F A B UT TO N

FR EN C H DOO R FRI DG E WITH CO NVERTI B LE D R AWER

westingh o use .com . a u

AR REFRIGERATION

HISENSE

SMEG

Andre Iannuzzi Head of Marketing

Leon Wolf National Product & Procurement Manager

With warmer weather on the way, more Australians are looking to entertain in the home during these unprecedented times, according to Andre Iannuzzi. “Consumers not only want to store products for day-to-day family use, they require extra capacity for additional food and drinks, with a fridge that also fits seamlessly into kitchens. Our new 650 litre plumbed French door refrigerator meets this need with its large capacity and handy convertible door for more storage flexibility, as well as being priced with Australian families in mind.”

The refrigerator category continues to grow, with a wide variety of styles, colours and silhouettes available.

Whether it’s French door, side-by-side, top mount or bottom mount, consumers are seeking fridges that emulate their individual style, meet their requirements and champion energy efficiency, according to Leon Wolf.

“As a result of the ever-growing refrigeration category, innovation in design is more prominent than ever.

Consumers want the latest technology to deliver energy efficiency, maximum storage and simple operation,” Wolf said.

He said while style and aesthetics are important factors, Australians are showing a preference for larger storage capacity and more efficient refrigeration options. “The good news is, with reliable modern technology, refrigerators have never been more efficient.”

The new 650 litre model incorporates Hisense inverter motor technology to ensure a more stable temperature inside the fridge, continually measuring the conditions and managing the output accordingly. The refrigerator encapsulates true minimalist design, the premium flat door design gives a luxurious look and consistent feel to Australian kitchens, combined with strategically placed easy glide drawers and an ice and water dispenser for easy access of goods within the fridge.

A recent addition to the growing Hisense PureFlat Collection, the 650 litre Plumbed French door refrigerator introduces Hisense’s new Tech Metal Cooling. Located in the main refrigerator compartment is a steel metal back panel, which serves to evenly disperse a cool temperature throughout the fridge. A visibly stylish, high-end feature that delivers design and function, resulting in a temperature consistency that helps keep food fresher for longer. AR

Hisense Plumbed French Door Refrigerator HRCD650SW `Inverter

motor technology `Triple

zone temperature control `Ice and water dispenser RRP: $3,299 34

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Smeg FAB38 Freestanding Refrigerator

`510

litres of storage space `LED lighting `Life Plus 0°C drawer for preserving perishables RRP: $3,990

And the new Smeg FAB38 does just that. Manufactured in Italy and available in six colours: black, white, cream, red, pastel blue and pastel green, the FAB38 features an efficient multi flow system, larger 510 litre storage space and a new range of innovations for a premium user experience. The Life Plus 0°C drawer is a controlled temperature zone specific to Smeg’s FAB collection, for better preservation of perishable items, and internal LED lights seeing into every corner without increasing energy consumption.

Upgraded from the original collection, a digital internal control panel provides accurate temperature monitoring to ensure a long life for perishable foods.

With three functions; Eco, fast freezing and temperature alarm, the FAB38 optimises freshness and reduces food waste.

According to Wolf, the digital internal control panel in Smeg’s FAB38 is a technological innovation that guarantees even temperature control, so fruit, meat and vegetables stay fresher for longer.

Smeg’s iconic retro FAB range offers consumers a fridge to suit any home, be it classic contemporary or modern, featuring pops of colours and bold silhouettes that make a design statement in any kitchen. AR

Never compromise style for function again The premium LN Series is a wall mounted split system with a unique and sophisticated streamlined design, to complement modern interior decor.

Features » Built-In Wi-Fi » Stylish Coloured Remote Controller » Innovative Double Vane Structure

» Dual Barrier Coating » Plasma Quad Plus Filtration » 3D i-See Sensor

Available in three colours

Onyx Black Crystal Red Pearl White *1 To use Amazon Alexa to control your air conditioner, you will need an Amazon Echo device. *2 To use Google Assistant to control your air conditioner, you will need a Google Home smart speaker.

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

Phone:1300 280 625

AR REFRIGERATION

“

Remote working and learning have contributed to Australians upgrading their refrigerator, to meet the demands of a full household, who are opening the fridge more frequently than usual.

LG ELECTRONICS

”

Brad Reed Senior Marketing Manager – Home Appliances LG is finding more Australians are evaluating whether their home appliances meet their lifestyle needs based on the current restrictions being imposed. According to Brad Reed, people are becoming more creative in the kitchen testing new recipes for family and friends and there is a desire to minimise food wastage and the number of trips to the grocery store. “The refrigerator is playing a critical role in the home as we continue to adjust to this way of life,” he said.

“Remote working and learning have also contributed to Australians upgrading their refrigerator to meet the demands of a full household who are opening the fridge more frequently than usual. At LG, we understand these changing consumer demands and our refrigerator products can help offer convenience to this new way of living.”

LG InstaView Door-in-Door GF-V910MBL

`Inverter

Linear Compressor is quieter and more durable `Thin

Q for remote control of temperature settings `Slim

SpacePlus for more shelf space and door storage.

RRP: $6,359

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Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

An example of this, he said, was the InstaView Door-in-Door feature in select LG French door models that work together to meet current consumer demands. “Globally, our InstaView door-in-door refrigerator reached one million products sold worldwide in June, since its introduction in 2016.”

Underperforming cooling is often a pain point for consumers when it comes to refrigeration.

LG Surround Cooling combines the traditional rear air vents with Door Cooling outlets that are strategically positioned in the ceiling toward the front of the fridge cavity adjacent to the doors. The layout of the internal venting system is designed to more effectively surround food within the fridge with cool air from multiple directions so that the fridge can help keep food fresher for longer. AR

REFRIGERATION AR

EUROLINX

Daniel Bertuccio Marketing Manager

Miele MasterCool French Door KF2981 Vi

Eurolinx is seeing a strong trend towards integrated solutions, especially in the premium space.

“The out-of-sight out-of-mind philosophy is a popular trend,” Daniel Bertuccio said. “While there can be something stunning about having a premium looking stainless steel refrigerator in your kitchen, it’s still a stainless steel rectangle that can, in some cases throw off the symmetry of a kitchen design. And integrating the refrigerator is a great way to solve that issue,” he said.

The Eurolinx flagship refrigeration brand Fhiaba is continuing to gain traction and attention in the premium refrigeration market segment, according to Bertuccio.

“Spearheaded by our channel partner Winning Appliances, we are pleased with the progress made to date. We have just completed our Fhiaba display at our Leichhardt in Sydney head office where we have a mix of integrated, X-Pro and Classic ranges on display as well as all variations and styles with different paint finishes. “If you want to see the refrigerator, and indeed make a feature out of it, Fhiaba refrigeration solutions are now available in stunning enamel finishes like pearl white, matt steel, anthracite and rose gold,” he said.

ILVE’s refrigeration offering is also increasing in popularity. “Although a small range, it was initially sold as a companion product to ILVE cooking appliances, but we are seeing these developing into products that customers are seeking out.” The range features three models, all integrated, upside down, column fridge and column freezer.

Eurolinx is introducing Hoover fridges in late November, which will be exclusive to Appliances Online.

Initially there will be two top mount models in 333 litre and 290 litre capacities. AR

`MasterFresh

protective storage keeps food fresh up to three times longer `French

door handlesss design with Push2Open function `Wi-FiConn@activity

controllable via the Miele mobile app RRP: $15,999

MIELE

Melissa Taylor Product Manager – Cooling, Laundry & Consumables

ILVE In-Column Fridge ILREF3161

`Six adjustable shelves and two crisper drawers `Sky LED light `Reversible

door RRP: $2,699

“Australia is a nation of budding home chefs and our customers are increasingly seeking stylish yet intuitive appliances that support their healthy and vibrant kitchens,” Melissa Taylor said. “Advanced technology, connectivity and stunning design mean that these appliances can become the cornerstone of any home kitchen. Our latest range features a number of built-in and freestanding refrigerators, freezers and fridge-freezers which allow customers to select the combination that suits their needs.”

There is increasing demand for appliances that integrate seamlessly into any kitchen. Miele’s newest model, the KF 2981 MasterCool fridge/ freezer comes in a French door design which addresses this growing trend. Upgraded door paneling allows for additional storage space with wider shelves and larger door bins, with the slender door sections taking up less space.

“Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focal point for many in the home, and homeowners are fast realising that the kitchen can make the biggest difference. While most understand that energy efficient appliances are important to ensuring an eco-friendly kitchen, what many don’t realise is how much of an important role other aspects of refrigeration play. All Miele appliances are developed to enable appliance owners the ability to reduce their own energy consumption and food wastage where possible, bringing sustainability to the forefront of the entire kitchen.”

Appliance connectivity is another trend as home as consumers seek options that make their lives easier, she said. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

37

AR REFRIGERATION

LIEBHERR

Robin Werth Marketing Manager “The refrigeration category, like many appliance categories, appears to have had a strong performance so far this year, partly as a result of the coronavirus crisis,” Robin Werth said. “With more people at home, travel plans cancelled and, in the early days of the crisis, consumers stocking up on food, refrigerator and freezer sales have increased year-on-year. However, as with all categories, and the world in general, the outlook for the immediate future appears uncertain as we all battle to contain the coronavirus and manage our businesses accordingly.

“We have experienced solid sales across the category in 2020, in particular our freestanding models, as a result of an increase in the replacement market. The new BluPerformance range of freestanding fridges and freezers has helped bolster Liebherr’s growth in freestanding.”

38

Liebherr recently introduced two technologies into its freestanding BluPerformance and premium built-in Monolith ranges.

Incorporating new and improved BioFreshPlus system as well as a redesigned and innovative cooling circuit which provides exceptional energy efficiency and increased storage space, the BluPerformance range claims to deliver market-leading energy and cooling performance. BioFreshPlus, with separate electronic controls keeps dairy products, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables fresh for longer.

The new Monolith premium built-in platform of fridges and freezers features innovations including BioFreshPlus, the InfinitySwipe touch controller and a hidden water dispenser. AR

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Liebherr Monolith EKB 9671 Refrigerator & EGN 9171 Freezer

`BioFreshPlus

maintains freshness for longer in dry or humid conditions `PowerCooling

for consistent temperatures throughout the interior `Integrated

charcoal filter ensures clean air and no transfer of odours.

RRP: N/A

PROMOTION

Liebherr will look to support the range with a GWP in the lead-up to Christmas.

REFRIGERATION AR

Hitachi 4-Door French Door Refrigerator WB640VT0

`Auto

ice maker `On glass touch controls `Available

in Tempered Black Glass and Mauve Glass door finishes RRP: $3,299

HITACHI

Mark Beard Marketing Manager – Consumer Products “This category is maintaining momentum as many homes now have multiple refrigerators facilitating several purposes,” Mark Beard said.

“We see a positive outlook for medium to higher end models as consumers look to add value to their properties by renovating their kitchens.”

He said kitchen trends are all about colour and finish. “Consumers are looking beyond stainless steel and white enamel when it comes to refrigerators. Glass finishes are very ontrend and the Hitachi range of refrigerators offer glass finishes in a range of colours to suit most kitchen décors.”

Hitachi addresses fresh food waste issues with several models featuring Aero Care in the vegetable compartment, with an innovative platinum catalyst that creates optimal environment food storage. Hitachi’s exclusive vacuum compartment extracts air to keep meat and fish fresher for longer. The platinum catalyst in both compartments creates an optimal environment that sustains freshness and nutrients while the rapid freeze drawer prevents damage to food cells, freezing food at a rapid rate.

Previously only available on Hitachi’s ‘Made in Japan’ range, the recently launched RWB640VT0 4-Door French Door features the vacuum compartment and platinum catalyst. AR

FISHER & PAYKEL

Roseanna Langtry Marketing Manager A trend that is showing no signs of abating, is that black has become a kitchen neutral. “Black finishes have become almost as much a design component as is a high performing refrigerator,” Roseanna Langtry said.” Fridge profiles are flatter, providing a less intrusive fit within the kitchen and we expect this to continue in popularity.”

There is also an increasing emphasis on the importance of fresh produce for health and wellbeing that has led to a growing demand for refrigerators to have specific food zones that are easily accessible.

“This helps reduce waste and keeps food fresher for longer.”

Fisher & Paykel’s Variable Temperature Zone (VTZ) technology provides cooling flexibility to suit how people shop, cook and entertain.

Separate food modes allow for adjusting the temperature in specific zones independently and comprise pantry, fridge, chill, soft-freeze, freezer and deep freeze modes.

VTZ technology is paired with ActiveSmart Foodcare which responds to daily use, making minor, intelligent adjustments to the airflow within the refrigerator and uses only the energy required to maintain consistent temperatures.

It rapidly chills new items to a safe temperature, quickly freezes foods to retain moisture and nutrients and selects the best time to defrost. AR

Fisher & Paykel Freestanding Quad Door Refrigerator Freezer RF605QDVB1

`Variable

Temperature Zone for storage flexibility `ActiveSmart

adjusts temperature, airflow and humidity `Three

independent compartments RRP: $3,999

www.applianceretailer.com.au

39

AR REFRIGERATION

GAGGENAU

Olya Yemchenko Brand Communications Manager One of the strongest trends continues to be a focus on builtin modular refrigeration, Olya Yemchenko said. “This gives the advantage of matching refrigerators, freezers, fridge-freezer combinations based on the needs of the family, available space and allows for these appliances to be partnered in a multitude of different ways with maximum flexibility.

Panasonic French Door Refrigerator NR CY55CGKAU

`Ag Clean antibacterial and deodorising filters suppress 99.9% of mould and bacteria `FreshSafe

vegetable case maintains high humidity and a constant temperature `Electrostatic

control panel on the outside, removes the need to open the doors excessively

“Secondly, it is about cooling appliances that are fully integrated and are able to seamlessly blend into their surroundings. At Gaggenau, we take a considered approach to these appliances to ensure that everything is being maximised from space and performance to energy efficiency and choice.

“It is not so much about new technology, but about the look and evolution of the fridge, freezer, wine climate cabinets – the entire assortment of cooling products. If you have a wall of refrigeration in your home then it becomes part of the design of the kitchen, part of the architecture of the home.

Our extensive cooling portfolio complements your kitchen and inspires the private chef.”

The hero product in the range is the Vario Fridge Freezer, a fully integrated, built-in, modular family: refrigerators, freezers, fridgefreezers combinations and wine storage units. The stainless steel or aluminium door opens to reveal a stainless steel panelled within, illuminated by LED light pillars as well as ceiling spotlights. Hand fitted door racks of solid aluminium add to the hygienic interior.

Multiple and controllable climate zones ensure different food is kept fresh for longer. A motorised shelf, solid aluminium door racks, LED light pillars and ceiling spotlights, all set the 400 series apart. AR

40

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

RRP: $2,499

PANASONIC

Charissa Sano Home Appliance Category Manager

Gaggenau 400 Series Vario FridgeFreezer RY 492 504

`Cooling

section with two doors and one extendable freezing drawer `TFT touch display `LED lighting/no frost technology RRP: $19,999

From structural design and energy efficiency to design aesthetics, consumers are taking more pride in their kitchen than ever before, Charissa Sano said.

“Refrigerators are one of the most visible and used appliance categories in the kitchen and refrigerators which keep food fresh for longer, provide easy storage, are energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing are the heroes of the modern kitchen.”

And consumers are cooking more at home due to COVID-19. Australia’s plant-based food industry is also forecasting incredible growth, with the CSIRO estimating that the domestic plant-based meat market will be worth more than $6 billion by 2030.

“Australians continue to be more environmentally aware of food wastage.

Domestically, one in five grocery bags purchased is discarded and up to 40% of the average household bin consists of food.

It is no surprise that consumers are leaning towards refrigeration solutions which will help keep food fresher for longer.”

There is also increasing demand for kitchen appliances that are easy-to-use and sophisticated in their functionality and design, while being environmentally friendly, a perfect fit for the busy Australian lifestyle. AR

FEATURE

BBQ & Alfresco Barbecues | Grills | Outdoor Rangehoods | Outdoor Ovens | Complete Outdoor Kitchens

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO

Sirius Alfresco Rangehood Satin SL80BBBQ1200B

`New

satin finish `Powerful

2000 m3/hr extraction `Four

speeds and auto run on feature `Automatic

switch off after 10 minutes

“

RRP: $2,899

The alfresco area is like another room in the house now, in addition to the kitchen and bathroom.

ARISIT

Another key challenge highlighted by Williams is additional council and building regulations for alfresco areas, yet builders are still installing high power BBQs into completely enclosed areas, unaware of the requirements.

”

“This is an expensive issue for both the builder and consumer, but as each state has their own regulations, rather than a national approach, it is difficult for suppliers to educate consumers themselves,” she said.

Rachael Williams Sales and Marketing Manager – Specialist Brands The outdoor alfresco category is as popular as ever and has been growing year-on-year as a home staple rather than an option, according to Sirius’ Rachael Williams.

Steel allows customers to install a complete DIY kitchen or be recommended to installers with most units already fully assembled at purchase.

Handmade in Italy with 441 grade stainless steel, RRPs start at $13,490 with multiple combinations and sizes available, in addition to Blum accessories, soft close doors and drawers.

“More retailers are focusing on this category and giving customers excellent exposure to what is available in the market. The alfresco area is like another room in the house now, in addition to the kitchen and bathroom,” she said.

When asked about new features making their way into the category, Williams said she expects more infrared BBQ burners, dual fuel capabilities, safety switches to BBQ/hood installations, and more finishes to choose from. Black is growing in popularity, not only in BBQs but outdoor fridges and rangehoods too. AR

“This has brought new suppliers of BBQs, smokers, pizza ovens and complete outdoor kitchens into the market. However, with more suppliers comes more pressure on average sell prices (ASPs) and quality of product.”

BUILT FOR THE AUSSIE SUMMER

www.huskybrand.com.au

TROPICAL RATED

RATED IPX4 WATER RESISTANT

LED 304-GRADE LIGHTING STAINLESS STEEL

BBQ & ALFRESCO AR

Excelsior Balcony Barbie `IPX4

water rating `10 amp connection 2.2kW `Made

from 316 marine grade stainless steel `Two-year

replacement warranty RRP: $799 (BBQ only)

GBI SALES

Wayne Marshall Director Safety concerns around gas bottles from many body corporates and strata management, in combination with limited space on apartment balconies, has led to a market gap in compact electric barbecues, according to GBI Sales’ Wayne Marshall.

“In 2016, we identified these challenges and embarked on a campaign to find a quality, compact electric barbecue that would meet all the criteria to satisfy this market,” he said.

“After two years, a number of factories and many samples, a suitable product was designed and built. It was produced from 316 marine grade stainless steel with an IPX4 water rating, 10 amp and draws 2.2kW power to work on all domestic power points. It is SAA approved, compact, has a 10mm mild steel cooking surface that heats to 280 degrees Celsius and maintains the heat to ensure an even cooking process.”

There is a wall mount bracket for the BBQ to fold down to a vertical position to minimise occupied space, as well as an optional stand for the BBQ to fold down when not in use, ideal for the rental market. Two optional side shelves and a waterproof protective cover are also available. There is a twoyear replacement warranty on the BBQ. “Another market for the barbecue is the marine market as most boat owners do not like cooking with gas for safety reasons. With its compact size, 316 marine grade stainless steel and IPX4 water rating it is an ideal alternative to cooking on a boat. Drawing only 2.2kW power, boats with a Genset or portable generator can easily operate the BBQ,” Marshall said. AR

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO

“

BeefEater’s outdoor kitchen range is purpose-built to create the ultimate outdoor space. Every detail and feature is designed to fit perfectly into the space with storage doors, practical deep and wide drawers, as well as quality fittings.

”

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS

Dominic Wong Category Manager Taste – Food Preparation With people staying in and spending more time at home, Electrolux has seen more consumers wanting to create their dream outdoor BBQ space.

“Outdoor luxury living is a strong trend and consumers are wanting more than just a BBQ,” Dominic Wong said.

“BeefEater’s outdoor kitchen range is purposebuilt to create the ultimate outdoor space. Every detail and feature is designed to fit perfectly into the space with storage doors, practical deep and wide drawers, as well as quality fittings.”

44

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

The premium look and feel that consumers desire for indoor kitchens has made its way outdoors, and the BeefEater Signature Outdoor Kitchens are a perfect fit for this demand, according to Wong.

“With premium quartz stone worktops to prepare food, not only do our BeefEater Signature Outdoor Kitchens look stylish, they are durable and easy to clean and maintain. High-heat tested to withstand up to 180 degrees Celsius without scorching or cracking, BBQ creations can move from burner to bench with ease.”

The only challenge facing the category is an increased reliance on digital content during COVID-19 with online product ratings and reviews influencing the purchase decision more than ever, Wong said. AR

BeefEater Signature Alfresco Kitchen BOK56WG

`Premium

quality quartz stone worktops `Deep

and wide drawers with smooth closing to store utensils `Worktop

is a standard kitchen height of 90cm for ease of use `Durable,

marine-grade plywood cabinets for water resistance RRP: $14,299

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

valentina collection

Make a statement with Sirius.

Alfresco hood solution specialists 1. World leader in technology & design.

2. No-drip induction safe filtration system.

(Tested to CEU/IEC 61591)

3. Powerful extraction, low noise.

(Tested to International Standard ISO:9614-1 + ISO:5167)

4. Designer lighting: 40% more light, up to 6500 Kelvin.

5. European parts and craftsmanship since 1996.

Year Warranty when Sirius Ducting is used*.

www.siriusbrand.com

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 4K Electric Ignition Charcoal Outdoor Oven `Multi-functional

outdoor oven, smoker and BBQ `Touch

screen LED and Bluetooth connectivity `Unique

airflow control `Cool

to touch exterior RRP: $2,899

“

Charcoal BBQs remain a popular choice as they enable a handson and interactive cooking experience, as well as provide a source of entertainment.

”

SHRIRO

Mariela Zaharija International Marketing Manager – Seasonal Consumers are cooking and entertaining at home more than ever and with travel restrictions they are using their disposable income on updating the home, Shriro’s Mariela Zaharija said.

“In the past, BBQ purchases were a decision made by one partner but of late, an upgrade or addition to the backyard has become a family decision as a design piece for the home.”

Charcoal BBQs remain a popular choice as they enable a hands-on and interactive cooking experience, as well as provide a source of entertainment and style of cooking that brings the family together, according to Zaharija.

“We have recently developed a matte black series of BBQs due to growing demand for matte black furnishings for inside the home and increasing appeal for outdoor spaces.”

When asked about category concerns, she said forecasting and setting expectations for the season is challenging due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 and cautious spending habits from consumers, which is in line with other appliance categories.

PROMOTION

A series of consumer activations will be launched to assist retailers this BBQ season as consumers look for better value.

46

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Multifunctional appliances are ones to watch as they offer a variety of cooking techniques in one single product. “Our 4K Outdoor Oven can roast, bake, grill, low and slow, and more. A new feature is Bluetooth connectivity for users to monitor the cooking process from their smartphone and follow step-by-step instructions via the app,” she said. AR

Bringing the indoors outdoors GBI sales proudly services leading electrical, outdoor, cooling and online retailers nationwide.

Excelair Outdoor Heaters

Excelsior BBQ Rangehoods

Excelsior Balcony Barbie

Honeywell outdoor Coolers

Excelsior Boat Barbie Please contact info@gbi.com.au for further information.

GBI Sales www.gbi.com.au

AR BBQ & ALFRESCO

EUROLINX

Daniel Bertuccio Marketing Manager Over the last few years, the built-in BBQ and outdoor living market has gone from strength to strength and this trend has only accelerated in 2020 with Eurolinx’s Daniel Bertuccio describing it as “the year of dining at home”.

The more uncertainty surrounding socialising and dining out, the stronger the outdoor category will become, he said.

“As we increasingly look to online tutorials for the next recipe or BBQ hack, the more we find ourselves staring out the back door imagining what could be of the backyard entertainment area.”

Any new home build or large-scale renovation today has an outdoor entertaining area included in plans but now isolated exterior projects like landscaping and patio add-ons are designed with a focus on outdoor entertaining and cooking, according to Bertuccio.

“Gone are the days of BBQing in the back corner of the yard or down the side of the house.”

48

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Eurolinx is seeing tremendous growth for the Artusi brand and its built-in BBQ. In 2021, two new variants of the existing built-in BBQ will be released, alongside a new colour choice to complement the stainless steel and gloss black options already available.

The BBQs will also soon have an accessory to convert the unit into a smoker. Completing the offer is the all-in-one outdoor kitchen solution made from neo-Linth stone and anodised aluminium sold complete with appliances. AR

Artusi Outdoor Kitchen ABBQPACK1

`Granitek

sink and mixer tap `Retractable

drip tray and pre-drilled ventilation holes `Steel

frame galvanised and powder coated for protection against corrosion `Includes

six appliances (ABS1, ABBQ1B, ABFLAT, AGS411B, ASM101B, ABC1B) RRP: $12,999

BBQ & ALFRESCO AR

GROUPE SEB

Marine Pestel Marketing Director Tefal has seen a sales surge across all appliances, as people cook more at home and seek innovative solutions during COVID-19, Marine Pestel said.

“There are less opportunities to go out so there is a greater desire to enjoy food at home. For Tefal, grilling is a focus category that leverages our experience in non-stick fryware and smart products, allowing us to be at the forefront of home cooking.”

Over the past few years, there has been a rise in plant-based diets such as veganism, with those consumers looking for innovative methods to grill a variety of vegetables and fruits, coupled with an increase in experimenting with fusion foods and recipes, according to Pestel.

Tefal OptiGrill Elite

`Digital

screen and touch-sensitive panel `2000W

power and new searing boost function `Automatically

adjusts cooking time according to thickness of meat and number of pieces being cooked `12 automatic programs: Beef, Poultry, Sausage, Bacon, Burger, Panini, Fish, Seafood, Potato, Pepper, Eggplant and Tomato RRP: $399.95

“

The Tefal OptiGrill range is ideal for people who want to enjoy the flavours and results of barbecued food without the hassle or need for an outdoor space to accommodate a full-size barbecue.

”

“The electric grilling category was previously rather basic, with simple grills competing against backyard gas barbecues. We are now moving towards more sophisticated, powerful and high performing products that really compete against the traditional barbecue,” she said.

“With more people living in apartments or townhouses with smaller outdoor areas, having a full-sized barbecue is not always a viable option, so we see an opportunity to offer products that are easy to use and easy to clean.”

The Tefal OptiGrill range is ideal for people who want to enjoy the flavours and results of barbecued food without the hassle or need for an outdoor space to accommodate a full-size barbecue.

The new OptiGrill Elite with smart technology tailors grilling results to individual preferences and takes the guesswork out of cooking seafood, meat, vegetables and fruit thanks to its automatic sensor and grilling results indicator. For time-poor consumers, fast heat up time is coupled with a countdown timer so users know exactly when food will be ready. The grill plates are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. AR

PROMOTION

With the purchase of a Tefal OptiGrill+ or OptiGrill Elite between 26 November 2020 and 6 January 2021, consumers will receive a bonus snack and baking tray accessory via redemption. The tray converts the grill into a mini oven to bake a cake, cook a pizza or reheat food.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR COOLING

Split systems keep their cool ahead of portable units

BY EMILY BENCIC

50

The air conditioning category reported a marginal volume decline in 2020 due to the drop in sales via the commercial market, according to recent Euromonitor data.

Split air conditioners recorded positive growth for 2020 and continue to remain the most popular fixed option due to the wide range of models available. Portable air conditioners experienced a negative volume decline with sales cannibalised by split systems.

Energy efficiency remains a top priority when it comes to choosing the most suitable model for the home, according to Euromonitor research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas. “Cooling fans remain popular in Australian households due to their affordable pricing as opposed to installing an air conditioner. As consumers suffer from longer heat waves during the summer months, they are looking for easy and quick cooling solutions without the need of spending big or waiting for installation.�

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

COOLING AR

FUJITSU GENERAL

George Tsiotras National Retail Manager While growth hasn’t been as strong as previous years with changes in consumer spending due to COVID-19, Fujitsu General has continued to offer incentives while also educating consumers about the benefits of air conditioning to ensure the brand remains top of mind.

popular choice for those wanting an easy to install, flexible whole home solution controlled by just one outdoor unit. The Multi System delivers individual room temperature control and is an ideal alternative to ducted systems where ceiling space is limited.”

“We feel positive about the upcoming summer season. Although consumer spending has been conservative due to economic uncertainty and social restrictions, Australians are home a lot more than usual and having a comfortable home makes being indoors more enjoyable,” George Tsiotras said.

In addition to shifts in consumer spending towards categories relating to setting up working and learning from home areas, COVID-19 has also presented some limitations around visiting retail stores in different states.

“There has also been a significant lift in consumer enquiries relating to product research and system selection as retailers sell more online and this gives us confidence there is still strong interest in the category.”

When it comes to the purchase decision, consumers continue to look for products that are energy efficient, high quality with accessible after sales support.

“Air conditioning systems with features that help homeowners manage energy consumption are popular. The Fujitsu General KMTC Lifestyle range include features that can assist with efficient operation such as Human Sensor Control, economy mode and weekly timers.

“The Fujitsu General 5 and 6 head Multi Systems are also becoming a more

“Fujitsu General has focused on supporting retail customers as much as possible. Consumers need to have easy access to the customer support teams of quality brands to ensure they don’t fall into the trap of buying cheaper products that don’t have long term warranty, customer service and access to professional installers.”

The latest technology from Fujitsu General is the anywAiR technology Wi-Fi device compatible with existing Fujitsu General air conditioners up to 10 years old that operate with a wireless remote control with infrared technology.

With the myanywAiR app, users can view or change the temperature setpoint, fan speed and louver position for multiple units; set the individual operating mode of each unit; view individual room temperatures; set timers and scenes; and turn individual units on or off. AR

Fujitsu General Wall Mounted KMTC ASTG18KMTC `Slim,

modern design `Human

Sensor Control `Hi-density,

large heat exchanger `Low noise and super quiet modes SRP: $2,669

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR COOLING

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Bronte 7.1kW SRK71ZRA-W

`Long

Reach Airflow of up to 18 metres in cooling conditions `High

Power Operation for 15 minutes of boosted power quickly cools the room `3D Auto Airflow activates three independent motors to evenly distribute airflow `Allergen

Clear Operation activates enzymes in the specially designed filter, neutralising and suppressing airborne allergens

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES

Adrian Brown General Manager – Sales and Planning With many consumers continuing to work from home for the foreseeable future, a further increase in demand for cooling solutions over summer is likely, according to Adrian Brown from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA).

“Energy efficiency is one of the strongest trends.

The introduction of the New Zoned Energy Rating Labels and changes to energy rating testing indicates that there will be a continual push for manufacturers to develop improved energy efficient units,” he said.

Another key trend is the growth in Wi-Fi technology and subsequent features including voice command. “Consumers are looking for products that are easy to use, convenient and can be operated from outside the home.”

RRP: N/A

“

Another key trend is the growth in Wi-Fi technology and subsequent features including voice command.

”

The biggest challenge for the category is the impact of COVID-19 and its likely continuation into the summer months so MHIAA is monitoring the situation across Australia and New Zealand to ensure all team members are following government recommendations and guidelines.

“This summer may be challenging but we continue to offer our customers, dealers and consumers support during this time in line with government requirements,” Brown said.

The hero product from MHIAA is the Bronte 7.1kW unit incorporating the same advanced fan blade technology used in the development of jet engines. It features a market leading long reach airflow to efficiently deliver a powerful, yet quiet and evenly distributed airflow. AR

PROMOTION

From October to December 2020, MHIAA will run a consumer cashback campaign focusing on its split systems and ducted systems.

52

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Let your customers control their comfort.

Anytime, anywhere.

AC control

Switch unit on or off

Mode

Easily switch between cooling and heating

Setpoint Tº

Adjust temperature set point

Room ambient Tº Monitor your room’s temperature

Fan speed

Adjust the fan speed remotely

The smart solution to help you drive sales The Fujitsu General anywAiR technology Wi-Fi device offers users a Wi-Fi infrared solution to remotely control the indoor comfort of their home or office. It’s compatible with a range of Fujitsu General air conditioning units up to 10 years old.

Infrared

The easy to use myanywAIR app enables users to view or change the temperature setpoint, fan speed and louver position for multiple units; set the individual operating mode of each unit; view individual room temperatures; set timers and scenes, and turn individual units on or off, anytime, anywhere.

The anywAiR technology Wi-Fi device is also compatible with a selection of smart home devices, such as Google Home, giving users the ability to control and monitor their air conditioner conveniently using a range of voice commands.^ Fujitsu General’s in-house customer care and technical support team, Fujitsu General Assist, provides users with ongoing, local anywAiR technology Wi-Fi support.

Stock up today to keep your customers in control.

Call 1300 882 201 or visit fujitsugeneral.com.au *For unit compatibility visit myanywair.com. Apple, the Apple iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. ©2019 Google LLC All rights reserved. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Other trademarks and tradenames are acknowledged to be the copyright of their respective holders.

Wi-Fi

AR COOLING

HISENSE

Andre Iannuzzi Head of Marketing With summer on its way, Hisense’s Andre Iannuzzi said Australians will inevitably turn to cooling options to help them through the warmer weather.

“Since launching into the air conditioning category, consumer interest is driving our investment in innovative new technologies and we are continually looking at ways to improve our current range.”

Australian customers have varying heating and cooling needs and in response, Hisense has introduced a unit that can offer various modes.

“The new Hisense 9.0kW Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner is backed by thorough Australian testing to ensure it is of the highest quality for our customers, and is able to withstand the hot, humid northern Australian weather, as well as the milder southern Australian climate,” Iannuzzi said.

New Hisense air conditioners feature Wi-Fi-enabled smart technology to adjust the temperature, timer and turn the unit on and off via their smartphone from inside the home or remotely. AR

Hisense 9.0kW Reverse Cycle Split System `Inverter

technology `Smart

self-cleaning `Quiet

and Eco modes `Wi-Fi

enabled heating and cooling SRP: $2,499

Panasonic Reverse Cycle R32 Wall Split System Z Series

`Smart

Wi-Fi control `Amazon

Alexa and Google Home compatability `Available

in capacities ranging from 2.5kW to 8.0kW `Panasonic’s

Nanoe X 24-hour purifying system to neutralise indoor pollutants RRP: Starting from $1,299 plus installation

PANASONIC

Joe De Bella Senior Product Marketing Manager – Air-Conditioning Australians have experienced a shift to indoor living driven by COVID-19 measures, which means they need to be more aware of the potential health risks associated with restricted air flow in the home, including the increased presence and survival rate of bacteria, Panasonic’s Joe De Bella said.

“In light of this, the solution is cooling products that not only offer energy-efficient temperature control, but also help improve air quality and cleanliness in the living environment.”

Panasonic air conditioning units provide both comfort and cleanliness in the home with the company’s Nanoe X air purification system that can be used with or without cooling or heating in operation to neutralise harmful indoor pollutants.

“This also aligns with the fact that Australians are taking more pride in their homes than ever before and expect to have modern, tailored solutions that meet the needs of their lifestyle,” De Bella said.

This includes connected technologies such as compatability with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

The Panasonic Premium Reverse Cycle R32 Wall Split System Z Series offers air purification, smart Wi-Fi control and voice control to enhance comfort, convenience and health in Australian homes. Voice command functionality is available in all new R32 air conditioning products. AR

54

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

ER CO NDITION

S

MO ST

A

IR

2019

S ER M

IED CUS TISF TO SA

Australia's best air conditioner brand with Australia's most satisfied customers.

MHIAA is incredibly proud to have won Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customer Award for the air conditioners category for the second year in a row. These awards, in conjunction with CHOICEŽ naming MHIAA as the best air conditioner brand in both in 2018 and 2019, sees MHIAA fast becoming one of the most awarded and trusted brands in Australia.

mhiaa.com.au | 1300 138 007

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

AR COOLING

DYSON

Company Spokesperson With many people spending increasing amounts of time at home, maintaining a clean and healthy home space is an important priority with indoor air up to five times more polluted than the air outside, a Dyson spokesperson said.

Removing pollutants like VOCs, NO2, dust and allergen particles can provide cleaner air in the home and help support overall wellbeing. As well as the larger particle pollutants like pollen and pet dander, Dyson tests HEPA filtration on particles as small as PM0.1 (100nm), including bacteria and viruses.

OLIMPIA SPLENDID

Peter Burnham Marketing & Product Development Manager More people are working from home due to COVID-19 and as a result, Olimpia Splendid has seen increased demand for comfort related products.

PROMOTION

Olimpia Splendid will promote the Unico Pro air conditioner through various consumer and in-store activities with details to be confirmed.

“We noticed this with heating products over the winter and we are likely to see the same trend over the summer months.

Seasonal appliances are very reliant on the weather,” Peter Burnham said.

Home automation continues to be a growing trend and in response, Olimpia Splendid will be launching cooling products with built-in Wi-Fi to allow users to adjust comfort levels from their smartphone.

“This year, Olimpia has also launched the Unico Pro air conditioner, which is the first wall mounted air conditioner with no external compressor.”

When asked about category challenges, Burnham said COVID-19 has impacted go-to-market strategies and forced the brand to find new ways to launch products and communicate with customers. AR

56

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Some manufacturers of conventional air purifiers gauge their performance using a laboratory test method called ‘Clean Air Delivery Rate’. It is conducted in a compact chamber just 12m 2 in size, with an added fan to circulate the air and only one sensor to measure air quality. It is not representative of many living room environments.

Dyson engineers created a lab test called the POLAR test based on a larger living room size, with no added fan. Eight sensors in the corners of the room and one sensor in the centre collect air quality data every five seconds, detecting particles of indoor air pollution that are 300 times narrower than a human hair.

A recent study revealed 68% of Australians consider controlling the inside of their home environment important to them in reducing the impact of outdoor pollutants such as allergens and pollen.

Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans automatically purify the whole room, but Dyson engineers challenged themselves to develop technology that enables consumers to take control of their own air quality and thermal comfort. The Dyson Pure Cool Me personal purifying fan is specifically engineered for personal use and designed to deliver a focused stream of purified air. AR

Dyson Pure Cool Me Personal Purifying Fan `Available

in white/silver and gunmetal/copper `Dyson

Core Flow technology for precise airflow control `Can be positioned on a bedside, desk or nursery `Fully

sealed filtration system combines an activated carbon filter with a HEPA filter RRP: $499

COOLING AR

DE’LONGHI

Dunya Abdurahmanovic Category Manager Portable air conditioners remain a core focus for De’Longhi as they fulfill a need for households that cannot install fixed air conditioning, or those who require a secondary cooling source, Dunya Abdurahmanovic said.

Teco Platinum 3D Series Reverse Cycle `Built-in

Wi-Fi control `High

density filtration (PM2.5) `3D air delivery and self-clean/sterilisation function `I Feel function so the room temperature is sensed from the remote control RRP: N/A

TECO HOME APPLIANCES

Trevor Francis National Business Development Manager Cooling continues to be a significant category across many areas of Australia and as temperatures soar, keeping cool will be at the forefront, whether for single rooms or the whole home, Teco’s Trevor Francis said.

“For resellers, the category will continue to be profitable if consumers feel confident in the reseller’s air conditioning knowledge. To this end, good product displays and training by equipment suppliers is paramount.”

High on the wish list when purchasing an air conditioning unit is Wi-Fi control, which is offered

by Teco on the Comfort and Platinum 3D Series split systems, as well as select portable models and new window/wall units.

“If the category follows the trend that we have seen in other seasonal categories during COVID-19 coupled with a hot season, we can predict increased interest for all cooling products.”

The strongest trend and the biggest challenge for portable air conditioners this season will be the introduction of MEPS. “MEPS regulations are aimed at promoting the development and adoption of energy efficient air conditioners and it will ensure the market is regulated. The challenge for the first season will be to bring the focus of MEPS to the consumer to gauge product performance as there will be both regulated and unregulated units available.”

She said retailers must note that while a larger kilowatt capacity unit may be perceived as “more bang for your buck”, it is the technology behind the unit that helps achieve more efficient cooling results at a lower running cost.

“Our Cool Surround technology introduces a freestanding smart remote controller that stays close to the person, optimising the cooling at their proximity while our exclusive ECO Real Feel technology provides an unmatched level of comfort,” she said. AR

“Teco has released the Platinum 3D series R32 refrigerant range of reverse cycle single wall splits, offering built-in Wi-Fi, compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, Gold Fin hydrophilic coating and ultra-high efficiency PM2.5 filtration filters that can capture dangerous airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.

“Teco has also launched into the air circulation/fan category with the Eco series 40cm pedestal and 25cm desk/bench top model, with DC motor and Eco mode that adjusts fan speed according to room temperature.”

The most pressing issue in the cooling category is the rising cost of energy supply and educating consumers that newer air conditioning products are much more efficient than older units which helps boost the replacement market, Francis said. AR

De’Longhi Portable Air Conditioner PACEL112CST `Powerful

2.9 kW cooling capacity `Cool

Surround technology `ECO

Real Feel technology `R290

non-toxic refrigerant RRP: $899

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR COOLING

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Zane Barron General Manager – LEG National Sales Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Mitsubishi Electric is cautiously optimistic for the upcoming season with the adoption of work from home models and an inability to travel which has many focusing on their homes and importance of internal comfort.

“Many of us have not experienced a full winter or summer at home as a large percentage have spent our days in air-conditioned workplaces, up to now,” Zane Barron said.

While residential air conditioning sales will continue to follow hot and cold weather patterns, demand from customers spending more time at home will also affect sales into the new year.

“Replacement, renewal and upgrade will continue to be a major part of the industry this season. We have observed that customers who are purchasing a replacement unit or a system for an additional room are better informed than when they purchase their first air conditioner.”

With this in mind, customers are clear about the quality and features they seek including ease of use with Wi-Fi enabled control.

58

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

Mitsubishi Electric MSZAP25VGD

`Night

mode `Optional

Wi-Fi control `5.5 stars energy rating on cooling `19 dB noise level for quiet operation RRP: $1,350

“

Mitsubishi Electric is cautiously optimistic for the upcoming season with the adoption of work from home models and an inability to travel.

”

“Energy consumption has greatly improved over the last 15 years or so, with newer models as much as 47% more energy efficient. Our research shows that customers upgrading from entry-level models have a higher consideration for premium brands with superior sound levels, energy efficiency and ease of operation.”

Consumers are looking for complete solutions for their air conditioning needs so retailers who can provide a complete solution that includes both equipment sales and installation will thrive this season, according to Barron.

“Mitsubishi Electric works closely with the installation and service industry and provides installation training of Mitsubishi Electric products for qualified installers upon request.” AR

COOLING AR

VORNADO

Kirsten Pride Brand Manager

Dimplex Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier DCP14MULTI

DIMPLEX

Stacey Pogorecki Product Manager – Seasonal & SDA With the introduction of the new MEPS requirement in April, Dimplex’s Stacey Pogorecki expects a ‘reset’ in the portable air conditioner market this summer season.

“All portable air conditioners are rated 0 stars as standard, so it will be interesting to see how the general consumer reacts and purchases, based on the addition of MEPS labelling this season. Our entire Dimplex portable air conditioning range is new this season and we are confident it offers a suitable effective solution for everything from small to larger rooms,” she said.

There is a historical trend which sees consumers purchase cooling appliances when there are three or more consecutive hot days. “Seasonality always plays a part each season, as we can’t predict the weather. The past few seasons have been inconsistent Australia-wide, with some areas experiencing quite mild summers, and other areas becoming very hot.”

The new Dimplex DCP11MULTI and DCP14MULTI portable air conditioners have a unique air outlet, which gives wider vented airflow. “We noticed most portable air conditioners are either top or front vented, so we have designed a range where the air outlet wraps slightly around the sides as well.” AR

`Wide

vented air flow `Suitable

to cool rooms up to 29m² `24 hour timer setting with sleep mode `Self-evaporative

system – no drip tray or drainage hose required RRP: $899.95

Vornado’s Kirsten Pride expects Australian consumers to continue to invest in their appliances to make home life as comfortable as possible, in light of lockdowns, travel restrictions and the extension of JobKeeper payments.

“More so than ever before, consumers are making educated purchasing decisions when it comes to the energy efficiency of small appliances. Every summer, Australians feel the pinch and the coming summer period will be no exception,” she said.

“As electricity bills are driven up from running air conditioning and portable cooling appliances for long hours and at higher settings, consumers are seeking energy efficiency and cost efficiency whilst still being environmentally considerate.”

COVID-19 has not just affected the cooling category, but all industries and categories across Australia, with many consumers spending less money and saving more.

“When they do spend in the cooling category, they will be seeking high-quality home cooling appliances with maximum cooling efficiency, minimal energy consumption and a reduced environmental footprint,” Pride said.

Vornado units identify as air circulators and not fans as they evenly disburse cool air around the whole room in less time than a traditional portable cooling appliance or air conditioner thanks to unique Vortex technology. The Vortex action creates a powerful stream of air that flows fast, cool and constant in a twisting spiral pattern, using the walls and ceiling to circulate and recirculate the air without the need of oscillation.

During Summer 20/21, the hero models for Vornado will be the DC models (533DC, 633DC and 683DC pedestal). The Vornado Energy Smart Range features a compact DC motor using 80% less energy than other Vornado units. With simple variable speed control, the unit can circulate air up to 23 metres. AR

Vornado Air Circulator 533DC `Vortex

‘whole room’ circulation `Moves

air up to 23 metres `Multi-directional

movement `Five-year

full replacement warranty RRP: $229

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR WINE CABINETS

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS

Education remains key to unlocking wine storage potential Electric wine coolers and chillers experienced negative volume growth of 1% in 2020 due to limited education regarding the category and low consumer confidence, the latest Euromonitor data has shown.

“However, as wine coolers and chillers are in early stages of growth, manufacturers and retailers will be focusing on educating Australians about the benefits of such appliances for indoor use and correct wine storing methods,” research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said.

“Additionally, the Australian lifestyle and drinking culture will be supporting volume sales over the forecast period.”

BY EMILY BENCIC

John Henley Category Manager Taste – Food Preservation

Consumers are demanding versatile wine storage solutions that can adapt to a variety of home living situations and occasions, according to Electrolux’s John Henley.

“They are looking to be able to store different bottle shapes and sizes in one cabinet that offers a long-term cellaring solution,” he said.

The Vintec Multi-Zone tall wine cabinet is equipped with Vintec Perfect Cradle Shelving, offering ideal spacing between shelves to accommodate all bottle types without scratching the labels.

“For consumers who already have a long-term cellaring solution, the addition of a dual zone undercounter cabinet means reds and whites can be kept at their different optimum pouring temperatures. The Vintec undercounter wine cabinets have a capacity of 50 bottles (Bordeaux style) and can be built into the kitchen for easy access,” he said.

When asked about technology making its way into the category, Henley highlighted the new virtual cellar management app and personal sommelier, OENO developed by Vintec and powered by Vivino.

Vintec Espace 2,000 Bottle Walk-In Cellar ESPACE2000-KIT `Handmade

in France from quality materials `Vibration

reduction system protects the storage life and quality of wine `Thermal

recycling pump ensures adequate humidity levels are maintained `Double-glazed

anti-UV doors, insulated side panels and interactions between compressor and thermostat RRP: $26,696 60

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

“It enables wine connoisseurs to keep track of their wine collection, where bottles are located in the cellar and understand how to enjoy them at their best with expert recommendations on when to open bottles, serving temperatures, decanting and glassware.

There is also no need to manually enter all the information on the wines to keep them in a database, simply snap a photo of the wine bottle label to automatically identify and retrieve all information about the wine notes.”

Speaking on challenges facing the category, Henley said the impact of COVID-19 has seen a rise in digital and increasing importance placed on online product ratings and reviews to influence the purchase decision. AR

WINE CABINETS AR

“

Wine cabinets and beverage coolers are now a must on the shopping list for consumers renovating their home or kitchen.

EUROLINX

”

Daniel Bertuccio Marketing Manager Wine cabinets and beverage coolers are now a must on the shopping list for consumers renovating their home or kitchen, according to Eurolinx’s Daniel Bertuccio.

“These appliances are no longer treated as ‘something we get if it fits’ and are now thought of in the planning and design phase,” he said. “They don’t necessarily need to be placed in the kitchen, they can be built into the pantry, butler’s pantry or even the laundry.”

In November, ILVE will re-release its wine cellar range with a new exterior featuring a black glass door and brushed black steel door handle across all five models to meet current design trends and complement ILVE’s black cooking appliances.

The Artusi ABC1B Beverage Centre remains a popular choice too, according to Bertuccio, with its ability to reach minus 5 degrees Celsius, ideal for warm Australian climates and tropical weather conditions. Artusi will be introducing new black colour options to its bar beverage solutions in 2021, adding to the stainless steel models already available. AR

ILVE Wine Cabinet ILWD154BV

`Stable

temperature control `Timber

shelves to reduce vibrations `Consistent

humidity levels above 50% `Ventilation

and airflow inside the cavity assist in mould prevention RRP: $3,334

Miele 178 Bottle KWT 6831 SG Wine Cabinet

`Dynamic

Cooling `Tempered

glass door `10 flexible wooden shelves `Active

AirClean filters for odourless storage RRP: $9,299

MIELE

Melissa Taylor Product Manager – Cooling, Laundry and Consumables With wine sales up 20% since the start of lockdown, consumers are spending more time wining and dining at home, Miele’s Melissa Taylor said.

“While dinner parties may still look a little different given social distancing measures, Australia’s love for wine has gone unchanged.”

Taylor said knowledge on wine storage is growing as consumers seek a solution to preserve the quality of wine as it requires the optimum temperature and storage conditions to thrive and mature properly.

“We are seeing increased demand for products that feature correct storage temperatures, horizontal storing to prevent corks drying out and ways to eliminate extraneous odours and light that can be harmful to wines.”

While an understanding of the benefits of proper wine storage has increased, there is still a long way to go given the current range of coolers and conditioners available on the market, according to Taylor.

“Each type of wine comes with a certain storage environment so helping our customers understand what is best for them and their home is important. We are continuing to spread the message that investing in a wine conditioner will help to enable more control over the temperature settings and allow for storage that creates optimal results,” she said.

Miele’s wine conditioners feature an array of technologies but most noteworthy is the Active AirClean filters, which are active charcoal filters that help with odourless storage. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR WINE CABINETS

“

For the true wine aficionado, Smeg offers a sommelier drawer to complement the wine cellar, equipped with quality tools for serving, storing and recording wines.

”

Consumers also want their appliances to be fully integrated to seamlessly blend with existing kitchen elements or as part of a new kitchen design.

“Smeg’s wine cellars are perfect for the growing number of Australians who use their kitchen much like the Italians, as an entertaining space with fine food and wine.

To satisfy this demand, Smeg offers compact built-in and underbench wine storage solutions on both Dolce Stil Novo and Linea collections made to exacting standards with UV resistant glass, minimal vibration, air purification and humidity control, to ensure optimum cellaring conditions.”

SMEG

Leon Wolf National Product and Procurement Manager The wine cabinet and beverage cooler category is popular among home entertainers who seek appliances that make entertaining seamless and stylish, according to Smeg’s Leon Wolf.

“Consumers are looking to upgrade their existing kitchen by incorporating sleek new appliances that bring their dream home to life and deliver a fresh look and feel. Whilst the category is growing in terms of product offering, specialists within this category continue to lead the charge in the precise storage of premium wines,” he said.

Smeg Dolce Stil Novo Built-In Wine Cellar CVIA618RNR2

`Layered

UV resistant glass `Two variable temperature zones `Storage

of up to 18 bottles with housings for different shaped bottles `Premium

telescopic oak shelves crafted from the same oak as traditional wine barrels RRP: $3,490 62

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

For the true wine aficionado, Smeg also offers a sommelier drawer to complement the wine cellar, equipped with quality tools for serving, storing and recording wines including wine funnel with filter, thermometer, vacuum wine saver, anti-drip pourer and premium sommelier corkscrew. AR

WINE CABINETS AR

HISENSE

Andre Iannuzzi Head of Marketing Wine cabinets and bar fridges are fast becoming a staple of Australian homes, aesthetically complementing kitchens and entertaining spaces, Hisense’s Andre Iannuzzi said.

“With warmer weather on the way, the ability to enjoy perfectly chilled wine and beverages has become increasingly desirable as Australians look to entertain in the home,” he said.

While style and aesthetics are important, consumers are also seeking wine storage solutions that offer variable temperature levels to adapt to the specific cooling requirements of the wine.

“With any wine cabinet, storage and temperature is key. Our 54-bottle wine cabinet has a large capacity, providing sufficient space for storage of beverages and seamlessly blending into the home with its stainless steel design.”

The Hisense wine cabinet also offers anti-UV glass doors, sliding shelf and dimmed internal LED lights, in addition to reduced noise levels and compact design.

“At Hisense, we strive to design efficient refrigeration products that fit seamlessly within Australian homes, and our wine cabinets are no different, providing customers with a cost-effective option that is visually pleasing, boasts storage space and, most importantly, is effective at preserving wine. Looking ahead this category remains important and we will continue to look at potential new choices in the beverage cooler space.” AR

Hisense 54 Bottle Cabinet HRWC54 `Low noise `Anti-UV

glass `Optimal

humidity levels with total no frost `Digital

touch control and stainless steel texture RRP: $999

Gaggenau Vario Wine Cabinet 400 Series RW 466 364

`Motorised

shelf, solid aluminium door racks, LED light pillars and ceiling spotlights `UV-protection,

humidity control and antimicrobial activated charcoal air filter `Space

for up to 98 bottles in up to three independently controlled climate zones `Intuitive

TFT display and electronic control system ensures constant temperatures of five degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius RRP: $15,999

GAGGENAU

Olya Yemchenko Brand Communications Manager When it comes to serious wine aficionados, wine is more than just a passion, so their collection needs to be properly protected, showcased and prepared for enjoyment, Gaggenau’s Olya Yemchenko said.

“The more time people are spending at home, the more important it is to create the perfect sanctuary that enhances how we enjoy our passions, with wine being the perfect example.”

Wine climate cabinets are not only functional but a way to showcase a wine collection and enhance the prestige of the kitchen, according to Yemchenko.

“Displaying a collection of wine in a prominent space such as the kitchen is a strong trend as it allows for further enjoyment and creates conversation as well. No longer needing to be hidden away in a cellar, our wine climate cabinets enable proper storage and preservation of wines, while creating an impressive display in the heart of the home.”

The Gaggenau Vario 400 Series are a fully integrated, built-in modular family of refrigerators, freezers, fridge-freezers and wine climate cabinets that can be partnered in a multitude of ways.

With multiple, independently controlled climate zones within the appliance, champagne, white or red wine can be kept within different areas of the cabinet, chilled to just the right temperature. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR FLOORCARE

Stick vacuums win in convenience, but robotics gain traction

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

V

acuum cleaners recorded 3% growth in volume in 2020 mainly driven by sales of stick and robotic vacuum cleaners. Stick vacuum cleaners continue to be increasingly popular among Australian households as they offer convenience and have evolved from spot cleaning functions to being capable of cleaning a full house, Euromonitor research analyst, Angeliki Sfikas said. Robotic vacuums are also growing rapidly as consumers are starting to embrace the new technology which allows for greater convenience when it comes to cleaning their homes. Cylinder, upright and wet and dry vacuum cleaners experienced volume decline throughout the year.

BIS Oxford Economics associate director, Paul Giles gave this overview of the market from recent household appliance research. Canister/ barrel vacuums remain the most owned floorcare 64

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

appliance across Australia in 66% of households, across every income bracket and household structure while uprights were found in around onequarter of households. Giles said the major mover has been stick vacuums that have surged into 37% of Australian homes, that equates to a doubling of household penetration over the past four years.

According to GfK, for the year ending July 2020, the floorcare market recorded single digit growth. Stick vacuums are the largest type in volume and remain the standout performer, while bagless canister types declined 1%. However, for a more positive analysis data from April to July, 2020, the total floorcare market grew more than 3.5 times faster than the full year returns. This suggests that COVID-19 has contributed to the increase with comments from suppliers in this feature, confirming the impact of sales both instore and online.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS Mike Eagle Category Manager – Wellbeing

The cleaning category is growing, and customers are looking for solutions which are intuitive and can adapt to multiple cleaning occasions, no matter the surface or home configuration, according to Mike Eagle. “Like many categories, floorcare is becoming autonomous to meet the lifestyle needs of consumers, so technology which makes people’s lives easier is in high demand,” he said.

Miele Triflex HX1 Pro `Up to 120 mins runtime with a replaceable Varta Li-ion battery `Adjustable

canister position for three innovative vacuums in one `Convenient

and versatile charging options to suit the home set up RRP: $1,299

“The impact that COVID-19 has had on consumer behaviour means that digital is on the rise and there’s even more importance placed on online product ratings and reviews to influence the consumer purchase decision,” he said.

“We know Australia is a nation of pet lovers, so the new Electrolux Pure i9.2 Animal triangular robotic, released in October, and the Pure Q9 handstick, released in August, have been designed to expertly clean up animal hair. The Pure i9.2 uses 3D vision mapping technology to remember the layout of the home, enabling it to clean more intuitively.

Increased connectivity between appliances and people is becoming the norm so the vacuum will also send push notifications via the app, so you know when and where it is cleaning at all times.”

MIELE

Josh Hall Category Manager – Small Appliances A focus on hygiene and the need for longer runtimes for handsticks are the strongest trends Miele has noticed, Josh Hall said.

“Australians are spending more time at home, however, this does not necessarily mean they have more time to clean. Many are fighting the clock with work, family, home schooling, cooking and cleaning commitments and do not have time to stop and start once they begin to clean.”

As well as the Purei9.2 Animal, Electrolux is launching another triangular designed robotic, the i9.2 Space Teal with 3D vision mapping technology that leaves pet owners with a clean, fur-free house.

The P192-6STN retails at $1,299. AR

Miele recently launched its first handstick, the Miele Triflex HX1, that Hall said provides customers with the flexibility of three cordless vacuums in one. “Consumers are seeking a cordless vacuum that offers the power and hygiene of a corded vacuum, with the convenience of a handstick and the Miele Triflex HX1 offers longer runtimes and quality filtration across the range.”

Electrolux Pure i9.2 Animal PI92-6SGM `3D vision intuitively brushes and cleans `Schedules

where and when the robot should clean

`Mobile

push notifications for visibility activity at all times RRP: $1,499

ELECTROLUX PROMOTION The new Electrolux models will be supported by PR activity

The Triflex HX1Pro and Runner delivers up to 120 minutes of runtime with an auto adjustable floor head for all floor types.

The Triflex HX1 claims to be as strong as Miele’s most powerful corded vacuum with the ability to clean up to 250m². The lifetime HEPA filter on the Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog and Triflex HX1 Pro models also filters out the finest allergens from the air, making it perfect for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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ECOVACS ROBOTICS Country Manager Karen Powell

Karen Powell described the category as “exploding” especially when it comes to smart robotic vacuums and stick vacs.

“We are seeing unprecedented levels of consumer uptake as new technologies mean robotic cleaners are more efficient, effective and independent than ever before. Consumer demand and innovation is good reason for retailers to be excited and investing in this category,” she said.

“There is a high demand for feature-rich robotic vacuums as consumers spend more time at home with their families. Couple this with the evergrowing desire to invest in smart home devices and other technologies that free up their time, and the robotic vacuum cleaner is being seen more as a product that can take care of everyday cleaning, removing one less chore off their list.”

She said 2020 has been a turbulent year for everyone, with COVID-19 presenting many challenges behind the scenes. “Supply of stock for some brands has been met with difficulties as manufacturing and supply chains have felt the pressure. Bricks and mortar retailers have had to consistently adapt their shopping experience and marketing approach to embrace online shopping 66

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

and digital platforms with consumers from every segment across the country now turning to buying online at a rate never seen before.”

As for new technologies, specifically for the robotic vacuum sub-category, artificial Intelligence (AI) is making the biggest difference to how consumers use and interact with the cleaners.

She gave an example of this in the company’s next generation Deebot Ozmo T8 that uses AIVI (Artificial Intelligence with Visual Interpretation) for object detection and avoidance. The in-built camera allows the robot to identify common household objects and react to them accordingly.

After cleaning, the robotic vacuum will notify the user of obstacles encountered via the companion app, should these articles need to be removed and the area re-cleaned. AR Visit www.applianceretailer.com.au to watch our exclusive interview with Karen discussing the Ecovacs brand and the robotic vacuum category.

PROMOTION

PR and social media campaigns supplemented with digital advertising and channel marketing as well as digital and in-store training. New accessories such as the Auto-Empty Station and soft bundles are also being offered to retailers.

Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI

`Advanced

mopping with OZMO Pro oscillating technology `Aerospace-standard

dToT detection for precise cleaning `Three

hours of uninterrupted runtime RRP: $1,299

FLOORCARE AR

LG ELECTRONICS

Brad Reed Senior Marketing Manager - Home Appliances Cordless vacuums are also proving to be a floorcare sales winner at LG. “Cordless handsticks are becoming more popular and the freedom these provide means it is easy to move from room to room and clean the house more quickly,” Brad Reed said.

He said recurring issues such as short battery life, poor suction, small dust bins and dirty filters have been addressed with the new the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor range.

“With Australians spending more time at home due to fluctuating social restrictions, cleaning the home is becoming a frequent task. The evolution of the vacuum cleaner now sees a product that is more powerful, user friendly and includes features that take the hassle out of cleaning the home.

The CordZero can be used as a multi-functional and multi-purpose cleaning appliance, making quick work of different surfaces, from the floor or corners of the couch to computer keyboards and high ceilings.”

For added user convenience, features such as One Touch Control reduces hand and wrist strain while Aeroscience technology provides up to 200aW of maximum suction power for in-depth cleaning. New to the Five Step Filtration system in this year’s model is the HEPA filter. Combined, the filtration system helps capture 99.97% of dust particles as small as 0.3 microns in size from household surfaces.

Users can now connect the LG Kompressor to the LG ThinQ smartphone app that works in tandem with the LG R9 Master robotic vacuum when connected to the app. The app can detect spots that the R9 has missed, such as tight corners, and displays these spots on the home map. Users can then go back and spot clean with the CordZero.

The app can also diagnose problems, receive filter notifications and check cleaning history. AR

LG CordZero Kompressor Handstick A9K-ULTRA

`Power

Drive MOP nozzle removes dust from hard surfaces `Interchangeable

and rechargeable batteries deliver up to 120 minutes runtime `Kompressor

lever removes tangles from metal mesh filter for easy emptying RRP: $1,599

Bosch Athlet Zoo’o Cordless Vacuum BCH6ZOOAU

`25.2V

Bosch Lithium-Ion battery with extra-long runtime and short charging time `Three

performance levels `Easy

filter cleaning with RotationClean system RRP: $699

BOSCH

Christine Haas Product Manager Strong category growth has also been experienced at Bosch particularly within the cordless market which is taking over from traditional canister models due to improvements in runtime and cleaning efficiency, Christine Haas said.

“With the current situation of being in a global pandemic and parts of Australia in lockdown, we have seen an increase in cordless handstick sales since April.

Consumers seem to look for solutions that make their life at home as easy and convenient as possible. We are also seeing an increase in online purchases.”

According to Haas, consumers are also becoming more educated about the two types of cordless cleaning available with the spot cleaner such as the Bosch Unlimited ideal for a quick clean in a small area, and a cordless like the Bosch Athlet that is powerful enough to clean the entire house while providing remarkable flexibility and convenience. “As consumers better understand the difference between the two, they are able to make more informed decisions about which best suits their needs and living situation,” she said.

Another trend influencing the market is consumers downsizing their living spaces to lead more sustainable lifestyles, which in turn can affect storage space for appliances such as vacuums. With limited storage space, the footprint of the vacuum and the amount of space needed to keep it when not in use may become a deciding factor in any purchase.

When it comes to technologies, Bosch said its Series 6 Unlimited range of cordless vacuums offer a point of difference with its exchangeable battery system that is compatible with the Bosch Power4ALL 18V Green Home and Garden power tools range. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS

Jeremy Senior Head of Consumer Electronics “Samsung is dedicated to helping Australians keep their homes clean and allergen-free with efficient and effective cleaning technology and we are seeing increased interest on home cleanliness, especially the removal of dust and allergens,” Jeremy Senior said.

IXL HOME

Emma Basquille Senior Brand Manager The category continues to experience significant growth and provides a robotic floorcare solution for all consumers regardless of budget, according to Emma Basquille.

“Robotic vacuums and mops are being designed and built with even greater levels of intelligence and iRobot is not only building a home that’s smarter but one that takes care of itself,” she said.

Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum

`iAdapt

3.0 Navigation with vSLAM technology for efficient and seamless navigation `New

cleaning system with up to 40 times more suction over previous Roomba vacuums `Automatically

increases suction to pull in dirt and debris from deep within carpet fibres RRP: $2,899

The hero product, and what the company said is the most intelligent and powerful Roomba to date, is the s9+ that automatically empties its bin into the Clean Base dirt disposal with AllergenLock bags that use four layers of allergen blocking material to trap 99% of pollen and mould. AR 68

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

The range comprises four models, the Jet 70 Pet with turbo action brush; Jet 70 Pro with turbo action brush and spinning sweeper tool; Jet 70 Complete with turbo action brush and soft action brush and the Jet 90 Pet with freestanding docking station and telescopic wand.

Other features across the range include extended battery life with up to 60 minutes continuous suction and a washable dustbin. AR

Self-emptying or automatic dirt disposal is also being well received by consumers. “The idea of a robot taking care of the cleaning from start to finish, emptying on its own into a disposable enclosed bag is putting the Roomba s9+ and i7+ miles ahead of the pack.”

Imprint Smart Mapping technology provides end users with complete control of cleaning from scheduling and direct room cleaning to customising keep out zones. Now they can target specific areas within a room for an easy, handsfree clean-up by simply asking Alexa or Google to ‘clean under the kitchen table’. Users will also receive personalised schedule suggestions based on their cleaning habits, like extra cleaning during allergy or pet shedding season.

“With this continued focus on home hygiene, the new cordless Jet Stick range offers an advanced five-stage HEPA filtration system to combat removal of dust and allergens, along with the Jet Cyclone technology to ensure full suction power while in use. Along with the introduction of the Clean Station which removes the need to get your hands dirty when emptying out the dust bin, we’re offering an end-to end solution to keep your home clean.”

Samsung Jet 90 Pet Cordless VS20R9042T2 `Five-layer

HEPA filtration captures up to 99.99% of dust and allergens `Telescopic

wand with four length adjustments `Freestanding

docking station RRP: $1,299

FLOORCARE AR

DYSON

BISSELL

“In the last few months, the Dyson V11 Outsize and Dyson V11 Absolute Extra cordless vacuums have continued to grow the value of the category with shoppers opting for superior performance and technology that makes their lives easier,” John Churchill said.

Bissell has maintained strong sales momentum for the year, possibly encouraged

by COVID-19 that has increased interest in deep home cleaning and sanitising. “Bissell is uniquely positioned to deliver on this with its superior range of wet washers and complementary cleaning formulas including sanitising and antibacterial formulations,” Chris Egan said.

John Churchill Vice President – Floorcare

Chris Egan Managing Director

The latest GfK data confirmed that Dyson remains the number one value brand for floorcare and small domestic appliances.

Retail lockdowns presented by COVID-19 has been a challenge for retailers and consumers alike and although online sales may recover some traditional business, many Bissell products benefit from tangible demonstration and education. “The influence of this on usual, more stable sales trends has also resulted in stock challenges with global capacity under pressure.”

“Since inventing the cord-free format 10 years ago, we’ve seen home cleaning become quicker and easier for millions of owners, but our engineers are never satisfied,” Churchill said.

Sharing his perspective of the market, he said, “People want products that do what they say they’ll do and work properly. Ever since Dyson launched the world’s first bagless vacuum in 1993, the company has continued to invest in science and technology to re-engineer and evolve its vacuums to be ever better at solving real problems.”

Optimised for deep cleaning, the Dyson V11 Outsize claims to offer the most powerful suction of any cordless vacuum while delivering the power, performance and intelligence of Dyson cord-free technology for up to two hours.

Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max

`Vacuums

and washes hard surfaces and rugs at the same time `Cordless

grab ‘n go Lithium-Ion battery `Self-clean

cycle for easy clean up after the clean up RRP: $699

The V11 Outsize has been re-engineered to include a 150% larger bin, 25% bigger cleaner head and a runtime for up to 120 minutes thanks to a click-in battery system, designed for bigger homes and bigger cleans. It offers 40% more suction power than the Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum thanks to a powerful Dyson Hyperdymium motor and 18 Dyson cyclones which generate forces of more than 79,000g to fling microscopic particles, such as pollen, dust and bacteria, into the bin. AR

RRP: $1,299

Bissell claims to be the deep clean leader with a wide range of products across all cleaning categories, not just vacuums. The wash category is generating great results appealing to a growing consumer desire and need to thoroughly wash surfaces deep down whether that is carpets, rugs, upholstery, car interiors or hard surfaces, via twin tank technology, meaning users never wash with dirty water again.

“The wash category is still increasing household penetration so for retailers it’s an opportunity to generate real business growth rather than simply swapping market share between brands and products.”

Dyson V11 Outsize Cordless Vacuum

`Hyperdymium

motor generates 20% more suction `Optional

click-in battery pack offers 120 minutes of fade-free power `High

Torque cleaner head changes suction power between floor types

The influence of IoT, especially evident in connected robots, continues to develop and although this is interesting, the cleaning performance of such products has considerable opportunity to develop further, he said.

BISSELL PROMOTION Bissell will continue to support the range with television advertising.

The nominated product from Bissell is the new CrossWave Cordless Max, and its biggest selling point, according to Egan, is that there is not comparable product on the market that delivers its unique feature set.

This includes a strong cordless performance, wet washing and vacuuming and is safe to use on sealed hard floors and rugs.

University research found it removed an average seven times more allergens than leading traditional vacuums. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR WHAT'S HOT

Smeg rated number one

Smeg scored an unrivalled five-star overall customer satisfaction rating for ovens and cookers by Canstar Blue, Australia’s number one consumer review and comparison website. Smeg also achieved a fivestar clean sweep across all categories: cooking performance and reliability, functionality, ease of use, ease of cleaning and design. A clear-cut result, testament to Smeg’s commitment to creating the world’s best built-in ovens and freestanding cookers with signature made in Italy style and renowned innovation. Across the category, Smeg offers a broad design choice suited to every style and cooking possibility; from the iconic Classic to Linea, Dolce Stil Novo, Victoria and Portofino, all with the technology to guarantee better tasting results that are simple to use and designed to look beautiful.

Vitamix delivers power and performance

The Ascent Series Smart System blenders by Vitamix are the only true high-performance blenders that combine wireless connectivity, a safety interlock system and Self-Detect technology which automatically adjusts the blending time accordingly to the container size. The A3500i features five pre-programmed settings, touch screen interface, variable speed control and programmable timer, the A2500i features three pre-programmed settings, variable speed control and digital timer, while the A2300i features a variable speed dial, pulse and digital timer. The Ascent Range includes accessories such as 600ml blending cups for single-portion smoothies and 225ml blending bowls for smaller quantities of dips, spreads and baby foods.

RRP: $1,545 (A3500i), $1,245 (A2500i), $945 (A2300i)

Multi-directional cooling sets new standards

The new range of Dimplex wide angled multi-directional portable air conditioners are designed to keep consumers comfortable and cool the room more effectively. The Dimplex team has designed and developed the range with the harsh Australian conditions in mind with guaranteed cooling even in 43-degree heat, as well as the uniquely designed air outlet with wider-angle airflow. Easily control the temperature and timer using the soft touch controls or LED remote control.

The in-built dehumidifier improves air quality and overall comfort, while the Self-Evaporative system means no drip tray or drainage hose required. The window kit included is suitable for both sash and sliding windows. The units come with a two-year domestic warranty.

RRP: From $799.95 70

Appliance Retailer October / November 2020

COMPANY INDEX AR COMPANY

PAGE #

READERSHIP GROUPS

Amazon.................................................................................................................8 Arisit.................................................................................................41, 42, 43, 45

Asko.......................................................................................................................7

Bissell..................................................................................................................69

Bosch............................................................................................................ 28, 67 BIS Oxford Economics ................................................................................. 30, 64 De’Longhi..................................................................................19, 20, 21, 23, 57 Dyson........................................................................................................... 56, 69 Ecovacs Robotics.................................................................................................66

Electrolux Home Products............................9, 14, 15, 29, 30, 31, 33, 44, 60, 65

Eurolinx.................................................................................................. 37, 48, 61 Euromonitor...............................................................................20, 30, 50, 60, 64 Fisher & Paykel....................................................................................................39

Fujitsu General............................................................................................ 51, 53 Gaggenau.............................................................................................. 28, 40, 63 GBI Sales...................................................................................................... 47, 43 GfK................................................................................................................ 20, 64 Glen Dimplex............................................................................................... 59, 70 Groupe SEB.........................................................................................................49 Harvey Norman..................................................................................................12 Hisense.................................................................................................. 34, 54, 63 Hitachi.................................................................................................................39 IXL Home.............................................................................................................68 JB Hi-Fi................................................................................................................12 Jura.............................................................................................................. 22, 25 Kogan..................................................................................................................13 Lavazza................................................................................................................24 LG................................................................................................................. 36, 67 Liebherr...............................................................................................................38

Magimix................................................................................................. 16, 17, 18 Miele................................................................................................10, 37, 61, 65

Mitsubishi Electric................................................................................. 32, 35, 58 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries....................................................................... 52, 55 Myer......................................................................................................................8 Nespresso.............................................................................................. 10, 20, 26 Nestle...............................................................................................11, 20, 22, 27 Newell Brands....................................................................................................24 Olimpia Splendid......................................................................................56, OBC Panasonic..................................................................................................... 40, 54 Radio Rentals........................................................................................................9 Retravision............................................................................................................7

Samsung.............................................................................................................68 Shriro..................................................................................................................46 Smeg..........................................................................................24, 26, 34, 62, 70 Teco.....................................................................................................................57 Vitamix............................................................................................................8, 70 Vornado...............................................................................................................59 Wesfarmers.........................................................................................................13

Winning Group...............................................................................................6, 10 Whirlpool...........................................................................................................IFC Woolworths.........................................................................................................13

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71

The first wall-mounted air conditioner with no external unit

COMING SOON

ITALIAN

COMPANY SINCE 1956

The stylish new Unico Pro Inverter 12 HP eliminates the need for a bulky outdoor motor to dramatically improve the look of external walls. Designed and made in Italy, Unico Pro delivers beauty inside and out.

For more, visit olimpiasplendid.com.au

Unico Pro is conveniently installed from the inside, including the positioning of its external vents, making installation faster, cheaper and easier.