Appliance Retailer June-July 2017

APPLIANCE

NOW IN ITS 21ST YEAR

RETAILER

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

/// JUNE / JULY 2017

2017 INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

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RETAILERS AND SUPPLIERS SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS

FATHER’S DAY GIFTS TOPPING THIS YEAR’S WISH LIST

TELEVISIONS SMART IN TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

BENCHTOP MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY REMAINS A MAJOR TREND

CAMERAS PREMIUM MODELS REVIVE STRUGGLING CATEGORY

Ready for any challenge.

Versatility to handle anything from delicates to the toughest test.

LG Front Load washing machines are easy to use, quiet to run and integrate beautifully into your laundry. With a reliable direct drive motor and customised wash cycles from ‘Sports Wear’ to ‘Wool’ LG front load washers will tackle any challenge head on. You can even pause and add in extra items – like that forgotten footy sock. lg.com/au /wa shing-machines

8KG Front Loader WD1408NPW

EDITORIAL AR

Small in size but big in potential

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

J

im Clayton was in Las Vegas attending the Consumer Electronics Show three years ago when he decided to go shopping for some small appliances.

The then vice president of LG Electronics in North America was talking to headhunters about potentially travelling to the other side of the world to become the new CEO of Breville.

During his research on three separate occasions, Clayton went into the small appliances department with a specific brand to purchase – in mixers it was KitchenAid, in coffee it was De’Longhi and in food processors it was Cuisinart.

But on all three occasions he was crosssold to Breville which “astounded” him.

As Clayton recalls: “The reason I was astounded was that I picked three different categories that have nothing to do with each other. Normally companies have a swim lane that they are really good at, and coming from a fast-follower model I asked myself how is this crazy Aussie company doing this?”

Clayton likens Breville’s ability to work across separate categories as similar to Apple that is able to develop products such as a laptop, a phone and a tablet which all remain top of their class under the one hero brand. He was further aghast when he finally met the people behind the products who articulated the years of research and development that helped bring the product into existence.

Clayton, who was previously from a private equity background where major surgery was generally required when he was sent in to manage a business, said he has been genuinely surprised about the strong and passionate team of people and the innovative product-led culture.

Managing Director Simon Grover Editorial Director James Wells james@intermedia.com.au Deputy Editor Emily Bencic ebencic@intermedia.com.au Features Editor Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au General Manager – Sales Rod Riley rod@intermedia.com.au Art Director Alyssa Coundouris Prepress Tony Willson Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Head of Circulation Chris Blacklock Subscriptions Ph 1800 651 422

Average Net Distribution per Issue: 5,524 AMAA/CAB Yearly Audit Period ending 31st March 2017

But there was one problem.

A complete go-to-market strategy was missing to help bring to life the multitude of innovative products in the Breville portfolio.

As Clayton describes it: “This didn’t exist. This wasn’t a wrong guy in the wrong chair. It was no chair.”

Rather than releasing a product and then quickly ‘throwing it over the fence’ for the retailer to then worry about under a just-in-time marketing strategy weeks prior to key promotional periods, Clayton has set about developing a go-to-market strategy where the launch of Breville products are planned up to a year beforehand so that point of sale and in-store demonstration strategies are ready for retailers from the outset alongside the crucial ‘new world’ of digital assets including recipes and how-to videos. This preparedness is designed to ensure that the consumer is given every opportunity to be captivated by the Australian design while simultaneously helping the retailer with the sell through process.

With the imminent arrival of Amazon, a new CEO at Groupe SEB, Smeg and KitchenAid’s Australian parent Whirlpool as well as the new ownership of Sunbeam and the imminent re-emergence of Electrolux in 2018, the focus on benchtop appliances in the years to come will be anything but small.

Editorial Director James Wells

MEET THE APPLIANCE RETAILER TEAM

James Wells

Emily Bencic

www.facebook.com/applianceretailer

Kymberly Martin

Rod Riley

www.linkedin.com/company/appliance-retailer

Alyssa Coundouris twitter.com/Applianceretail

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TEFAL CUISINE COMPANION

Do you have consumers wanting value for money when it comes to appliances? Tefal’s Cuisine Companion is the perfect solution. Cuisine Companion allows consumers to save money and replace up to 10 kitchen appliances from a food processor, stand mixer, steamer, blender, soup maker, rice cooker and more.

Six preset programs, four blade attachments and a large 4.5 litre bowl means users can prepare and cook a variety of meals to perfection with set-andforget technology.

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

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VOLUME 23 / ISSUE #5

30 EDITORS NOTE

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Small in size but big in potential

Breville’s market strategy gets a shake-up

NEWS

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Miele opens Specialist store concept

A world-first concept in conjunction with Bing Lee

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The Good Guys Nowra; Spectrum Brands opens new head office

Forced to shut up shop; In custom-built facility in Melbourne

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Inside Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley

The Golden Age of Retail

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Electrolux Experience Centre; Leading Edge Computer Conference

Raising the bar in customer service; Panel sessions, awards presentations and more

LEADERS FORUM

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An insight into the retail, appliance and consumer electronics industry

Senior executives share their market insights

FATHERS DAY FEATURE

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An outlook on the category

What fathers want during this key selling period

IN THIS ISSUE

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TELEVISION FEATURE

Key trends in the market

It must be personal, thoughtful and away from the traditional

Latest Father's Day gifts on the shop floor

From cameras and barbecues to shavers and trimmers

A closer look at features and benefits

Braun Shaver, Panasonic Body Groomer, among others

Promotions to push sales

Social media campaigns and consumer competitions

BENCHTOP FEATURE

Latest cameras on the shop floor

Easy to use with a professional result

A closer look at features and benefits

Canon EOS 800, Sony a9 Mirrorless, among others

From a retail perspective

Battery life, shooting modes and image stabilisation are key factors in the purchase decision

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An outlook on the category

Smart TVs become more prominent than ever

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Samsung QLED 9, Hisense ULED Series 9, among others

An outlook on the category

Quick and easy food preparation tops the wish list

Key trends in the market

Convenience is in high demand

Latest benchtop appliances on the shop floor

All-in-one appliances take centre stage

A closer look at features and benefits

Kenwood Cooking Chef, Tefal OptiGrill+ XL among others

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From a retail perspective

Cheaper imports call for better quality and improved service

CAMERAS FEATURE

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An outlook on the category

Cannibalised by smartphone popularity and convenience

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Key trends in the market Quality comes first

Key trends in the market

Sound, sight and design are important considerations

Latest televisions on the shop floor

OLED, QLED and ULED technologies

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A closer look at features and benefits

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Promotions to push sales

Campaigns, partnerships and bonuses

WHAT’S HOT

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Pick of the crop

Dyson Heater, Smeg Refrigerator, and more

RETAIL RULES

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Shopping experience dimensions

Importance of information and education in-store and online

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR NEWS Left: Miele Specialist store located at a Bing Lee-owned site in Sydney’s inner west suburbs.

Bottom right: L to R: Miele national account manager, Scott Kinsman, Bing Lee merchandise director, John Murphy, Miele head of key account management, Simon Balzer and Bing Lee merchandise manager for cooking, Ben Miller.

A MIELE OPENS SPECIALIST STORE CONCEPT

BY JAMES WELLS

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

fter a two year process, Miele has launched a world-first retail concept in conjunction with Bing Lee with the opening of its new Specialist store in Sydney.

The Miele Specialist store is located at a Bing Lee-owned site on Victoria Road at Drummoyne in Sydney’s inner west suburbs. This site is the same store previously used for a Sony joint venture branding concept and is located adjacent to the Bora Australia showroom.

Miele Australia and New Zealand managing director, Sjaak Brouwer explained the strategy behind the new store concept in an exclusive interview with Appliance Retailer.

“Immer Besser means you are never finished so you always want to find new ways and try new concepts. The main

objective of our go-to-market strategy is that we want to be where the consumer shops and expects to find the Miele brand. The Miele Experience Centres play an important role, but equally important are the partnerships with our Miele Chartered Agents (MCA) who we respect greatly and represent the bulk of our business.

“There is so much happening out there and with so many brands coming in and so much change, everyone is fighting for a place in-store,” he said.

“So over a two year period we worked on a new retail format. It started with a conceptual conversation with one of our key MCA partners, Lionel Lee, about how we can really get the focus on the Miele brand.

“It is great that we have the excitement together with Bing Lee to trial this concept and we want to see how it goes and see how the potential develops over time.”

Miele Australia and New Zealand sales director, Chris Kotis added, “We have really enjoyed the journey in developing this with Bing Lee and bringing what we believe to be the best of both worlds together.” AR

Electrolux launches accessories for major appliances

BY EMILY BENCIC

Electrolux Home Products (EHP) has released a range of major household appliance accessories in Australia and New Zealand designed to optimise consumer use. The range includes brackets for safely stacking clothes dryers atop washers, flexible non-return (or anti-flood) dishwasher hoses, throughwall venting systems and discreet slideaway shelves on which to sort laundry.

The range has been launched under a new brand called Unilux – an abbreviation of universal and Electrolux

– to reflect that, in addition to EHPbranded major appliances, the accessories are compatible with most other appliance brands on the local market.

The conception, design, packaging, branding and implementation of Unilux was executed in-house and involved input from various departments including customer care, spare parts and service, legal, graphic design and marketing. It is also the first project of the new consumer solutions product category headed up by Peter Oastler.

EHP Australia and New Zealand managing director, Mike Putt said the initiative addresses a market need to resolve common issues encountered by owners of major household appliances.

The Unilux product packaging is colour-coded and labelled Install, Care, Perform, according to the accessories functions. It is supported by a 30-day money back guarantee and distributed through EHP’s major retail partners. AR L to R: Unilux project team: Emma Kaczmar, brand design studio manager; John Garcia, graphic designer; Peter Oastler, consumer solutions category manager; Michelle Rossier, marketing manager; and Ben Mason, graphic designer.

De’Longhi enters the professional coffee market

BY EMILY BENCIC

The De’Longhi Group has acquired 40% of Swiss-based premium professional coffee machine manufacturer, Eversys SA, with a twoway option to transfer the remaining 60% of the Eversys business to De’Longhi in the next two to four years.

This agreement marks the entry of De’Longhi into the professional espresso coffee machine market, with a focus on fully automatic models.

De’Longhi Group CEO and vice-chairman, Fabio De’Longhi commented, “Eversys brings a wealth of technology, a management team with proven experience in the sector and ambition to become a leading player in the global professional coffee market.”

A statement from Eversys said, “The partnership between the two businesses joins together our super automatic

coffee technology and experience in the professional coffee market with the global in-home expertise of the De’Longhi Group.

“Our plans include the development of a new state-of-the-art factory, an enhancement of our team and infrastructure, as well as improved products and services. We will continue to operate as a strategically separate entity, led by the existing management team. Our business base will also remain in Ardon, the Region of the Valais, Switzerland.” AR

De’Longhi Group CEO and vice-chairman, Fabio De’Longhi.

NEWS

IN BRIEF

BY EMILY BENCIC

IFA 2017: BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

Messe Berlin and gfu, the organisers of IFA Berlin, have confirmed the show will have more space for brands than ever before. The 2017 instalment, held from September 1 to September 6, will feature a new innovation area called IFA Next and a four-day B2B event, IFA Global Markets, which is said to be Europe’s largest sourcing show for the electronics industry. IFA Next will provide a platform for start-ups, research labs, universities and new companies. IFA Global Markets, which will run for four days, is targeted to suppliers, component manufacturers and OEMs and will be located at Station Berlin.

SMEG BRINGS COUTURE TO SMALL APPLIANCES

Smeg is continuing its partnership with Dolce & Gabbana to release the Sicily is my Love small appliance collection of toasters, coffee machines, kettles, blenders and stand mixers, decorated with the fruits and symbols of Sicily. Designs include golden lemons, prickly pears and bright red cherries. Other patterns include florals inspired by the coasts and landscapes of Southern Italy. The range was unveiled at the Milan Design Fair, Salone del Mobile di Milano. The collaboration follows the FAB by Smeg refrigerators hand-painted

by Sicilian artists. Australian availability and RRPs of the Sicily is my Love small appliances are yet to be confirmed.

GLOBAL SMALL APPLIANCE MARKET GROWS TO $60 BILLION GfK has revealed the top six growth categories in the small appliance market which increased by 5% to $US60 billion at the end of 2016. The top growing category was handstick vacuum cleaners, followed by robotic vacuum cleaners. Air cleaners took out third spot, ahead of fully automatic espresso machines, kettles and hair dryers. The Asia-Pacific region grew by 8% in value only behind Africa at 10%. The data was revealed in a presentation by GfK Global Director of Small Appliances, Udo Jansen, at the IFA Global Press Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR NEWS

“THE GOOD GUYS

JB Hi-Fi store.

REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE NOWRA

COMMUNITY AND IS CONFIDENT THAT A

SUITABLE LOCATION WILL BE FOUND.”

trading in Nowra, but unfortunately to date, we have been unable to secure an appropriate site to accommodate the store size that the business requires.

“As a result, team members currently operating the Nowra store have been offered full redundancies and all entitlements for their years of service. We are doing everything possible to support these team members during this challenging time.

“The Good Guys remains committed to the Nowra community and is confident that a suitable location will be found, and a store will re-open in Nowra in the future,” he said.

“We are sincerely grateful to our team members for their patience and service through our transitional journey and we hope to see them come back to the business when store operations resume in the Nowra community.

“We are also committed to looking after our customers while the search for a new site continues. As such we are offering customers in the Nowra postcodes of 2541, 2534, 2535, 2539, 2540 and 2577 free delivery on all online purchases until 15 August 2017.” AR

entertainment and home appliances to customers in the Bathurst area along with the well-known expert advice from the team at JB Hi-Fi.” JB Hi-Fi operations director, Peter Green added, “Opening a new store is always a proud moment for our people and none more so than the team who has worked so hard in the development of

the Bathurst store. Investment to build the store is around $1 million and it will provide 32 new jobs across permanent and casual roles. The team will also undergo comprehensive customer service and product training as part of the JB Hi-Fi induction process to ensure the local community receives the best of what JB has to offer”. AR

The Good Guys Nowra closes its doors

BY EMILY BENCIC

The Good Guys Nowra has failed to secure a permanent location after opening a temporary pop up location at the local House and Home Centre in July 2016, so the store will permanently close its doors.

The Good Guys chief retail officer Cory Hedin said, “We have done everything possible to fi nd a solution that would allow The Good Guys to continue

JB HI-FI EXPANDS STORE FOOTPRINT

BY EMILY BENCIC

JB Hi-Fi, with close to 200 stores across Australia and New Zealand, is expanding its presence in NSW in July with the opening of a new store at Bathurst City Shopping Centre, approximately 200km west of Sydney.

JB Hi-Fi area manager, Brent Jenkins said, “We are excited to announce that Australia’s biggest range of consumer electronics at great prices will soon be available to customers in Bathurst.

“I am looking forward to leading the team, opening the new store and providing the best brands across a wide range of consumer electronics, 8

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Samsung Electronics Australia corporate vice president and chief marketing officer, Philip Newton.

ON THE

MOVE

BY EMILY BENCIC

BREVILLE

Samsung farewells corporate VP and CMO

BY EMILY BENCIC

Samsung Electronics Australia corporate vice president and chief marketing officer, Philip Newton, will depart the business on August 9, 2017 after eight years with the company to pursue new opportunities. Newton held a number of senior leadership positions including director of IT and businessto-business; director of TV and audio visual; vice president of consumer electronics and chief marketing officer.

He is also the first, and only, Samsung Australia employee to be appointed a corporate vice president by Samsung.

Samsung Australia president, Harry Lee said, “We thank Philip for his contribution to Samsung over the last eight years. During his time, Philip helped transform our business to achieve growth and leadership across a number of business areas including IT and business-to-business, home appliances and TVs, where he increased market share from 17% to 30% within a six month period. Philip has been recognised as a leader and top talent within Samsung Electronics globally.

His departure will be felt throughout the company but we wish him every success for the future.” AR

Spectrum Brands moves into new office

BY EMILY BENCIC

Spectrum Brands has recently opened its new Asia Pacific headquarters in a custom-built facility in Mentone, Victoria.

The facility has 2,518 square metres of office space and a warehouse measuring 27,950 square metres. It will house the Australian commercial and operations teams with over 75 employees in total.

Spectrum Brands vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific, Dave Albert said, “Spectrum Brands is very excited to be establishing its regional headquarters in the Melbourne area as we invest to support our growth in Australia and the fast growing Asia Pacific region.

Roni Robertson has been appointed Breville head of marketing following her 10 year tenure as Philips business manager for male grooming, beauty and garment care.

Breville general manager, Mark O’Kelly said, “Roni’s extensive marketing experience will help us strengthen our strong hold on the Australian and New Zealand markets”.

ELECTROLUX

Electrolux Home Products (EHP) Australia national sales manager for retail, Chris Coen (pictured) has stepped into the newly created role of general manager for retail sales. He has assumed responsibility for AEG and BeefEater, while directing a specialist product training team headed up by national training and CRM manager, Matthew Ahern.

FISHER & PAYKEL

Fisher & Paykel chief operating officer, Mark Pacey will leave the company on 20 June, 2017, after 15 years. “It has been an absolute honour to be a part of such a great business and navigate our way to being a consistent leading player in a fiercely competitive environment,” he said.

SMEG Recently opened Spectrum Brands headquarters in Mentone, Victoria.

“This state-of-the-art office and warehouse will provide to be a great place to work and will enable us to efficiently support our Australian customers.”

Spectrum Brands has a portfolio of products including Remington personal care, as well as Russell Hobbs and George Foreman home appliances. AR

David Debs (pictured) has stepped up from Smeg state manager to national channel manager retail for the Narta group. After 17 years at The Good Guys, Bret Quinn has been welcomed as Smeg national channel manager retail for The Good Guys. Mark Churcher is now Smeg national channel manager retail to the Derni Group, after working for a number of leading retailers.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR NEWS

WINNING APPLIANCES AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF RETAIL After 18 months in the works, the Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley showroom in Brisbane has opened its doors to the public. CEO David Woollcott shares his insights on the five-star retail experience.

BY EMILY BENCIC

“Fortitude Valley is attracting significant interest from premium retailers and is already the home of premium car dealerships and like-minded customers.

We had the opportunity to become the anchor tenant for one of Queensland’s most iconic buildings, which was an opportunity that we couldn’t refuse,” Winning Appliances CEO David Woollcott said.

The retailer made it clear to suppliers that this store was going to be very different, as customers become more discerning than ever before.

“Today, our customers, architects, designers and cabinet makers want more from a retail experience, which includes a great location and an 10

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

inspiring ambience. They can no longer refer their customers to retail parks or mass merchants and expect a customer tailored specification service. Our clients are accustomed to five-star hotel lobbies, German car dealerships and friendly, familiar service, with many wanting to build a long term relationship with us,” Woollcott explained.

He said suppliers also need retail partners who are willing to invest in the highest quality building materials, lighting, sound and most importantly, sales professionals. With this in mind and after a lengthy selection process, Winning Appliances nominated acclaimed architect and interior design house Elenberg Fraser to consult the team on how to deliver on the brief, which was titled ‘The Golden Age of Retail.’

“Elenberg Fraser also designed the entire property with property developer, Tim Gurner. This means the exterior and interior are stunningly matched, unlike anything on a global scale.

“As always, our suppliers invested with us to project their own products, brands and services to the next level.

They understood our vision and worked tirelessly with us to achieve another world class retail experience,” he said.

“It is a destination for all customers in Brisbane, who are as diverse as the Brisbane community and enjoy improving their homes and lifestyles. We have had great feedback from customers, and most importantly, they are spending more time with us and are adding more technology and innovation to their homes. They also have the opportunity

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2 1. Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley entrance.

2. Interior shot of Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley.

3. AEG display in Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley.

4. Sub-Zero display in Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley.

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to enjoy one of the best active cooking experience areas in Australia with a chef permanently in place,” Woollcott said.

“My personal highlight is the sheer quality of the fit out that we have managed to achieve, as well as the amazing active cooking area which will entertain and inspire our customers for years to come.

We have strong plans to bridge cuttingedge retail store designs with user friendly technology. We will continue to focus all of our attention on the retail experience for our customers and sales experts.

“Fortitude Valley reflects Brisbane.

It is avant-garde, dramatic and glamorous. Brisbane needed this project and we are proud to deliver it. Our stores will continue to have unique appeal in their respective communities,” he concluded. AR

5. Miele display in Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley.

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AR NEWS

Electrolux opens new Experience Centre To celebrate the launch of the Electrolux Experience Centre (EEC), Electrolux hosted two events – one VIP event for its global executive team, and one for key retail and media stakeholders, with approximately 80 guests at each event. The EEC is a new custom-designed space which features dedicated experiential hubs for each brand within the Electrolux Group – AEG, Electrolux and Westinghouse. It will be used for fi lming, photography and for key stakeholder masterclasses, including hosted retailer events and classes for post-purchase customers.

There are other interactive appliances from the fabric care and floorcare categories plus a full working Electrolux Professional kitchen, originally designed by the company’s fi rst brand ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda, as well as a Vintec and Transtherm wine cabinet display.

Addressing attendees, Electrolux Home Products sales director, Michael Doyle said, “Like any good family house, the heart and soul is the kitchen and it is exactly the same here at Electrolux. With that in mind, the decision was made to invest in this space

BY JAMES WELLS

EHP sales director, Michael Doyle with managing director, Mike Putt.

and raise the bar in terms of what an Experience Centre will be and can be.

“We are going to challenge each of our partners to ensure we bring in customers both pre-purchase and post-purchase so that we can engage with them and create that experience for them to go home and decide how they are going to purchase a product and what product they want. We also

2017 Leading Edge Computer Conference Nearly 300 of the country’s leading independent computer retail experts, national partners and platinum partners, Ingram Micro, Lenovo and Microsoft, gathered for the annual Leading Edge Computers conference and trade show recently held at the Gold Coast.

Leading Edge Computers Griffith was awarded Leading Edge Computers Store of the Year. Tegan and Aaron Le Page from the Griffith store with Leading Edge Group general manager, Lee Scott.

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

want them to come in here after their purchase, whether it is during the night or during the day or on the weekends, we are going to open this centre for them and for you so they can come in and learn more about the product and go home, talk about the product and tell their friends how good it is and then together let’s create new customers and new experiences.” AR

BY EMILY BENCIC

With the annual conference trade show alternating between Victoria and Queensland each year, the four day event was held at Sea World Resort this year. Along with the two day trade show, where approximately 50 suppliers showcased the latest in technology, the conference presented an assortment of interactive panel sessions between the members and educational keynotes.

With 25 years of retail experience, Karen Lurati, shared her depth of knowledge in merchandise buying, retail and digital marketing. This was followed by a presentation from 2016 Store of the Year winners, Guy and Julie Porter from CompuPort, Ulladulla.

The member’s panel provided an open discussion for members to reach out on how they have handled store upgrades, put in place succession planning, as well as prepared a business for sale.

The day was topped off with dinner at the Sea World Plaza, where attendees were able to also enjoy live entertainment, rides and games.

The next day saw a presentation from Finlease and HP on new products and services, solutions and technologies, and the opening of the national tradeshow. The fi nal evening was the highly anticipated masquerade themed Gala Awards dinner held at Movie World’s “Star Pavilion”.

The night, hosted by emcee Keith Rowe, recognised the Leading Edge Computers members and their preferred vendors who had made outstanding achievements and contributions to its business during the past year.

The criteria for judging was designed to acknowledge those individuals, stores and vendors which demonstrated a strong customer service focus, passion for the business and a commitment to the Leading Edge Computers Group. AR

2017 Industry Leaders Forum

Key retailers and suppliers have their say on the state of the industry sharing their plans for 2017, their favourite product, as well as current opportunities and threats facing the retail landscape, major appliance and small appliance categories.

PETER HAMMERMAN Managing Director 2nds World

THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY TREND I HAVE SEEN IS…

An increase in online sales for large household appliances such as French Door refrigerators, 8kg and 10kg front load washing machines, dishwashers and large panel TVs. There would be a percentage of customers who visit a retail store (even one of ours) and go home to research price, check reviews and purchase online. I believe many online customers are time poor and just want the product delivered and installed quickly.

MY INDUSTRY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE IS…

Disruption with the arrival of Amazon, and with Costco, Bunnings and Aldi also expanding their offering, smaller retailers who don’t offer anything different will struggle. Poor service will not be tolerated by consumers so as an industry we need to be right on the money.

MY OBSERVATION ON THE INDUSTRY IS…

Quite positive. Business is good, consumers are renovating instead of buying as real estate prices in Sydney are very high.

Cooking products in particular are doing well, partly due to the influence of TV cooking shows. I also think technology will play a huge part in the future success of retail.

MY MESSAGE TO SUPPLIERS IS…

Continue to support local retailers, both bricks and mortar and online stores, improve customer service by attending to customers in a timely manner, but above all allow smaller retailers to be competitive. Small fish are sweet and if suppliers only support multinational companies they will have all their eggs in one basket and that will be dangerous.

I am positive about the future and I believe if we offer our customers the right products at the right price, deliver in a timely manner and offer exceptional customer experience “she'll be right mate”. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

ALBERTO ZAMUDIO National Sales Manager Amber Technology

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Year-on-year the fi rst half of the fi nancial year generally performs well, and 2016/17 has followed this trend. Following a small window of slow trade due to local and international political events, the Australian consumer has shown resilience and seen benefits in the introduction of new products from major brands in the television category, which presents opportunities to add on audio products.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

This year, wireless audio and multi-room technologies have been introduced by Onkyo, as well as wireless options for Marshall headphones. With Google’s Chromecast builtin solutions now available, Amber’s brands are poised

LARS SNITKJAER CEO

Andi-Co Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Andi-Co Australia has seen a continued and positive development in sales following a stagnant second half in 2016.

In an ever-changing landscape of new and ambitious players, our premium go-to-market is holding strong.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We are optimistic that the positive trend will continue. Our premium brands require a strong focus on providing excellent customer service and we will continue to drive efforts into building consumer awareness. We have worked hard to lift our service offer in line with consumer sentiments.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

It is essential to demonstrate and show that you are passionate and genuine while delivering a customer experience that matches expectations from pre-purchase 14

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

to maximise the growing interest in the receiver/home audio category. For categories that focus on price as a differentiator, opportunity lies with providing a positive, engaging retail floor to highlight complex categories through experiential displays.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The industry is going through a period of change, evident following the consolidation of retailers and compounded by the announcement of Amazon entering the market.

Traditional bricks and mortar retailers, with little product differentiation, will feel the impact from this online retailer.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

Google’s voice activation highlights the next stage of wireless home automation. This will enhance the simplicity to connect, use and manage audio equipment in the home. It will drive interest across all peripherals related to home automation, and possibly expand to visual and monitoring categories.

to after-sales service. Whilst it may be some time before a customer requires another appliance – the key to success is retaining customers for life, and becoming your brand ambassadors. You need to make sure that the customer returns to your business, not the product.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

In light of what is going on around the world, there is the risk that consumers shy away from spending while watching for more stability. This is outside the control of our industry.

However, this is when the industry is challenged to adapt and develop their business models rather than selling on price alone. By Amazon moving into the market, we will most likely see some kind of disruption. The premium product segment is constantly being challenged by less premium brands but heritage and prestige must be grown and nurtured.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

Liebherr will introduce an Australian sized stainless steel bottom mount fridge. The introduction of the SBSef 7242 all fridge and freezer combination in the Comfort range has started very well, giving consumers a German-made and engineered product at a sub-$5,000 price point for the first time.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… ABDUL KAYAM SACUR Owner

Bi-Rite Home Appliances

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Business has been tracking along well and we have seen like-for-like sales grow year-on-year. An early cold snap has allowed a higher level of profitability for seasonal heating stock and the transition into the 2017 range of televisions has been handled smoother than in the past. However, certain opening price point products in the whitegoods area have been facing stock issues; fortunately, there have been plenty of options in these areas.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We are aiming for a strong second half. Major appliances will show slight growth as a result of large capacity washing machines and the French Door refrigerator market. We also expect growth in the TV market, particularly in the 65-inch and above sizes.

GLENN ANDREW Managing Director Dyson ANZ

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Dyson has had a strong start to the year driven by new technology and growth both in Australia and internationally, as well our strong relationships with retail partners. Having grown by over a third in 2016 and launched 10 new products, including the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, this year we will continue to deepen our commitment to connected, intelligent technology.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

This year promises to be even more transformational for Dyson than 2016 as the company remains focused on developing its core technologies. With our strong marketing investment, Dyson dominates in share of voice which means we are consistently front of mind for shoppers. We have also invested significantly in shop-in-shop fixtures which enable consumers to interact with and trial our products and understand the technology with the support of a qualified Dyson expert.

Online is defi nitely a huge opportunity for any retailer, although in-store execution should remain the core focus.

Always looking for different ways to service your customer will create opportunities for growth. I believe there are still opportunities for new stores or existing stores to expand into new territories. Bi-Rite is working with existing members to open new stores, for new members to join the group as well as joint-venture partnerships.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The big question mark is Amazon and the impact it can have on our industry. We have seen the reports on how effective their operations are and what kind of conversion rates they have. There are many examples seen overseas where retail has adapted to compete profitably against the likes of Amazon. Ultimately, more competition will mean everyone will have to improve their offering.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

I have been impressed with both OLED and QLED technology. In addition to the technology piece, these suppliers are driving change through consumer insights, and this is apparent through features and benefits such as cable management solutions and more intuitive smart systems.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

Dyson continues to reinvest the proceeds of its success into its long-term future, creating high quality, high value jobs globally. The company is continuing its £2.5 billion investment program in future technology and has started work on a second Wiltshire Technology Campus at Hullavington, which builds on the recent opening of the Malmesbury campus and new Technology Centre in Singapore. Suffice to say, we are ambitious for the future and we go where our technology takes us. With our innovation we lead and we are able to deliver significant value and growth for the category.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

A continued influx of vastly inferior copy-cat products will be detrimental to market value and consumer confidence with customers left disappointed by performance as we have seen in the floorcare category.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

The Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum which launched in 2016; it’s changing the way people clean and has become the fastest selling Dyson vacuum cleaner ever launched. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

ROB SINCLAIR

Managing Director e&s

THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY TREND I HAVE SEEN IS…

The evolution of the kitchen from a room where you simply cook and slave away hours on end, to an open plan, sophisticated space where we are proud to show off our appliances. With the technology and range now available, from combination steam ovens and vacuum seal drawers to benchtop induction and teppanyaki, customers are investing in multi-use and specialty appliances that offer more control and flexibility. Now there is a genuine desire to enjoy cooking and creating.

MY INDUSTRY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE IS…

Retailers gaining more data on what customers really want, and then delivering experiences that live up to their expectations. For example, the display technology Fisher & Paykel have implemented in e&s showrooms enables us – with the touch of button – to scroll through the product

MICHAEL DOYLE Sales Director

Electrolux Home Products

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Sales have been steady but not as strong as the previous corresponding period. Australia’s erratic summer weather in the populous centres has seen a patchy start with strong sales in some product categories offset by a decline in others.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

Most economic forecasters don’t expect the strong residential construction market in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to continue too much longer, but the renovation and additions sector, as well as product renewals should keep sales steady.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

Consumers’ love affair with television cooking shows, food festivals like Taste and home entertaining is helping drive their appetite for our exciting new cooking products, particularly across the Westinghouse and Electrolux brands.

16

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

range, tap on specifications and email those specifications and images straight to the customer, while they are still in the store. Technology that engages customers will help sell the true value of products, and the ability to 'try before you buy' will continue to be important.

MY OBSERVATION ON THE INDUSTRY IS…

We have seen significant investments in delivering amazing retail experiences, engaging consumers and taking them on an interactive journey. However, we are seeing cases where retail experiences are dated and uninspiring, with staff that lack the training and skills to talk about products, and are only equipped to talk price with a customer, which has sadly led to price erosion in some categories.

MY MESSAGE TO SUPPLIERS IS…

To try and understand individual retailer needs and for the organisation to deliver high quality displays and professionally trained staff who can confidently explain product features and benefits. This ensures both retailers and suppliers can exist in profitable harmony, which ultimately leads to the strength of a great industry.

These are introducing an increasing number of homeowners to induction, steam and other cooking technologies. Retailers have the opportunity to seize upon their enthusiasm for cooking products with these features and be ready for the wave of connectivity which will soon embrace the household appliance industry.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The relegation of major household appliance categories to generic commodity status poses a threat to suppliers and retailers alike. Electrolux continues to invest in its brands with new product features and technologies which assist retailer margins and mutual profitability. Both sides of the industry must continue to listen to consumers whose access to product knowledge online is unsurpassed and who won’t tolerate what they perceive to not be value for money.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

We are very excited about the new Unilux range of accessories which are designed to not only solve a myriad of common issues faced by major appliance owners but also optimise their use and enjoyment. They are compatible with most appliance brands on the market in addition to our own so it provides another opportunity for category revenue and profitability.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… DANIEL BERTUCCIO

For Eurolinx and the ILVE brand, we see our expansion into outdoor living and BBQs offering great potential and are a defi nite growth category.

Eurolinx

INDUSTRY THREATS…

Marketing Manager

THE YEAR SO FAR…

So far, 2017 has been good to Eurolinx. The renovation market has continued to prosper and with ILVE’s new built-in oven range continuing to perform from its release in August 2016, we are experiencing solid brand and product growth across all categories.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We don’t foresee a great deal of immediate change into the second half of the year, as the renovation market is still strong and this looks to continue until at least year end. As long as we execute the initiatives and structures we have set in place for our sales team, along with retail support, we expect to continue to travel in the right direction.

Constant and relentless media speculation of the ‘housing bubble burst’ and interest rate rises will only continue to feed doubt into the minds of consumers who may put off that renovation they have been planning for another day.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

For me, the release of the new ILVE built-in oven range in black glass has been my favourite. The ovens are right on trend and a great alternative to stainless steel which is commonplace.

“WE SEE OUR EXPANSION INTO OUTDOOR LIVING AND BBQS OFFERING GREAT POTENTIAL AND ARE A DEFINITE GROWTH CATEGORY.”

GAS DAVID GILMORE Managing Director

Glem Gas Australasia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Not bad, although profitability is always a challenge in such a competitive market. It is a little bit of a scramble to keep ahead but we are well supported by our Italian parent.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We are anticipating some improvement subject to reasonable economic and political stability. With the cooler months upon us, cooking sales will start to improve.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

For us, it is continuing to establish our brands and maintain our relevance to our customers. There are one or two categories where we can see growth opportunities and we will be actively pursuing those while never straying too far from our core cooking business.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

For me, it is the fear of the unknown with new retail players using different technology to reach customers. The whole Amazon thing is interesting and at the same time difficult to predict. In the cooking space, there are potentially threats to the independence of retailers as they graduate to a more corporate structure and start depending more on agency sales models. When it becomes a case of the same product offer at the same price, irrespective of retailer, then there is a risk of losing identity and retail innovation. The Amazons of the world will have a much simpler task to enter this type of retail environment.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

Our new line-up of Quiet Air rangehoods with off board motors. They are easy to install and a huge step up in performance and noise reduction. We are enjoying having these marvellous rangehoods installed in people’s homes and seeing their looks of disbelief at the improvement over what they had before. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

GEORGE LIAKATOS

partners, so we’re expecting a strong second half. We are also excited about another machine launch, which we know will help continue the drive through to Christmas.

Jura Australia

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

Head of Sales

THE YEAR SO FAR…

The fi rst half has been pretty hectic for us – and we’re not done yet. We kicked off the year with the launch of two new machines: the J6 fi lls a gap in the product portfolio between the premium-end Z6 and the mid-market E-Line machines.

The new E6 sees Jura technology flowing into a mid-price range, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the perfect cup of coffee at a lower price point. After a strong Christmas and New Year selling period, the fi rst couple of months were slow to start, but momentum is picking up.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

More of the same for us here. The machines we launched earlier in the year have only just rolled into retail and are gaining good momentum with strong support from our retail

DANNY HAMILTON CEO

Kleenmaid

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Retail is tough for many of our selling partners but our great value proposition is seeing many of their customers choosing Kleenmaid. Margins are also under pressure, however our pro forma model is ensuring the efforts expended by our retail partners is well rewarded. For us, sales are gradually on the increase due to the enormous effort by our team.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

I expect the second half of this year to be better than the fi rst, but it will take work. The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

All of us have the same opportunities. It is who is ready to seize them, and who has eyes to see them that make the difference. Being flexible and listening to retailers who are 18

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

For us, bringing premium technology to the mid-market segment. Our position in the premium market is cemented and remains a continued focus for our R&D team, but with our latest machine launches we have the chance to bring this technology and innovation to a new market of coffee consumers.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The market feels quite stable at the moment. Consumer confidence appears to be tracking well, and we are seeing the average spend increase. We are focused on a strong second half.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

I still don’t think I can go past the Z6 for my favourite product because it really is a world-fi rst, and the Pulse Extraction Process technology (P.E.P.) has resulted in the most superior short coffee output. It could be, however, that my favourite machine for 2017 has not launched just yet...

on the front line is paramount. Tailoring the range to what customers want as opposed to trying to sell them what we think they should have is key. When salespeople are confident in their knowledge they can sell your product. Only suppliers can provide this support and the better a supplier does that job the greater their success will be.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

Complacency, a lack of innovative vision and neglecting staff development. Reliance, to the point of addiction, on massive discounts to get the business is also a threat. It is selling on price alone that threatens the success of any business because someone will always do it cheaper. Lifting standards of customer service, continuously investing in staff and rewarding their efforts will lead to better results.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

The Kleenmaid Eco Sensitive LW8014 front load washing machine remains my favourite. We have had a good response to its unique European engineering, relevant water and time saving features and superior wash results.

MY OBSERVATION ON THE INDUSTRY IS… NICHOLAS FRY

National Group Manager Leading Appliances

THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY TREND I HAVE SEEN IS…

Bigger is better. In TVs, over 70 cents in every dollar is now spent on a 55-inch or above screen. In fridges, around 60 cents in every dollar spent is on a 500 litre or above unit, and washing machines are now available in up to 14kg capacity.

The obvious upside of this is the increase in ASPs for retailers.

MY INDUSTRY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE IS…

The IMF recently upgraded its forecast for Australian GDP to grow to 3.1% in 2017, and 3.6% in 2018, along with a decrease in unemployment based on good economic growth expected in the US, Europe and Asia. This is good news for retailers, and with interest rates at record lows, I predict a strong upcoming period for our industry, with consumers prepared to spend on new technology and features.

It remains a very challenging market. When times are tough there can be a default reflex to cut pricing and drive the market down. It is a fi ne line to continue to generate consumer interest and drive customer engagement without it being all about price. However, as evidenced by market statistics, consumers are prepared to pay more for bigger and better products so we need to communicate this better to elicit that discretionary spend from cautious, but ready, consumers.

MY MESSAGE TO SUPPLIERS IS…

The business is there to be done, we all just to have to fight a bit harder and smarter to get our share. End users are becoming more educated, informed and tech savvy, so we need to work together to provide the right products at the right price, with the right service, information and advice.

Suppliers need to add value through bonus offers, bulk buys, staff training and communication.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… ANGUS JONES

General Manager – Marketing LG Electronics Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

LG has enjoyed a healthy start to the year. Our latest home entertainment range combined with a strong home appliance offering has resonated well with our customers. We anticipate this success will help fuel growth for the remainder of 2017.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We are excited to offer Australians one of LG’s strongest line-ups in the laundry category to date. During the second half of the year, we will refresh our washing machine range with practical features designed to make everyday living easy. The new appliances will include internet connectivity as well as an innovative and stylish twin wash solution that enables consumers to run two wash cycles – tough and delicate garments – simultaneously. We anticipate this will be popular among busy Australians who are looking for clever, time-saving solutions.

There are significant opportunities within categories that have been monopolised or cluttered in recent years. LG is revitalising its vacuum and dishwasher products with innovative technologies. We are confident our new offerings will help springboard us onto the same playing field as the dominant players in the market.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

Sky-high housing prices paired with the increasing cost of living will continue to contribute towards the decision making process, particularly for high valued products like smartphones and appliances. A desire for the lowest possible price continues to be a threat to our industry. Retail staff should continue to educate consumers with the right information about each product to ensure shoppers walk out the door with a product that meets their direct needs.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

Sitting on my wish list is the LG Wallpaper TV, measuring just 4mm so it looks fantastic mounted against any flat surface. In the need category, LG’s TWINwash solution has made life easier at home, simplifying and reducing the volume of washing. www.applianceretailer.com.au

19

AR INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

SJAAK BROUWER

offers opportunities to further develop and grow. Innovation is one of the keys to success and Miele has some ground breaking new products lined up.

Miele ANZ

MY OBSERVATION ON THE INDUSTRY CURRENTLY IS…

Managing Director

THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY TREND I HAVE SEEN IS…

Connectivity in the home with numerous integrated systems on the market across many product categories. I particularly like the new convenience concepts which enhance ease of use for consumers. The challenge for the industry will be to fi nd a common platform where consumers can connect different appliances and functionalities.

MY INDUSTRY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE IS…

Positive. Clearly the market experienced a positive consumer sentiment during recent years and there could be many reasons for declining consumer confidence. Will the housing bubble last? There are increasing concerns regarding superannuation, employment, international tensions, safety, and more. However, I still believe that the Australian market

NICOLE PARKER

Commercial Manager

Nespresso Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

It has been a very positive start for Nespresso this year with the introduction of two limited edition Pure Origin Grands Crus, as well as the most intense decaffeinated coffee, Ristretto Decaffeinato. With the Essenza Mini machine, Nespresso’s smallest ever machine, we are continuing to drive innovation. The machine appeals to the millennial consumer who is entering the category for the fi rst time, as well as consumers looking for a second, smaller option within the home or as a gift.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

I believe we will continue to see consumers valuing premium brands and products. Coffee lovers turn to Nespresso to ensure the highest quality and consistent in-cup result time and time again. We have a direct relationship with our customer which allows us to personalise our communications and tailor experiences based on their preferences.

20

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

It seems that we are in the middle of a major transformation in really exciting times. The world is becoming more transparent, consumers expect real value for their money, demanding quality and innovative products. But on top of that they want to have the experience in the most relevant way. On the retail side, online is becoming a bigger part of the customer journey and traditional retail is developing in order to be ready for new entrants.

MY OVERALL MESSAGE IS...

The only way to stay successful is to strive to be the best and to have a passion to get better every day. That has been the Miele mantra since 1899, Immer Besser. So invest in the brand, innovate, be sustainable, offer the best experience and last but not least deliver quality products. That is the longterm commitment the Miele brand makes to both consumers and retail partners.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

The electrical retailing industry continues to evolve, giving Nespresso even more opportunities to enhance service levels and meet the needs of Australian consumers. It’s not only quality that ensures customer loyalty, but also unsurpassed customer service and the ultimate convenience. This year, we are looking to take our retail experience to a new level with more customer engagement online and in-store events at our boutiques.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

There are now more players in the capsule coffee category than ever before. Each year, we notice that as the competitors continue to rise, so do the number of diverse product solutions they offer. This makes it an important time for us to reinforce that Nespresso is a system, bringing together the machine, coffee and after care service, to provide the best in-home coffee quality.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

Our new Essenza Mini machine, although we have another launch later in the year that is completely new for Nespresso in Australia.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… RICHARD TASSONE

Director of Consumer Electronics Panasonic Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

We are very positive about the momentum since the Christmas period. We have released a suite of new products across a number of categories and are looking forward to a strong sales result for the fi rst half. In the imaging category, our flagship Lumix DC-GH5 camera has been very well received with demand exceeding our initial projections.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We expect to see a continued boost with the scheduled release of home entertainment products such as our EZ1000 ‘Master OLED’ Series to refresh consumer interest in TV, additional 4K Blu-ray products to enhance the viewing experience, and our new Urban Audio range; as well as upcoming new offerings in home appliance categories.

ANTHONY FLETCHER CEO

Schweigen

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Schweigen has brought in new built-in product for the fi rst time. Our new brand, Schweigen IN. offers premium pro-forma kitchen appliances. We have also participated in several home shows and are working on building our showrooms around the country.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

I would like to think that all of our showrooms will be up and running, all of our stock will be in and our retailers and consumers respond well to the product. The cooking appliance sector is in good shape at the moment with cooking shows rating higher than ever. Many consumers now prefer to cook at home so they want good quality appliances.

Designers also have an increasing influence on kitchens and the choice of appliances.

There is great opportunity in the market today with our research showing that the average Australian consumer replaces their main TV every five to six years. Looking at our historical data, there are up to 200,000 satisfied Panasonic customers looking to upgrade in 2017. Many of these customers are upgrading from a plasma TV and are therefore ideal candidates for OLED. We also think there are opportunities in areas such as 4K technology.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

Holding value in the market is key. Panasonic is making an investment to support retailers with our upcoming ‘Extraordinary Perfected’ OLED campaign to inspire and educate Australian consumers. The components of this campaign will include in-store displays highlighting the extraordinary viewing experience, national roadshows, direct product training campaigns, social media, and above the line advertising.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

The new Lumix DC-GH5 mirrorless camera, which offers a raft of innovative world-fi rsts to truly set the gold standard in professional 4K video shooting and 6K photography.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES…

We are taking the opportunity to develop showrooms in Australia and New Zealand to bring in designers and architects. We want to make it an experience by training cooking staff and retail staff on how to sell our appliances.

We want people to come in, touch, feel and use our product, although our showrooms will only be open to the public via appointment.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The emergence of Amazon. As a big player it has certainly impacted retailers and suppliers, and affected the way consumers around the world spend their money. We have to be very diligent to ensure we are ready for what’s coming and maintain our relationship with the retailers who have helped get us where we are today. In Australia, we are a small industry and a small country so we need to look after our own and work together.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

The Schweigen IN. built-in 60cm all matte black pyrolytic oven as I expect it to be our best-selling product. www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… CRAIG HANDLEY

General Manager – Retail Appliances Shriro Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

Across our three main appliance brands at Shriro, Omega, Blanco, and Neil Perry Kitchen, 2017 has delivered strong results and I believe this comes from a consumer fi rst mentality. I am pleased to see an increasing shift toward trusted brands, where word of mouth and independent recommendations are valued over corporate voice.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

While the overall retail marketplace will likely remain soft, our strategy will deliver a strong second half of 2017 for Shriro. Disruptors in the market are a given, whether it be fly-by-night brands or the coming of new global online retailers. However, our continuing engagement and collaboration with our consumers and retailers will enable us to deliver product and business solutions that drive success.

Backing our brands and retailers with genuinely high levels of support is essential. Dedicated showrooms, hands-on training facilities, innovative training programs, and high levels of service are paramount in today’s market. We also use social media so customers can engage with our service team, product management, or marketing directly. Cookie cutter responses are a sign of weakness and consumers expect more.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The appliance market has seen many new brands created, launch, and fail over recent years, and there is no substitute for brand awareness, solid history, and accompanying trust.

While important, this is not enough to guarantee success, and product innovation and quality are more important than ever. The cooking sector is not a high technology category, however genuine innovation still occurs and it’s the brands that lead this charge that are seeing success.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

My personal favourite is the Neil Perry Kitchen NPO90 oven as it delivers a large cavity, the highest power in class at 6400 watts, and our Individual Element Control which has earned us global patents.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES… MATHEW PATUAWA Brand Manager TCL Australia

THE YEAR SO FAR…

TCL Australia has been extremely active in promoting our brand, with our Melbourne Cup Carnival sponsorship supplemented with new sponsorship activity. We have cemented ourselves as a top five supplier of televisions to Australian consumers and fi rmly entrenched as a clear Tier 2 option that presents good value for money. In 2017, we look to revolutionise the way our TVs are perceived in the market.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS…

We are launching our fi rst Android certified TV into the Australian market which opens users up to a world of content on demand via the Google Play Store. With services such as Netfl ix proving extremely popular in Australia, TCL UHD TV powered by Android further enhances this connectivity, and is set to change the game of content on demand.

22

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

As many technology features become standard, the market has seen a shift towards larger, higher spec’d TVs. 55-inch TVs are now amongst the most popular on the market, and UHD is a feature that Australian consumers are now seeking as standard. This coupled with access to 4K content, has meant that the era of 4K TV is now upon us, and consumers are purchasing accordingly.

INDUSTRY THREATS…

The threats looming in the industry present very good opportunities for suppliers. It is clear that content on demand is a key factor in purchasing decisions. If suppliers can offer these features, consumers have a reason to upgrade their current televisions, or switch to a brand that offers alternative content consuming platforms.

BEST PRODUCT OF 2017…

TCL Australia’s fi rst UHD TVs powered by Android. We are confident that this will provide consumers with a new level of TCL brand experience with features such as Quantum Dot display, HDR, Chromecast built in, Bluetooth connectivity and voice command search functionality.

FATHER'S DAY AR

OUTLOOK

PERSONAL GROOMING AND SMALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCES ON THE GIFT LIST

T

raditionally, Father’s Day tends to take second billing to Mother’s Day, with father’s somewhat neglected as consumers are less inclined to pony up with the cash when it comes to gifts. But it seems fathers are fi nally getting more attention, especially when it comes to grooming related products. There has also been a surge in popularity for small appliances as more fathers spend time in the indoor and outdoor kitchen.

So what does top the list when it comes to Father’s Day? The latest data from GfK shows shoppers are opting for hair clippers, shavers, detail trimmers, multi-grooming kits and personal scales with the sandwich press, water fi lter cartridges, toastie-makers and rice cookers ranking highest in small appliance gifts. However, there has been a decline in sales for multi-grooming kits. AR

TRENDS

How to make father’s happy – Technology to a 'T'

F

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

ather’s Day always presents strong sales opportunities, particularly as technology gifts continue to stay high on wish lists, Uniden marketing communications manager, Brad Hales said. “Uniden recently increased its product offering in key categories for the Dad who loves adventure and lives on the edge, or who places home security and safety first,” Hales said. This year has seen a focus on refreshing and growing product categories for Uniden’s core wireless communication products, which has seen steady growth, suggesting a trend away from traditional products at Father’s Day, he said.

Gifting opportunities such as Father’s Day are key consumption periods for consumers and remain a selling focus for Braun, according to

assistant brand manager, Leon Englert.

“Consumers want to give their Dad a gift that is personal, makes him feel good and shows him just how much he’s loved. Styling has been an important growth category in the Braun portfolio as we aim to capitalise on the rising trend of precision grooming,” he said.

Braun’s global research of 5,000 men aged 25-35 years revealed they wanted to spend more time with their

Brad Hales – Uniden.

AR FATHER'S DAY

Tim Anderson – Sunbeam.

families and greater time-efficiencies when everything feels like a priority.

“The fi ndings indicate a combination of smart thinking and smart technology enables men to achieve what matters and that small changes can have a big impact,” Englert said.

Father’s Day is an exciting time for Sunbeam as it gives the brand an opportunity to talk to a different demographic and have a bit of fun with the “typical Aussie Dad”, is how Sunbeam head of product marketing, Tim Anderson, sees the activity. “It is the largest promotional period after mid-year sales and pre-Christmas and an important promotional event to drive store foot traffic and provide ‘new news’ for the customer,” he said.

“It represents the start of summer and the opportunity to introduce the new summer product range.”

There is a growing trend toward Australian men seeking products that provide professional-style grooming in the home, according to Panasonic product marketing manager for personal care, Nicolas Cauzac. “Manscaping is becoming increasingly popular, in particular among young men aged 18-35 years,” he said. According to a Panasonic study, over 40% of Australian men think shaving is a hassle and see themselves as increasingly time poor, showing they are looking for products for their grooming routine that are fast, user friendly and efficient. With

Nicolas Cauzac – Panasonic.

24

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Maria Russo – FitZone.

this in mind, Panasonic is set to launch its fi rst Body Groomer, the ER-GK60 (RRP: $179) in June. “As part of their overall style, this age group wants to trim body hair on areas such as chest, legs, and back,” he said.

There is evidence of a male product trend, particularly when it comes to cooking, according to Shriro communications manager

Cindie Yates – Conair.

according to Conair category manager, Cindie Yates. Trends in fashion and men’s style continue to drive men’s grooming products as key gift giving items, she said. “One of those trends that isn’t going away anytime soon is the rising popularity of beards, so 2017 and beyond will see more men with either a well-trimmed beard or a shorter stubble look. It

ACCORDING TO A PANASONIC STUDY, OVER 40% OF AUSTRALIAN MEN THINK SHAVING IS A HASSLE…SHOWING THEY ARE LOOKING FOR PRODUCTS THAT ARE FAST, USER FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT. for homewares, Sandra Cal. “This includes home barbecuing and meat smoking, particularly slow cooking.

This style of charcoal grilling infuses the meat with a smokey flavour, and reflects the BBQ smoking trend coming out of the USA that is becoming increasingly popular,” she said. In addition to experimenting with charcoal there’s also scope to explore different wood chips that offer a variety of new smoke flavours, with the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal brand releasing a new range of wood chips in time for Father’s Day. Father’s Day is generally a time for pampering within the health and wellbeing category, FitZone Solutions director Maria Russo said. “It tends to revolve around spoiling the significant males in the family with products they may not think of purchasing themselves. Given the time of year, purchasing for Father’s Day typically centres on personal heating products too, along with the great favourites around massage,” Russo said.

Dads want gifts they can use, rather than the more traditional purchase like ties and socks,

Jo Clark – Remington.

is essential that easy solutions are provided to maintain and achieve the desired facial hair style.”

“Because shaving and grooming products are a natural gift for Dad, Father’s Day is the biggest selling period behind Christmas,” Remington marketing manager, Jo Clark said. “Increased sales can be maximised through strong merchandising of promotional products and gift packs. These items tend to be the hero in both stores and in catalogues. Sales for products that offer a convenience proposition are a trend we are picking up on and this is coming from increases for the Rapid Cut hair clipper and Quick Shave rotary shaver.” AR

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Hub Electric Ignition Charcoal BBQ HBCE2B.

NEW PRODUCTS GETTING ATTENTION

T

he Guardian wireless surveillance packages from Uniden include outdoor weatherproof cameras that can be plugged in and are ready to go. The G3721L and G3722L come with motion detecting spotlights with an in-built camera that can be viewed and controlled remotely. The UHF radio range continues to grow in popularity, Brad Hales said. A recent addition to the flagship 2-way UH850S-DLX radio is the deluxe car pack. It can be operated as a 2-way handheld radio or as an in-car CB radio while travelling, without having to install additional wiring or antennas. The pack includes a cigarette charger cradle to hold the CB radio and a magnetic portable antenna for long range, making it easy to change between car and on foot. It copes with harsh conditions with a fully submersible waterproof body based on IPX7 waterproof standards. The technology offers reliable communications with access to 80 UHF channels and has 5-watts of power, the maximum power available for any handheld radios.

RANGES

Braun Series 9 Shaver.

Braun research reinforces the brand’s philosophy and product design features within its Series 9, 7 and 5 shavers, specifically its AutoSense technology, which adapts power levels to specific shaving requirements.

This technology is being added to the upgraded Series 5 range in August.

Braun understands that men want to achieve their desired look with precision and ease. With this in mind, Braun set out to update its styling range by launching a range of four versatile multi-grooming kits. The enhanced products also feature two improved beard trimmers with up to 39 precision length settings for ultimate precision and 100% styling control. The kit also includes tools that are fast, adapt to any styling preference and are versatile to get the job done, giving men the freedom to create a variety of looks, Leon Englert said. “Pioneering smart thinking and smart technologies within our male grooming product portfolio continue to be a core differentiator.”

For the second year in a row, the ‘Man vs. Hunger’ campaign will be promoting a number of Sunbeam cooking appliances with a fun and www.applianceretailer.com.au

25

AR FATHER'S DAY engaging approach to product advertising for Father’s Day. “We took to social media and noticed something interesting,” Tim Anderson said. “On one side, people and brands are talking about health and wellbeing, and on the other side, ‘naughty’ deep-fried cheese stuffed chicken and pizza burger balls.

We saw engagement rates on naughty food soar over videos with a vegan tofu salad. We dubbed this the 2017 Counter-Trend: Bad Food is Cool Food.

It’s cool to like an oversized greasy cheese burger. It’s cool to share a post of peanut and jelly doughnut balls.

People, not just men, love naughty food.” Products being promoted in the activation include Pie Magic, BBQ Grills, Sandwich Presses and Toastie Makers and fall within the ‘sweet-spot’ for gift giving with RRPs from $49.95 to $99.95. The campaign is designed to highlight the diversity of product uses and inspire creative cooking.

Panasonic’s latest range of men’s grooming products includes featurepacked wet and dry shavers, and in line with the focus on grooming, are oral hygiene products to maintain good health at home. The flagship shaver, the ES-LV9N (RRP $599.95), has a 3D multi-flexible pivot head and a five-blade cutting system while the 3-blade shaver, the ES-ST29 (RRP $289.95), features a new design that directs foam or gel into the shaver head for wet or dry shaving. For maintaining effective oral care at home or travelling, the cordless Water Flosser, the EW1211 (RRP: $149.95), was developed to penetrate between teeth to help remove tough food debris where ordinary floss and toothbrushes can't always reach. The cleansing pulses stimulate and massage gums, gently removing tiny food particles often trapped in the small periodontal pockets between teeth and gums.

There are several appliances within the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal range from Shriro being highlighted for Father’s Day. These include the Hub and Fusion that make charcoal cooking easy with ignition being as simple as loading the charcoal into the BBQ and pressing the ignition button. “These appliances take their cue from minimalist Danish design, with 26

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Remington Power Pro Grooming Kit HC9000.

THE EVERDURE BY HESTON

BLUMENTHAL RANGE ALLOWS

CHARCOAL COOKING TO BECOME EASY WITH IGNITION BEING

AS SIMPLE AS LOADING THE

CHARCOAL INTO THE BBQ AND

PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON.

VS for Men Beard Trim VMS7840A.

Fitzone Deluxe Heating Pad HK42.

the Hub the perfect combination of form and function with its easy to clean porcelain enamel fi rebox and charcoal tray,” Sandra Cal said. The range has won an IF Design Award and several Red Dot awards.

Four grooming appliances are being launched by Remington this Father’s Day. The Groom & Go Precision Kit (RRP: $19.95) comprises a versatile groomer with two interchangeable stainless steel heads. The Power Pro Grooming Kit (RRP: $49.95) includes a hair clipper, nose and ear trimmer, plus one for detail work. The Ultimate Shaver Pack (RRP: $59.95) comes with a rechargeable shaver, Armor All Proglide Wash & Wax and Armor All microfibre 2-in-1 wash pad. The WETech Hyperflex Rotary Shaver Pack (RRP: $99.95) works in or out of the shower and features precision plus multi-flexing heads that adapt to facial contours and a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker to add some fun to Dad’s morning routine.

FitZone is adding to its male heating line-up in time for Father’s Day with the new HK42 Deluxe Heating Pad (RRP: $89.95) featuring a plush, super soft surface. It is machine washable and offers three heat settings. Also new is the Air Purifier LR300 (RRP: $399.95) with 99.5% fi lter performance, a triple layer fi lter system, timer function and three fan speeds. Existing products include the Massage Foot Warmer FWM45 with two heat and two massage settings and Comfort Foot Warmer FWM45, both with an RRP of $89.95.

New grooming products from Conair include the VS for Men Beard Trim VSM7840A (RRP: $49.95) with a precision beard and stubble trimmer for perfect facial grooming and hair capture system for no-mess trimming. The VS for Men Diamond Precision VSM1000A (RRP: $24.95) is an innovative, ultragentle nose and ear trimmer with diamond capture blades for precise results with a three-bevel blade system that carries a ‘no pulling’ guarantee.

Both have a two-year warranty. Conair is also strengthening its product offering at the mid-price point with the VS for Men lithium-ion powered clipper for professional, at-home hair cutting VSM7473A (RRP: $69.95). AR

Uniden Guardian Wireless Surveillance System G3721L Braun Series 5 Shaver  SkinSensitive technology navigates smallest contours without compromising on skin comfort  MacroMotion 40 degree pivoting shaver head for maximum skin contact  Ultra ActiveLift trimmer for capturing hairs around neck and chin  Precision trimmer for moustache and sideburns

 Full HD picture quality  Night vision up to 12 metres with motion detection spotlight  Remote access via free iOS/Android app  Up to four cameras can be added for additional security

Ideal for monitoring both inside and outside of properties, the Uniden Guardian is the ultimate all-in-one security system for the home. The G3721L provides two weatherproof cameras, one spot light camera and a 7-inch touch screen tablet.

RRP: $699.95

Uniden: 1300 366 895

RRP: $399

Braun: 1800 641 820 A tailored performance that adjusts specifically to individual needs, Braun’s smart-technology engineers a shave that is bespoke to its users thanks to real-time intelligence, providing the exact power where it’s needed most.

PRODUCT GALLERY

Panasonic Body Groomer ER-GK60  Skin Protective blade provides gentle and effective trimming without irritation or injury  Close shave down to 0.1mm without the need for shaving foam  3mm and 6mm attachments for trimming leg or chest hair  Waterproof IPX7 rating for body hair grooming in the shower

RRP:

Ideal for men who are serious about grooming and getting rid of unwanted hair, this groomer cuts close, is gentle on the skin and easy to use with its ergonomically designed handle.

$179

Panasonic: 132 600

www.applianceretailer.com.au

27

AR FATHER'S DAY FROM THE FLOOR

Greg Maddison from David Jones

D

avid Jones buying manager for electrical, furniture and bedding, Greg Maddison said sales are strong across multiple categories of small electrical appliances in the lead up to Father's Day. The most popular products for Father’s Day range from shavers and electrical grooming by Philips, Braun and VS Sassoon to Philips personal/ oral care.

In small domestic appliances, semi-automatic and capsule machines from Nespresso, Breville, De’Longhi and Sunbeam, as well as juicers and blenders by Breville, Nutribullet, Vitamix, Kuvings and Ninja are expected to sell strongly. As for new technologies that look interesting, Maddison is impressed with the Breville Smoking Gun that is built

“CUSTOMERS ARE BECOMING MORE FAVOURABLE TOWARDS NORMALLY 'OUT OF HOME' ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOME LIKE BARISTA QUALITY COFFEE FROM A CAPSULE COFFEE MACHINE.” PROMOTIONS

SUNBEAM

Sunbeam is supporting this year’s Man vs. Hunger campaign, which will run from August to Father’s Day, with point of sale and videos on social channels with recipes designed to highlight the diversity of products and inspire creative cooking.

28

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

EVERDURE

Purchase an Everdure by Heston Blumenthal BBQ to automatically enter the draw to win ‘Dinner for Two by Heston Blumenthal’, which includes flights and two nights of accommodation at the Crown Melbourne hotel.

with polyscience technology to allow smoking of meats and cheese at home.

“Customers are becoming more favourable towards normally 'out of home' activities that take place in the comfort of their home like barista quality coffee at home from a capsule coffee machine and fresh fruit and vegetable juices from a range of blender and juicer appliances.”

He said strong sales are generated from business activities including the David Jones Father's Day catalogue, press, EDMs, gift with purchase and cash backs, supported by in-store events such as demonstrations and tastings. “EDMs and tactical activity that are scheduled around Father's Day also lead to strong online sales and an uptake in our click and collect service,” he said.

Brand awareness has a role to play too when it comes to Father’s Day sales, with major electrical brands usually the customer's fi rst point of call.

“However, once in-store and through consultation with sales staff, customers are more likely to purchase brands they are not as familiar with, when they have been given a background on the brand and the key qualities of the product are explained.” AR

CONAIR

The Bearded-Pro Grooming Gift Set (RRP $49.95) available in time for Father’s Day will include a beard and stubble trimmer, beard comb, beard brush and bonus natural and petroleum-free beard balm from Australian grooming brand, Milkman.

FEATURE

BENCHTOP

OUTLOOK | TRENDS | RANGES | PRODUCT GALLERY | FROM THE FLOOR | PROMOTIONS

AR BENCHTOP

OUTLOOK

Creating homemade meals has never been easier

I

n 2016, small cooking appliances recorded retail volume growth of 3% to reach 9.3 million units, with rice cookers posting the largest increase of 15%, according to Euromonitor data. Over the forecast period, small cooking appliances are set to record a retail volume compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% to approach sales of 10.3 million units in 2021.

Euromonitor senior research analyst, Hianyang Chan said, “Ongoing concerns about nutrition and a better work-life balance helped drive

BY EMILY BENCIC sales, with homemade food enabling Australians to better control their diets in a more economical manner”.

Multi-functionality remained one of the biggest trends in small cooking appliances. “Brand manufacturers sought to develop appliances that were able to create a variety of meals quickly and easily. As consumers move towards healthier lifestyles, rice cookers offer an easy and convenient way of preparing a household staple.

Multiple cooking functions allow consumers to minimise the number of appliances needed to create a range of dishes,” he added.

Built to create. Made by you.

The top of the range Cooking Chef is a machine that can do it all; cook, steam and mix.

Breville Group leads the small appliance cooking sector with 25% volume share. Average unit prices rose 6% in current terms to $84 as consumers increasingly demand premium, well-designed appliances.

GfK data shows that within the electric cooking pot segment, multi cookers represent 65%of the market in value, while slow cookers are worth 35% of the cooking pot segment. The average price of a multi and pressure cooker is $137 and for slow cookers, $50. There were less than 100 sous vide units sold within the last 12 months, the data noted. AR

TRENDS

Slow cookers and multi-cookers meet convenience demand

S

low cooking has been the biggest trend witnessed

by De’Longhi. “Not only does it make phenomenally flavoursome meats and vegetarian casseroles, it’s something consumers can just set and forget and come back to in a few hours after spending some time with the kids or going to the gym,” Kenwood category manager for food preparation, Marcus Lo Russo said.

Marcus Lo Russo – Kenwood.

healthy homemade meals quickly and easily. Cook4Me has taken pride of place with over 85 in-built recipes with six ingredients or less, and a majority of dishes can be cooked in less than 12 minutes,” she said.

Slow cooking has been a growth category for Breville, increasing its share by 12% to reach 22.4%, while the company’s share in pressure cookers has reached 18% (GfK moving annual total (MAT) March 2017). Furthermore, Breville’s number one models, the Fast Slow Pro (BPR700BSS) and the Flavour Maker

“CONSUMERS ARE TIME POOR BUT HEALTH CONSCIOUS SO THEY WANT TO EAT HEALTHY HOMEMADE MEALS QUICKLY AND EASILY.” Marianne Arenas – Groupe SEB

Groupe SEB has seen consumers taking a particular interest in all-inone products with GfK data showing double digit growth in the multicooker category, “which has resulted in more entrants into the category providing consumers with a multitude of choice,” senior brand manager, Marianne Arenas said.

The Tefal Cook4Me gained significant traction in the second half of 2016. “Consumers are time poor but health conscious so they want to eat

Marianne Arenas – Tefal.

Find your perfect Kenwood Chef.

Chef

Chef XL

Chef XL Sense

Chef XL Titanium

Cooking Chef

Sharon Lenzner – Breville.

(BSC560BSS) hold 12% and 8% share respectively.

“Australian home cooks embrace winter cooking with a growing interest and confidence in using multi-cookers that combine different cooking methods in one appliance to help busy families prepare a variety of great tasting meals quickly and easily,” Breville business manager for cooking and food preparation, Sharon Lenzner said.

“Multi-cookers is also a growth category with products like the Multi Chef (BRC600BSS), the Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS) and the One° Precision Poacher (BEG800SIL), which are ideal for those with limited bench and storage space, or who want to maximise the versatility of using one appliance,” she added.

Over at Sunbeam, the fryware category is getting a shake-up with more innovation. Non-stick or stainless steel coatings have traditionally been the standard choices for consumers, until now.

AR BENCHTOP

Tim Anderson – Sunbeam.

“With coating advances in nonelectrical cookware, the category has to evolve to present consumers with similar options in electrical cookware,” head of marketing, Tim Anderson explained.

“Sunbeam has launched DuraCeramic coating, a unique ceramic based nonstick coating which cooks food faster with higher scratch resistance and is four times more durable than non-stick coatings. This coating can be found on Sunbeam’s frypan, skillet and Crock-Pot one pot cooker.”

Aquaport has been focusing on the growing awareness and popularity of sous vide as consumers bring professional cooking methods into the home. “Sous vide ensures perfect, repeatable results and makes restaurant quality food attainable to everyday consumers,” ProAppliances national sales manager, Mathew Kiley said.

Mathew Kiley – ProAppliances

Westinghouse product development manager, Jamie Winston believes while features are important, the aesthetic appearance of a benchtop appliance can sway the purchase decision. “There is a trend towards fashionable designs, colours and colour combinations of benchtop appliances, with kitchen 'accenting' on the rise,” he said.

The company has also increased its customer base, introduced new models in each category and entered new categories, which has led to “100% growth” across the business, according to Winston. AR 32

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Built to create.

Made by you.

10 YEAR WARRANTY

The top of the range Cooking Chef is a machine that can do it all; cook, steam and mix.

Precise Induction Heat Precisely craft any dish with up to 180 degree cooking in bowl.

Chef

Chef XL

Slow Cooking Create mouth watering dishes and slowly braise meat with less effort.

Chef XL Sense

Chef XL Titanium

For more information please visit www.kenwood-australia.com

20 Pre-set Programs Master a wide range of dishes and techniques with ease.

Cooking Chef

MyChef Attachments Create More with over 20 optional Attachments.

AR BENCHTOP Tefal 45-in-1 Rice Cooker RK812.

RANGES

All-in-one appliances the most popular kitchen companion Westinghouse Electric Frypan WHEF01G.

Breville The One° Precision Poacher BEG800.

Sunbeam CrockPot Lift & Serve CHP450.

34

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

K

enwood is taking the humble food mixer and turning it into an all-in-one, unparalleled bench top appliance, incorporating induction cooking with all the standard features of a mixer.

With an industry-fi rst temperature range of 20 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius, the Cooking Chef has the ability to complete various cooking tasks. Users can whisk, beat, stir and dough knead, as well as steam, blend, slice, chop, and grate.

There are pre-programmed recipes including casseroles and stir-fries that are ready in 30 minutes, as well as an easy-to-use interface.

Tefal will continue to provide consumers with innovative products that strive to fulfi l the company mission of 'ideas you cannot live without'. The OptiGrill+ boasts cooking sensor technology, Cook4Me has a step-bystep cooking guide, the 45-in-1 rice and multi-cooker offers a patented spherical bowl and the Cuisine Companion is the one-touch genius that helps consumers save space.

Breville has launched the One° Precision Poacher (BEG800SIL), a versatile multi-cooker that delivers precise temperature control using an integrated probe, to produce results that can’t be achieved with any other cooking technique. The One° Precision Poacher takes all the guess work out of cooking eggs perfectly, and enables the home cook to explore other ways of creating dishes such as sous vide salmon, confit duck and butter poached prawns.

A key launch for Sunbeam this year was the return of the CrockPot brand to Australia, which was

fi rst launched in the 1970s. Cooking temperatures and cycles are now more efficient and effective over longer cooking times. The revitalised CrockPot also features a hinged lid and a DuraCeramic coated sauté pot which can sear ingredients on all cooktop types including induction. Underlined by the simple message of prep, set and forget, foolproof meals are ready for when the family comes home.

The Sous Vide Pro (PRO-SV1) benchtop water bath unit and Sous Vide Pro 2 immersion circulator (PRO-SVS1) are the hero products from Aquaport. These units can be used in conjunction with the VacPro vacuum sealing machines, which are essential for sous vide cooking and present another sales opportunity for retailers. The latest addition to the VacPro Range is the VacPro Commercial Vacuum Sealer (PRO-VAC-C1) designed for semicommercial and heavy household use.

It has a dual pump which allows it to work continuously without the need to wait in-between seals.

Westinghouse has introduced a three pot slow cooker, in addition to bringing new colour combinations across a number of categories.

However, its fl agship product in the benchtop appliance space is its new electric frypan (WHEF01G). It features a thick cast aluminium body with tempered glass lid, cool-touch knobs and handles, as well as heavy duty non-stick coating. The frypan also has a trigger release temperature control probe and easy pour spout.

The M-shape element allows for more even heat distribution compared to traditional square or rectangle elements. AR

Save space and replace:

Your smart, one-touch genius... making cooking hassle free and easy.

Whisk

Slow Cooker or Rice Cooker

Soup Maker or Blender

Steamer

Stand Mixer

Food Processor

OFFER

BONUS BOWL & RECIPE BOOK* when you purchase in June or July.

*Valid from 15th June to 31st July 2017. Claim via redemption, while stocks last. Visit cuisinecompanion.com.au for full T&Cs.

Valued at

254

$

.00

RRP

+

AR BENCHTOP

Kenwood Cooking Chef    

Tefal OptiGrill+XL  Nine cooking programs  A variable temperature manual mode to grill vegetables and fruits  Large cooking surface for 6-8 servings  High performance die cast aluminium non-stick dishwasher safe plates

Powerful 1500 watt motor 24 pre-programmed settings Timer up to 8 hours 6.7 litre capacity with a 3 litre working capacity to serve up to 10 people

With over 20 attachments, from blender to food processor, ice-cream maker to pasta roller, meat grinder to grain mill, this food mixer enables users to create a range of dishes including risotto, casseroles, choux pastry, crème patisserie, and more.

RRP: $1,999

De’Longhi: 1800 126 659

RRP: $399.95

Groupe SEB: 1300 307 824 The OptiGrill is a smart automatic grill that automatically adapts the cooking time to the thickness of the ingredients, and indicates the precise cooking level from rare to well done, even for frozen food.

PRODUCT GALLERY

Users can cook much more than stews and chilli with the Crock-Pot, including burgers, risotto, nachos and cheesecake. Most slow cookers are designed for cooking times of 6-8 hours, but this slow cooker offers more efficient cooking temperatures and cycles for longer cooking times.

Sunbeam Crock-Pot Lift & Serve    

Family size one-pot meal solution Hinged lid for no mess meal serving Prep, set & forget Four week recipe meal plan included

RRP:

$79.95

Sunbeam: 1300 881 861

36

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

“It’s often said that customers have to make up to three contacts with a product before they make their purchase, therefore promotions and continued demonstrations help keep the consumer engaged.”

PROMOTIONS

FROM THE FLOOR

Chris Murphy from Kitchen Warehouse

T

he benchtop category is a very competitive market, according to Kitchen Warehouse director, Chris Murphy, with many cheaper imports detracting from a focus on service, quality and competitive pricing. “We will continue stocking the best brands which are complemented with a click and collect offering of additional products,” he said.

When asked to highlight his best seller, Murphy noted KitchenAid as “the most aspirational stand mixer, thanks to its metal construction, over a dozen handy attachments, and 20 colours to choose from”.

“Dehydrators have also become very popular for making healthy snacks, particularly for children’s lunch boxes. The Magimix Cook Expert is a one-stop assistant for the kitchen with more features than a Thermomix at a slightly cheaper price point,” he said.

Murphy has observed that customers have become savvier and are prepared to shop around before they make a purchase.

“It’s often said that customers have to make up to three contacts with a product before they make their purchase. Therefore, promotions and continued demonstrations, which we offer with our in-store kitchen, help keep the consumer engaged.

Furthermore, our loyalty program, brand offering and competitive pricing continues to keep us front of mind.”

His fi nal thoughts on Amazon: “I think it's fair to say that there won't be any winners out of Amazon's arrival, although the impact remains to be seen. It's important to focus on what we can control and provide a unique customer experience.”

Kitchen Warehouse has seven stores in Western Australia, one in Victoria and one in Queensland. AR

BREVILLE

Breville is offering a 100 day money back guarantee on the Flavour Maker (BSC560BSS), the Fast Slow Pro (BPR700BSS) and the Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS) from 1 June to 31 August, 2017.

SUNBEAM

The Family Winter Winners campaign will highlight key Sunbeam cooking products through recipes created by the Sunbeam test kitchen. The Crock-Pot will be supported by a nationwide end cap campaign in Harvey Norman and additional bulk stacks in stores.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

37

AR CAMERAS

OUTLOOK

Premium models on the rise

R

etail volume sales of digital cameras in Australia declined by 11% in 2016 to 1.1 million units due to the continual cannibalisation of the category from the increasing popularity of smartphones. This has had a devastating effect on sales, which fell by a 15% CAGR during the review period. However, there has been a surge in demand for compact system cameras that accounted for a 38% retail volume share in 2016, according to Euromonitor senior research analyst, Hianyang Chan. “Compact system cameras strike a balance between imaging quality and size/ weight,” Chan said.

Penetration rates of cameras decreased from 132% to 114% in 38

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN 2016, highlighting that consumers were purchasing cameras less often.

The shift in preferences towards using a smaller camera with high-quality photographic features was evident by the growth in volume sales of compact system cameras, Chan said. The advancement in technology allows for a compromise and balance between imaging quality, size and camera weight, a trend that has directly influenced the unit price of imaging devices, which grew by 9%, reaching AUD$291 in 2016.

“Leading manufacturers published roadmaps displaying the continual shift towards compact system cameras, which are expected to be released within the next fi nancial year. Developments of lenses in these compact system cameras were

one of the main focuses for these manufacturers. The expansion of the compact system camera range allowed manufacturers opportunities to develop a range of new accessories and peripherals to further bolster sales and better differentiate themselves,” he said.

A positive takeaway from GfK data was the significant increase in the average prices for both compacts and interchangeable lens cameras.

This highlights the continuous trend to premium models, fuelled by growth of cameras with larger image sensors.

Recording a double-digit dip in volume sales were action cameras, although value increased by 6% thanks to 4K and video recording.

Interchangeable lens camera sales also fell but less dramatically. AR

TRENDS

Consumers want the ‘experience’ to capture special occasions

G

iving some positive insights into the category was Canon Consumer Imaging director, Jason McLean. “Coming off the back of another great year in 2016, we felt that the category was relatively sleepy for the fi rst three months of 2017, so Canon decided to wake up the market up with a range of initiatives to build interest and engagement.” These included

Jason McLean – Canon.

retail support and in-store promotions along with hundreds of Canon Collective photography experiences and new product launches. “We’ve built momentum that will set consumers and retailers up nicely to get out and have fun shooting in the winter months, starting with the world’s biggest light show, Vivid Sydney, in late May/June,” McLean said.

“If the last three years’ results have taught us anything, it’s that consumers want experiences that help them develop and get the most out of the innovative products Canon brings to market. The consumer experience continues to be the defi ning factor of success in this category,” McLean said. “Our focus is on the consumer and we are in constant communication with them through our channels and direct

experiences.” Canon Australia’s online store is performing well as part of the ecosystem of options for local consumers. “The 24/7 convenience regardless of location and valueadding focus of the Canon store perfectly complements the Canon authorised retail network,” he said.

Panasonic category manager, imaging and AV, Doug Campbell said Australia’s growing interest in photography and videography

“SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS HAVE FUELLED INTEREST IN CAPTURING GREAT IMAGES AND CONSUMERS STILL WANT TO CAPTURE ONCE IN A LIFETIME OCCASIONS IN THE BEST QUALITY.” Doug Campbell – Panasonic.

has led to a strong performance for Panasonic in the digital imaging market. “Social media platforms such as Instagram have fuelled interest in capturing great images and consumers still want to be able to capture once in a lifetime occasions easily in the best quality, whether it is a family moment or an overseas

Doug Campbell – Panasonic.

Vivek Handoo – Sony.

trip,” he said. In the compact area, Panasonic’s outlook has been focused on the progression to premium cameras with larger zooms and 4K resolution for meeting the demands of consumers. A powerful trend across the imaging category is the move to 4K Video and Photo, Campbell said. And because users also want to share the images easily, Wi-Fi with smartphone connectivity is included in the camera range as well as fl ip-up screens with automatic modes for selfies or video blogs.

A pioneer in 4K, Panasonic now offers 4K across all Travel Zoom and mirrorless cameras. Panasonic’s 4K Photo creates a new style of photography with ultra-fast burst shooting, while 4K Video provides crystal clear footage.

“Digital imaging has seen a shift towards unified camera solutions that offer high-quality still and video capture Sony ANZ head of digital imaging, Vivek Handoo said. “There has also been a move away from bulkier DSLR cameras to mirrorless cameras which are more powerful, yet compact.” Sony is experiencing growth in the digital imaging category and Handoo expected this to continue particularly with the recent launch of Sony’s ground breaking full-frame mirrorless camera, the a9. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

39

AR CAMERAS

RANGES

Picture perfect in premium mode

BY KYMBERLY MARTIN

S

implicity is the key word when it comes to photography, according to Canon’s Jason McLean.

“People want to take great photos in a range of situations and they can only do that on a camera, but they don’t want to learn ‘photo-speak’. We believe the Canon EOS 77D and 800D entry-level DSLR cameras feature the most intuitive user interface ever designed,” he said.

Visual guides make portrait shooting easy with ‘blurry’ or ‘sharp’ on a selectable scale.

For moving subjects, consumers can select ‘flowing’ or ‘frozen’. Similarly, the EOS M6 mirrorless camera with its intuitive features is perfect for vloggers and there’s now an optional ring-light-equipped macro lens for close-up applications such as food.

Canon celebrates 30 years of the EOS system in 2017.

“In the retail environment, our opportunity is to take time to understand what consumers want to achieve and help them see how easy it is to surprise themselves with the right camera in their hands.”

To meet the growth in the mirrorless camera market, Panasonic’s offerings span entry-level models for those making the step up to an interchangeable lens camera; to models for the experienced enthusiast and professional videographer/ photographer wanting to harness the size and weight flexibility offered by this technology without compromising on capabilities. In addition, the company has focused on family camcorders that let you easily create memorable home movies as well as video solutions for budding filmmakers.

40

Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Canon EOS 77D DSLR Camera.

THE SONY a9 CAN CAPTURE 20 FRAMES PER SECOND AT FULL RESOLUTION, WITH AUTOFOCUS, AND WITHOUT VIEWFINDER BLACKOUT. Panasonic DMC-TZ110GNK.

Panasonic now offers three Travel Zoom cameras to meet a range of requirements, the TZ110, the TZ80 and the TZ90 feature high resolution sensors, 30x zoom, 4K Photo and Video, flip-up rear monitor and WiFi connectivity for wireless image capture and sharing. The Lumix G Series mirrorless camera range offers a product line to suit all photographic needs, experience levels and budgets.

It includes entry level models for shooting better quality photos, while still offering a very compact and affordable product. Mirrorless cameras meet the requirements of the photographer in the field with weatherproof design and powerful stabilisation. Panasonic also has a range of affordable camcorders from the latest 4K features to models with powerful 50x optical zoom, and simultaneous recording capabilities that capture two scenes at the same time, putting both the subject and the videographer in the picture to tell the story.

Sony has seen professional photographers in particular embrace its successful a7 Mirrorless series because of the incredible output the camera offers, according to Vivek Handoo. “The a9 become available to Australian consumers on June 2 and we look forward to seeing professional photographers make use of its ability to capture 20 frames per second at full resolution, with autofocus, and without viewfinder blackout. The a9 is totally unique in the professional camera space, and we expect sports and nature photographers in particular will benefit from camera’s ability to capture the critical moment with fast-moving subjects,” he said. AR

Canon EOS 800D Packed with features, this entry level DSLR is perfect and easy to use for anyone wanting to get into photography. Auto mode enables easy shooting, or experiment in different manual modes for more creative images.

 Visual interface guides the user on creative effects  Stay connected and share with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC  Shoot from all angles with 180-degree vari-angle LCD screen  Enhanced creative control with toppanel LCD to see settings at a glance

RRP: Set at dealer discretion Canon: 131 383

PRODUCT GALLERY Sony a9 Mirrorless  World first full-frame CMOS sensor  Blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps  Silent, vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec  Ethernet port for file transfer/dual SD card slots

The Lumix GH5 camera delivers unrivalled picture quality with a 20-megapixel sensor and outstanding stabilisation with a 5-Axis Dual IS. It has also evolved its original 4K Photo to the stunning 6K Photo.

RRP: $6,999

Sony: 1300 137 669 Professional photographers can make use of this camera’s ability to capture 20 frames per second at full resolution, with autofocus, and without viewfinder blackout.

Panasonic Mirrorless Lumix DC-GH5  The first consumer digital camera to offer 4K quality video at 50/60 fps  20x zoom Leica Dicomar lens for outstanding image quality  Weather sealed body/large capacity batteries  Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

RRP: $2,999 (Body only) Panasonic: 132 600

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR CAMERAS

demonstrating the outstanding quality and value for money this range gives the customer,” Davey said.

With member retailers spread around Australia, information on the most requested camera features varies depending on location, however battery life, shooting modes and image stabilisation are generally the most talked about features between store customers and retailers, he said.

Although price is still a significant factor to a sale, it is no more so than the service and advice that member retailers can give. “Customers often reflect on the importance of the

knowledge that if they need more help on the use of a camera, or cannot work something out, they can just return to store and receive expert advice. Many of our stores offer tuition for helping customers make the most of their new purchase to create amazing pictures.”

As to the effectiveness of promotions and add-ons to the sale: “Adding to their base needs is very important, such as the right SD card, the right lens selection, the right case, the right tripod. The options are varied. In many cases we will help our retailers with doing a bundle option for getting exceptional value for money.

“We recently relaunched our online site and found customer interaction to be very positive. We added live web chat which has been useful to answer many questions.

The online site is a key focus to our strategic plan going forward, intended to increase the capabilities and helping to deliver to our customers with what they want within speedy timeframes.”

No interview can be complete without asking about Amazon, and Davey was candid in his response.

“Australian retail is chatting about the arrival of the mighty Amazon with newspapers referring to this as a challenge. For us the opportunity here is to focus on the amazing service and advice our retailers give to customers around Australia, the instant ability to purchase a product as well as the ability to print or make photo gifts within short time periods. We need to always be evolving our retail models and reflecting the changing shopping patterns we see today.” AR

CANON

FUJIFILM

FROM THE FLOOR

Charles Davey from Camera House

D

espite last year’s earthquake in Japan, camera sales have been pleasing, and while Christmas business arrived late the trend since has been good, Camera House general manager, Charles Davey told AR. “All of our key brands in the digital camera category are performing well, reflecting the energy and focus of the local account teams. In the drone category we are seeing DJI take a lead in share. Within our accessory and memory category we are seeing a very strong mix in the ProMaster range,

PROMOTIONS

SONY

Sony is offering a bonus eftpos gift card from $50 to $300 depending on the selected camera or lens purchase from June 1 to July 31, 2017, via instant redemption at point of purchase.

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Canon is investing in ongoing activities including Vivid Sydney events, Canon Collective photography experiences, educational digital content and active social media communities.

Consumers who purchase a selected Fujifilm camera and XF lens in a single transaction from June 1 to July 31, 2017 can claim cash back via redemption, valued from $100 up to $300.

TELEVISIONS AR

OUTLOOK

New display technologies, bigger screen sizes

U

ltra HD and bigger screen size televisions were key drivers for televisions with 1% growth in the LCD TV category, reaching retail volume sales of 2.7 million units in 2016, the latest data from Euromonitor has shown.

Euromonitor senior research analyst, Hianyang Chan said, “Digital TV penetration rates in Australia accounted for a 158% share of total households in 2016, which typically possess more than one television. The replacement cycle for televisions is 47 months, largely due to the influx of large screen UHD televisions and a willingness to upgrade to larger models.”

BY EMILY BENCIC In 2016, OLED TVs remained a premium range only manufactured by LG Electronics, but now Panasonic and Sony have jumped on the OLED bandwagon with their latest offerings.

Chan noted that LG’s position was increasingly threatened by Samsung Quantum Dot displays, in addition to Sony Backlight Master Drive that fi xes colour and brightness shortcomings from traditional LCD backlighting technology.

“2016 proved to be another good year for Smart TVs, which expanded its share of retail volume sales by 10 percentage points to hold a 63% retail volume share of televisions.

Smart TVs are becoming increasingly

important as the entertainment market continues to embrace streaming media. However, they are also facing pressure from lowerpriced set-top streaming boxes,” Chan explained.

GfK data recorded a 1% decline in units for the overall TV category, although value increased 2%.

However, UHD/4K TVs accounted for 71% of the value year-on-year, with the category soaring by 92% in unit terms and 51% in value terms.

GfK also confi rmed that big TV screens continued to perform strongly, with unit sales of TVs with a screen size of 55-inch and above, growing by 31%. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR TELEVISIONS TRENDS

Picture quality is key in purchase decision

T

here is strong consumer demand for larger TV screens backed by premium picture quality and smart technology, according to Panasonic category manager for imaging and AV, Doug Campbell. “In Australia, 4K UHD TVs are one of the fastest growing segments in the industry and our 2017 line-up provides 4K UHD products in up to 77-inch models,” he said.

“Panasonic research has shown that the average life cycle of a main TV is five to six years. Therefore, there are up to 200,000 satisfied Panasonic customers looking to upgrade in 2017, who are ideal

Doug Campbell – Panasonic.

candidates for OLED,” he said.

The LG OLED TV range has been extremely popular with Australian consumers and the company’s range of Super UHD 4K TVs has also been well received by retailers, marketing manager for home entertainment, Tony Brown said.

“With improvements in the range this year, including the integration of Dolby Vision and Atmos technologies, consumers can truly experience a premium cinematic experience at home,” he said. “Furthermore, recent GfK data shows that, per capita, Australia is the second market in the world behind Sweden for OLED penetration.”

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Hass Mahdi – Samsung.

RECENT GFK DATA SHOWS

THAT, PER CAPITA, AUSTRALIA

IS THE SECOND MARKET IN THE WORLD BEHIND SWEDEN FOR OLED PENETRATION.

Picture quality is a priority in the purchase decision, according to Samsung product head for TV and AV, Hass Mahdi, and based on internal consumer research, TV brightness and screen size are also important factors.

“We are seeing more Australians buy larger panels, 65-inch and up.

Our research also indicates that Australians rarely watch their TV in a dark environment, and a brighter TV helps ensure a clear picture even in a room with competing light sources.

Design has become more important than ever with larger panels a focus of the room,” he said.

Hidekazu Matsuura – Sony.

Sony expects growth in its TV business to continue with the launch of its fi rst OLED TV, the A1. “Consumers are looking for an immersive viewing experience through best in class picture, design and form factor. Thanks to OLED technology, Sony’s A1 series produces unprecedented blacks, authentic colour, fast paced motion and a wide viewing angle,” Sony ANZ managing director, Hidekazu Matsuura said.

Hisense is another TV manufacturer which has witnessed increasing demand for larger television screens, and head of marketing, Andre Iannuzzi believes this comes with the expectation that picture quality will not be diminished.

“We have seen an overwhelming shift to video on demand from traditional broadcasters, and their

Andre Iannuzzi – Hisense.

capacity to provide great quality content in 4K means that consumers want to access it from the comfort of their homes,” he said.

TCL has seen a dramatic uplift in sales as UHD technology and associated content becomes more commonplace. “Australian consumers are now able to reap direct benefits from purchasing a UHD TV, as well as future proof their new TV purchase,” TCL brand manager, Mathew Patuawa said. “TVs are no longer just used for watching TV; they are now a home media entertainment portal.” AR

OLED, QLED and ULED

LG Signature W7 Wallpaper TV.

RANGES

P

anasonic’s OLED flagship, the EZ1000, is part of the Master OLED series which delivers a premium visual and audio experience. It boasts the company’s most accurate and detailed picture ever thanks to Panasonic’s Studio Colour HCX2 Processor and HEXA Chroma Drive, in addition to its TVs being tuned by Hollywood colourists to deliver the most accurate cinema experience. The key technology innovation is the Absolute Black Filter, which soaks up light to reduce reflections and deliver the purest blacks even in challenging conditions.

LG OLED TVs have been designed with aesthetics in mind, in particular the LG Signature W7 TV, which earned the 2017 Best of CES Innovation award, sits flush on the wall at less than 4mm thick, and the OLED G7 and E7 series TVs boast a picture-on-glass design. LG is currently the fi rst manufacturer in the

world to incorporate both Dolby Vision and Atmos technologies together into its 2017 LG OLED TVs. Dolby Vision enhances the contrast of content scene-byscene, while Dolby Atmos delivers a rich and atmospheric sound.

The major advance for Samsung in 2017 is QLED, a new category for TVs that sets the standard for picture quality and design, while also delivering the ultimate intuitive user experience. The design is more refi ned than ever, and the streamlined look is heightened by clear connection cable and a no-gap wall-mount. The hero TV, the Q9, certified capable of reproducing 100% colour volume, delivers up to 2,000 nits of brightness and is available in three sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, and 88-inch.

Sony’s OLED A1 will combine the picture quality of OLED with its 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, the world’s first in-screen sound system in a large screen TV. The 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme from Sony’s

THE DESIGN OF SAMSUNG QLED TVS IS MORE REFINED THAN

EVER, AND THE STREAMLINED

LOOK IS HEIGHTENED BY CLEAR CONNECTION CABLE AND A NO-GAP WALL-MOUNT.

TCL X2 Series TV.

flagship Z series incorporates three new technologies: object-based HDR remaster, super bit mapping 4K HDR and dual database processing. For its OLED TVs, Sony has developed Acoustic Surface technology to emanate sound directly from the screen itself.

The 2017 ULED TV line-up from Hisense, due to hit stores in July, will deliver HDR Supreme and Quantum Dot technology to certain models, as well as a redesigned Hisense Smart

Sony OLED A1 TV.

TV platform, VIDAA U. The Series 8 will be available in a 55-inch or 65-inch display and offer a sleek, industrial design equipped with neat cable management. HDR Supreme will provide a peak brightness of 1000 nits and Wide Colour Gamut that improves upon 2016 models and elevates Hisense’s patented 4K ULED technology.

2017 marks the fi rst launch of Quantum Dot technology for TCL as it introduces its fi rst range of UHD TVs, powered by Android, offering consumers access to thousands of movies, TV shows and games, and more. The X2 series is the company’s premium flagship TV in the 2017 range.

With Quantum Dot, HDR, Harmon Kardon speakers and Android smart operating platform, this TV has the latest features to make the TV a smart entertainment hub. AR www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR TELEVISIONS

Panasonic TH-65EZ1000 Series Master OLED TV  ‘Absolute Black Filter’ delivers the purest, most accurate black levels for stunning pictures  ‘Dynamic Blade Speaker’ crafted by Technics engineers achieves outstanding audio with 14 multiple speaker units  Multi-HDR support including HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma, 4K HDR Gaming mode  Panasonic Smart TV including Netflix, BigPond Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video, Freeview Plus and the popular Swipe and Share

A premium visual and audio experience and an ultra-slim panel design to integrate elegantly into the modern home. 4K Pro HDR technologies deliver the full contrast and colour potential of OLED.

Samsung QLED Q9  Clear Cable Connection helps reduce visible wiring  No Gap Wall-Mount enables flush wall hanging  Smart Hub for easy navigation of streaming services, TV and connected devices  Premium One Remote makes it possible to control connected compatible devices with a single handset

RRP: $8,899

Panasonic: 132 600

RRP: From $9,499

Samsung: 1300 362 603 Certified for 100% colour volume and more than a billion shades from QLED Quantum Dot technology, for images with perfect colour and mesmerising realism. It is Samsung’s brightest TV ever, producing up to 2,000 nits of brightness.

PRODUCT GALLERY Hisense 75N9 ULED Series 9 TV    

Redesigned VIDAA U smart platform user interface Pre-installed Netflix, Stan and Freeview Plus HDR supreme 1000 nit peaking Dedicated Netflix button

RRP: $7,999

Hisense: 1800 447 367

Providing the company’s most advanced technology to date, this hero TV is part of Hisense’s first Australian offering to integrate Quantum Dot technology, bringing optimal brightness and unprecedented colour accuracy and saturation.

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

PROMOTIONS

PANASONIC

The ‘Extraordinary Perfected’ OLED campaign includes in-store displays, national roadshows, product training and ATL advertising.

FROM THE FLOOR

Rainer Feldgen from The Good Guys

T

he outlook for the television category is very positive as suppliers continue to innovate in this space, according to The Good Guys Brighton store executive manager, Rainer Feldgen.

“We know our customers are continuing to look for larger screens, better technology and sleeker designs, and these are the things that our suppliers are bringing to the market this year. We have noticed that 55-inch televisions have become one of the more popular choices, with the 65inch and above, the premium, step up option,” he said.

“We are particularly excited by the expansion of the OLED category, and talk of technology such as Quantum Dot, Super UHD, and ULED. Whilst one is not necessarily better than the other, the variety in the market gives us the opportunity to take our customers on a journey to help them fi nd the model and design that is right for them,” he explained.

Feldgen also noted that 4K resolution and the ability to stream more content (Netfl ix, YouTube and Amazon Video), is now more important than ever before. “Our

customers are looking to future proof their purchase which is why they are prepared to make a higher investment in their purchase because they want more premium functionality,” he said.

When it comes to the purchase of a television, Feldgen believes size, price, brand and recommendations from family and friends are all important factors, but at the end of the day, it’s about value – how good a product is and what benefits a customer gets out of it versus the amount paid.

“Most customers will come in with an idea about what they want based on brand, size and price, but often still seek our opinion to reaffi rm their view or provide an alternate solution. As an appliance retailer, we understand that the majority of our customers research online before coming into the store to make their purchase, so knowing our range inside and out is the most valuable, and influential, tool we have,” he said.

When asked about promotions, “while they can be appealing on the shop floor, we strive to clearly explain the benefits of one product over another, as the customer needs to be satisfied with the television long after the thrill of a promotion is gone.” AR

LG

Purchase an LG OLED or Super UHD TV until 16 July, 2017, to redeem a bonus threemonth Netflix Premium subscription.

HISENSE

As the official TV supplier of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Hisense will have branding across billboards, stadiums and on-screen credits.

TCL

Receive a bonus gift card up to the value of $150 for TVs 49-inch and above from 1 June to 31 July, 2017.

www.applianceretailer.com.au

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AR WHAT'S HOT

Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link Purifier Heater

The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link purifier heater includes a new and improved compact filtration technology, the 360 degree glass HEPA filter for particulate capture includes an extra layer of activated carbon for improved gas capture. The filter automatically captures 99.95% of fine particles such as allergens, pollutants including potentially harmful gases that can be emitted inside homes. Users can track their air quality with the Dyson Link app which provides live reporting on both indoor and outdoor air quality, based on location.

The app shows if air quality is poor to good and now showcases easy to visualise humidity and temperature graphs too.

RRP: $799

Dyson: 1800 239 766

Smeg FAB50 Refrigerator

The FAB50 family-sized two door refrigerator is now available in black. Previously only available in white, silver and cream, the glossy jet black model is the perfect partner to the Victoria collection of freestanding and built-in ovens, semi-integrated dishwasher and small appliances. With two doors the FAB50 comprises a refrigerator (338 litre capacity) and top-mounted freezer (135 litre capacity). The refrigerator has two chiller compartments, adjustable quick-chill crystal glass shelves and two fruit/vegetable compartments. The freezer has a manual icemaker and a fast-freeze compartment.

RRP: $6,290

Smeg: 02 8667 4888

Breville Steam Zone BFS800BSS

Producing maximum steam in less than 30 seconds, home cooks can now steam more efficiently and effectively, maximising taste, texture and health benefits. A fully BPA-free stainless steel steamer, the Steam Zone, provides powerful single layer steaming with independent zones, and is compatible with traditional style bamboo baskets for dumplings and yum cha inspired dishes. Featuring an easy access tray for rapid steaming of large items, the Steam Zone has synchronised finish options, allowing different ingredients to be completed at the same time, ready for service. It comes with two large individual stainless steel baskets and a cloche lid.

RRP: $299.95

Breville: 1300 139 798

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

Glem Gas Quiet Air Rangehood

Glem Gas has entered the off-board motor rangehood market, releasing its new Quiet Air rangehood collection, which complements a variety of cooktop dimensions, comprising of four models. With the fan motor in the ceiling cavity above the kitchen, noise is isolated and the only sound from the rangehood is the air movement through the filters. The powerful twin fan motor offers three-speed operation and can extract 1200 cubic metres of air per hour, removing odours from the kitchen. The high extraction rate is almost double the capacity of conventional rangehoods, while the canopy design and installation is similar to existing RRP: $4,999 rangehoods to enable easy retrofitting.

Eurolinx: 1300 694 583 RRP: From $1,299

Glem Gas: 02 9721 2755

ILVE Nostalgie Freestanding Cooker

Designed and handmade in Italy, the ILVE Nostalgie freestanding cookers offer a countrystyle finish in eight standard option colours, which all complement the solid brass, chrome or bronze control knobs and oven door handles.

Users can bake, grill or rotisserie in a single oven or two side-by-side ovens simultaneously. The range boasts 10 multifunction cooking, 70 to 110 litre oven capacity, precision thermostat control and concealed grill element. Turbowave cooking technology cooks food at lower temperatures for less food shrinkage and splatter.

RRP: $159 RRP: Starting from $6,499 Philips:Eurolinx: 1300 363 391694 583 1300

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AR RETAIL RULES

Shopping Experience Dimensions: Information and Education Norrelle Goldring from GfK discusses the opportunities for retailers to provide shoppers with more information in-store as part of their retail experience.

Last time we discussed convenience as one of the rational types of shopping experience dimensions. Now we are going to discuss another two closely aligned rational shopping experience dimensions, information and education.

WHAT ARE INFORMATION AND EDUCATION IN THE RETAIL CONTEXT?

When we run shopper purchase journey research, in many categories it begins with information search. So it’s worth defining what this means.

Information is the ‘what’. It could be product information on features and benefits of an appliance or consumer electronic device. It could also include post-purchase information such as warranties and servicing. Information may be on pack, at shelf, from a staff member, at checkout, or outside of store, particularly online, as well as family, friends, and social media.

Information should make shopping decisions easier and clearer and is more likely to be passive and static vehicles such as brochures, posters and websites.

According to GfK’s 2016 FutureBuy Australian data, the top five uses of mobile devices for retail-related activities all involve information searches: what is it? (features), where is it? (retailers, stores, locations), how much is it? (price),

what do others say about it? (reviews), is it in stock? (available).

Education is the act (the ‘how’) of gathering or receiving various bits of information to develop knowledge (the ‘what’). Education is typically more active and dynamic and likely to involve humans (or animated humans and animals). Education can be provided by store staff, product demonstrators, or via self-education such as YouTube how-to videos.

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR INFORMATION?

The need for information and education varies according to the category and the channel (and the shopper type). High value, high involvement categories such as domestic appliances typically will have an extensive information search.

The need for information also varies according to the shopper’s familiarity with a category. Because categories like appliances are typically only bought once every 10 years, this necessitates more information searches to update on the category.

Shoppers expect retailers to provide objective top-line information on the products they stock, in which locations, with some features, and the price. They also expect retailers to post reviews and ratings of the product. Shoppers expect brand manufacturers to provide much more information around the product features. And shoppers will go to social media, family and friends looking for product recommendations based on previous experience and trust.

HOW TO EXECUTE INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

Online has become the major source of information gathering for shopping purposes. According to GfK FutureBuy 2016, webrooming behaviour (search online, buy in physical store) is by far the dominant shopping behaviour, and growing at twice the rate of showrooming (search in-store, buy online).

Shoppers of major domestic appliances for instance are as likely to look for information in-store first – particularly from store staff – as they are to go online first.

Some implications of this: • Retailers and manufacturers need to understand shopper needs and execute accordingly . They need to include product reviews on their websites, or at worst, links to product review sites • Information and education is required in-store for high involvement categories and new products, whether at-shelf or via the sales staff. For example, US-retailer Best Buy uses QR codes for shoppers to access detailed product information online via their smartphone, whilst standing at the shelf.

• Leverage the power of reviews on product review websites and social media to drive traffic.

And when education and information can be delivered experientially it is more memorable.

Humans are wired to remember experiences better than facts. .

What are you doing to keep your shoppers informed?

ABOUT NORRELLE GOLDRING & GFK Norrelle Goldring is Shopper Lead APAC at global consumer research and retail datahouse GfK. She has 20 years’ experience in retail research and marketing across manufacturer, retailer and agency roles with companies ranging from Diageo to Coca-Cola to Vodafone Stores. Norrelle helps improve shopping experiences by understanding how and why people buy things. Call Norrelle on 0437 335 686 or email norrelle.goldring@gfk.com Futurebuy is GfK’s proprietary survey of shopper attitudes and behaviours, run annually since 2009 and in Australia since 2013. It spans 25 countries, 17 categories and 1000 people per country. Contact Norrelle for more information.

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Appliance Retailer June / July 2017

COMPANY INDEX AR COMPANY

PAGE #

2nds World ......................................................................................................13 Amber Technology ...........................................................................................14 Andi-Co ............................................................................................................14 Aquaport ....................................................................................................32, 34 Bi-Rite Home Appliances.................................................................................15 Bing Lee ............................................................................................................. 6 Braun................................................................................................... 23, 25, 27 Breville .................................................................................9, 30, 31, 34, 37 48 BSH................................................................................................................ OBC Camera House .................................................................................................42 Canon ............................................................................................ 39, 40, 41, 42 Conair .........................................................................................................24, 26 David Jones .....................................................................................................28 De’Longhi......................................................................7, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36 Dyson .........................................................................................................15, 48 e&s ...................................................................................................................16 Electrolux ...........................................................................................7, 9, 12, 16 Eurolinx ......................................................................................................17, 49 Euromonitor........................................................................................ 30, 38, 43 Fisher & Paykel................................................................................................... 9 FitZone Solutions .......................................................................................24, 26 Fujifilm .............................................................................................................42 GfK.......................................................................................7, 23, 30, 38, 43, 50 Glem Gas ....................................................................................................17, 49 Groupe SEB ............................................................................. FC, 31, 34, 35, 36 Hisense ......................................................................................... 44, 45, 46, 47 JB Hi-Fi ............................................................................................................... 8 Jura ..................................................................................................................18 Kitchen Warehouse .........................................................................................37 Kleenmaid .......................................................................................................18 Leading Edge .............................................................................................12, 19 LG .....................................................................................IFC, 19, 43, 44, 45, 47 Miele ............................................................................................................6, 20 Nespresso ........................................................................................................20 Panasonic .................................... 21, 24, 26, 27, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 RVM ............................................................................................................32, 34 Samsung ................................................................................... 9, 43, 44, 45, 46 Schweigen .......................................................................................................21 Shriro................................................................................................... 22, 24, 28 Smeg ........................................................................................................7, 9, 48 Sony ........................................................................... 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Spectrum Brands ...................................................................................9, 24, 26 Sunbeam.................................................................... 23, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 37 TCL ....................................................................................................... 22, 44, 45 The Good Guys .............................................................................................8, 47 Uniden ................................................................................................ 23, 25, 27 Winning Appliances ..................................................................................10, 11 Panasonic Mirrorless Lumix DC-GH5.

READERSHIP GROUPS

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