The trend for colour continues with patterns and designer led murals becoming more popular especially for appliances such as range cookers and fridge freezers.

Manufacturers have responded to the demand for more environmentally friendly products with a greater emphasis than ever before on energy saving features.

Smart Products

Improvements in technology have also allowed the development of ‘smart' products' that promise to make life in the kitchen easier.

Ovens that clean themselves with Pyrolytic cleaning, steam ovens that can be built in or free standing, cooker hoods that turn themselves on and off, are just a few examples.

In refrigeration we have products with in-door electronics, alarm system facilities to switch from fridge to freezer and back again.  In home laundry, washing machines that can modify the number of rinses according to the level of soap present, or in dishwashing, sensors that adjust the programme according to the level of soiling.

Whilst appliances have more functions the retailer must reassure the consumer that this does not mean that appliances are too complicated to use! They must be sure to advise the consumer correctly on the various options and demonstrate that they can make life more comfortable for today's time pressured families.

The retailer actually has a clear opportunity to encourage consumers to trade up by demonstrating added value and emphasising the benefits that such appliances can offer.

The independent retailer also has a unique position over other outlets such as large impersonal retailers and internet businesses when it comes to selling these modern appliances.  They can offer a personal service that includes knowledge and advice on the products that will satisfy their needs.  They will be on hand to demonstrate that intelligent does not mean complicated and will be there to assist if any issues arise in the future.

Clear Marketing

Appliance manufacturers must support the retailers in this role by offering training and support to the retailer combined with clear marketing and promotional material.  As always deliveries still need to be prompt and reliable and in the event of breakdown an efficient after sales service needs to be in place.

Kitchens are now all about how they look as well as how they perform - the KBB industry is now a fashion business and we ignore it at our peril.

Consumers rightly expect high quality innovative products and excellent services in order to create their dream kitchen - and the industry must respond to ensure that those dreams continue to be realised to best effect!

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