Four-doors corner the market.

According to new research from BIS Oxford Economics, the proportion of households with multiple refrigerators has declined slightly in the past couple of years, with single refrigerator households on the rise, 65% in 2014 to 69% currently. “Consumer pre-purchase research is also at an all-time high, not just with refrigerators but across major appliances in general,” associate director market research, Paul Giles told Appliance Retailer.

Consumers also relish online product reviews and browsing through retailer, supplier and brand sites along with speaking to retailers and visiting stores as key methods of research, he said. “Whilst still dominating the market with over 50% share, the popularity of two door models has also declined over the past few years, while four door/drawers have gained momentum,” he said.

In Far North Queensland the refrigerator season has arrived and sales are taking off, according to Status Plus director, Ashley Balderson. “Moving into the warmer part of the year in Cairns, akin to ‘OMG IT’S SO HOT’ becoming the mantra of every person in the region means fridges are selling nicely, predominately French door models.”

According to Balderson consumers are past investing in products that don’t go the distance, especially with their refrigerator. Food preservation, ice and water in the door which is not wasting usable space, the cool little compartments and telescopic runners are a hit, he said.

Asked about how important energy efficiency is and ‘massive’ is the word. “Did I say that loudly enough?  Everyone is upset at rising electricity costs, including me, and energy efficiency is relative for fridges that consume a lot of the household quota. Where are the Tesla batteries in Queensland?”

Another sales puller for Status Plus is wine cellars which he described as a great product and another show stopper that people want to have in their home to impress all who see it, as well as those who are serious about their wine.

Read more about fridges and wine cellars in the November issue of Appliance Retailer. Out soon.