By Claire Reilly
2011 has been a tough year for many in the appliance industry, including both retailers and suppliers. Whilst there have been ups and downs, it’s not all doom and gloom – there are many in the industry that have plenty to be positive about this year.
One manufacturer who has found a good year is Smeg. According to the Italian brand, success in 2011 has been thanks to a solid tradition of quality, innovation and strong relationships.
“It’s been fantastic for us,” said Smeg’s new business development manager, Jim Kalotheos. “There’s no doubt it’s been a very competitive year for everyone in the industry. But we’ve had a great year in terms of sales and budget – it’s been fantastic, and our sales are healthily up on last year.
“There are probably a number of reasons for that. One of the reasons no doubt would be the fact that we’ve been focusing on one brand versus two, and it just creates a different level of attention to detail right across the business. That’s across sales, marketing, service – the whole lot. So concentrating on one brand particularly helped in regard to that.
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“But I think the fact that Smeg is positioned in the premium end of the market also helped, because the entry point part of the market is always tumultuous.
“One of the strengths that we’ve always had – and still do – is we have fantastic people that have cultivated fantastic relationships, and that hasn’t changed. They’ve been able to maintain great relationships with key clients and that really helps – it’s fundamental.
“Smeg has moved forward in terms of its product as well. So the range of product has changed, and increased and developed. We’ve developed things like Everclean enamel and extra cavity space in the ovens and even our Thermoseal technology has changed and advanced.
“There’s a lot that has happened that has resulted in a very good 2011 for us here as a company.
“I think 2012 will be a fantastic year for us again,” Kalotheos added. “Whether the market grows, doesn’t grow, whether competitors come or go, we’re focused on building the brand and introducing more and more great products that people think are funky and edgy and technologically savvy as well.”