Retailers report early sales.
Panel heating sales have started to take off, along with gas heating and electric blankets, according to several retailers contacted by Appliance Retailer for an update on the heating category.
With cold weather still to hit Perth, heating sales have not made much of an impact, however there has been online activity for electric blankets along with an uptake in sales for panel heating through Kambo’s Warehouse, general manager for sales and marketing, Jonathon Andony said.
“Consumers have more open plan living and when heating larger areas are selecting heaters with energy costs firmly in mind. Panel heaters sales have become more popular recently which I believe will be the trend again this heating season. Safety features are paramount particularly for families with small children, so tilt-off is an important feature. Gas heating is also producing good sales as there is a large replacement market for gas heaters in Perth,” he said.
Kambos small appliance range
“With convector gas heating temperature control with set and forget technology is popular, because like split system air conditioners, the customer can control their desired temperature and program timers to switch the unit on and off. These convector heaters have a hidden flame as well as lower emissions.”
While recognising that promotions do contribute to heating sales, Andony said the best form of advertising when it comes to seasonal products is the weather. “When the cold weather kicks in and we experience some rain, advertising for heating will start. Perth has not really experienced any cold weather yet as summer has lingered with daily temperatures rising to 31 degrees.”
The cold front that hit the eastern states earlier this month has ignited heater sales at Harvey Norman stores with early indications showing positive sales growth during May for the heating category, according to general manager home appliances, Lachlan Roach.
Leading brands include Rinnai in gas, Noirot in panel with De’Longhi and Sunbeam also selling strongly across the rest of the range. “Power efficiency and performance are the main requests from our customers, rather than straight price.”
Wi-Fi enabled air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular. “Customers can set their home comfort level from work or on the go, rather than having to set timers or leave it on all day,” he said. “All our major air conditioner suppliers have cash back offers which also drive the market.”
The heating season arrived better late than never, 2nds World managing director, Peter Hammerman (pictured below) said.
“Traditionally we sell heaters across the whole spectrum from 25MJ gas heaters at $1,099 down to $29 electric fan heaters. The most popular are electric oil filled column heaters with timers as these are relatively efficient, and depending on the size of the room, quite economical but customers need to use the timer to switch the heater on and off automatically which saves power. Consumers are looking for efficient, cost effective heating and everyone asks about the energy rating.
“Personally I love gas heaters as these have a soft heat, don’t dry out the air, heat large areas and also are cost effective. We seem to be selling more panel heaters as these look attractive and take up less space.
“We try and promote reverse cycle air conditioners during winter because it’s the most efficient way to heat or cool a home. Some manufactures offer cash backs at this time of year to entice customers to buy ahead, however we find customers buy heaters when it gets cold or fans and air conditioners when it gets hot.”
Hammerman said although the heating season is late this year he expects a good sell-through for all heating products. “From the beginning of the season it will be gas and higher priced products followed later by comfort easy-sell electric heaters under $100.”
For the BSR Group it’s been a positive start to the heating season with sales across the board, chief marketing officer, Adrian Mitchell said.
“Electric blankets and throws continue to be a popular choice amongst our customers while at the bigger end of town, reverse cycle air conditioners are in demand as these tend to be an energy efficient way to heat sections of the house as opposed to the entire house like other systems.”
Mitchell said pricing is always a consideration for customers, but ultimately the customer just wants to know they are getting a good deal and worthy advice. “With our stores being locally owned and operated, our teams have a vested interest in what’s best for the customer. This in itself represents value to consumers,” he said.