Following confirmation from appliance manufacturers, including Bertazzoni and Glem Gas, that price rises will come into effect from 1 October 2021, there are other brands that have already taken action.

Miele has undertaken a price increase of between 5% and 8% across all product categories – the first price increase since the launch of the Generation 7000 range two years ago.

“The international situation with price increases on main raw materials has definitely influenced our decision, but not only, as we have also launched new products in the laundry and dish categories with new and valuable features,” Miele Australia marketing director, Michele Laghazza told Appliance Retailer.

“The logistics scenario seems to be improving somewhat with good impact on the business in the very short-term. However, we are paying a lot of attention to the semi-conductor crisis which potentially might have an impact in the mid-term.”

Laghazza said the main business indicators are positive and there are no signs of the market slowing down, although lack of stock and recent lockdowns has had an impact on performance.

“However, we can’t wait to move into our new offices and our flagship store in Doncaster is supporting growth across the entire Melbourne area. It is delivering a great message about our brand strength with undoubted benefit for all our partners.”

Smeg has alsoimplemented a price rise for its major domestic appliances, effective 1 July, largely due to cost increases on raw materials and logistics on a global scale.

“Where possible we try to absorb cost increases as a business, in this instance, we had no alternative,” Smeg Australia managing director, Wayne Campbell told Appliance Retailer. “We will continue to monitor global conditions and, if we have no option, will react if required.”

Campbell acknowledged that it has been challenging to navigate the changes in the cost of logistics. “We will continue to monitor the situation and where possible minimise any impact on costs relating to our business. We will also continue to adhere to government regulations regarding fumigation.”

When asked about business performance in 2021 compared to 2020, Campbell said there hasn’t been any similarities in business conditions due to numerous state lockdowns, retail store closures and construction site closures.

“While 2020 was a significant year with the introduction of the reimaged Classic built-in oven collection and very positive small appliance sales results, we have also seen growth in 2021 in the dishwashing category as well as in all cooking categories. This indicates consumers are undertaking total kitchen small and major appliance upgrades and renovations, rather than simply replacing one or two appliances as they did in 2020,” he said.

Smeg is solidifying 2022 plans which include telling the brand’s technology story in more detail, with a focus on benefits and results, to both consumers and retail partners.

“We have exciting new products which will provide us with innovative ways to engage with consumers and retail partners. We are also pleased with the rollout of our e-learning platform which continues to gain momentum and positive reviews across our retail network,” Campbell said.

“We are working towards expanding the capability of this platform across other areas of business. We remain confident that the overall market will rebound positively.”