By Sarah Falson
SCORESBY & SYDNEY: Whirlpool is encouraging fridge-owners to take advantage of Chinese New Year this weekend and clean out their fridges, while Bing Lee is offering its customers a Chinese gift-with-purchase.
“Holidays are a great time to do those jobs you don’t get around to often and keep putting off,” said Whirpool category manager – refrigeration, Michael Hill.
“Whirlpool’s extensive consumer research has revealed that the fridge is one of the last jobs people get around to cleaning but they are more likely to be inspired either by the urgency of preparing for people to come over for big celebrations, or the need to clean out all of the leftovers after the crowd has gone.”
Whirlpool is taking this date on the Chinese calendar as an opportunity to promote its new range of side-by-side refrigerators that feature fitted, slide-out tempered glass shelves with the company’s patented Spillguard that makes them easier to remove and clean.
“The Spillguard helps with ongoing maintenance, as it can hold a whole spilt can of soda without allowing drip-through to the other shelves below,” said Hill.
Whirlpool recommends that your fridge needs to be organised and clean for the ‘chi’ to flow unhindered, ensuring it cannot become blocked and stagnant – chi is a Chinese marker of wealth, which is symbolised by a well-stocked and ordered fridge. All items over six months old should be thrown out and shelves, drawers and walls should be thoroughly cleaned of spills and bacteria, said the company.
“Your fridge should contain a full suite of practical storage solutions. Each new Whirlpool side by side fridge has two separate humidity-controlled crispers which ensure fruits and vegetables are each stored at their unique optimum moisture levels. The snack tray creates a designated spot for treats and a multitude of secure door bins and shelves, including specially designed diary and egg containers, guarantee there’s a perfect spot for every item,” said Hill.
Whirlpool’s fridges also have flat, smooth doors which are fingerprint resistant, and come in a choice of white gloss, stainless steel or Whirlpool Satina finishes.
The high end models also include water and ice dispensers, and feature capacities up to 740 litres, which is around 40 litres larger than the average fridge, according to Hill.
“According to the Chinese calendar, 2007 is the Year of the Pig, but this doesn’t mean your house should become a pig sty. People born in the year of the pig are actually known for their meticulously clean homes and their focus is on their personal wellbeing and the comfort of their family and their guests. Not afraid of hard work for a good cause, the pig is one of the most industrious of the Chinese zodiac signs,” said Whirlpool.
Meanwhile, retailer Bing Lee is offering a bonus 20-piece Chinese crockery set when customers spend over $100 in any Bing Lee store.
“Proud of their Chinese heritage, the Lee family are happy to get into the Chinese New Year spirit and provide a small Chinese gift to their valued customers,” said the company.
“Bing Lee has an amazing capacity to encompass a world of ethnic cultures and values whilst maintaining its Chinese origins at the centre,” said Bing Lee general manager, Phil Moujaes.
“The family values that stem from China through Bing Lee Chairman Ken Lee remain alive and well in the company – what you see is what you get."
The Bing Lee promotion is active now and will finish on 18 February, or while stocks last.