Industry leaders support supplier moves
Harvey Norman executive director David Ackery, has described the imminent price increases of appliances as “economically sane” and he is “more than fully supportive” of the moves planned by major companies including Electrolux and Fisher & Paykel.
Electrolux Home Products has confirmed it will be increasing pricing on its products by 5% to 8% on 1 April 2016 and Fisher & Paykel will increase its pricing even earlier on March 1. This follows the announcement earlier this week that Sunbeam will be increasing its pricing by 8%.
“[This is] great news and economically sane given some of the deflationary activity driven by some manufacturers recently in key growth categories,” Ackery said
“With exchange rates the way they are, everyone in our industry has no choice but to realign the equation. We are fully supportive – actually more than fully supportive,” he added.
A whitegoods buyer not connected with the Harvey Norman business interviewed by Appliance Retailer has also echoed Ackery’s comments.
“We always encourage price increases where required. It is a good thing when handled properly by suppliers. We can’t be profitable if they are not. [I expect] all major suppliers will be doing the same,” the buyer said.
Sydney-based retailer Andrew Whitford told Appliance Retailer: “All companies that have imports have had a great time with high Australian dollar. Consumers have had it great for a long time and nothing lasts forever. So price rises are a good thing for the industry. With higher prices comes the possibility for higher margins.”