James Wells talks to Alice Keupper, Head of Sustainability at Winning Group. We explore sustainability initiatives from a retail perspective and how Winning is working to be a leader in the space while looking to share its insights and learnings with the wider industry.

We're back and we're talking to Kurt Hegvold, GM of Electrolux Australia and New Zealand. Kurt talks about what's new at Electrolux, offers frank insights into their SAP ERP transition, and talks about the value to the industry of the CoFoSS body and why getting sustainability right is crucial to a diverse Australian appliance retail landscape.

We speak to Haig Kayserian, general manager of digiDirect about the retailer’s expansion into broader consumer electronics categories beyond cameras and imaging products.He discusses the re-opening of digiDirect’s flagship Melbourne store including various upgrades and enhancements, as well as plans for future store re-fits and new store openings.

Haig then explains the launch of the pre-loved digiSeconds category, enabling customers to take advantage of quality second-hand gadgets at more affordable prices.

We speak to Angus McDonald, CEO of Barbeques Galore about the major

trends in the BBQ market and recent shifts in consumer spending

behaviour.He discusses how the business has adapted to changing market

conditions by investing in enhanced order management capabilities and

fulfilment, a new customer relationship management system and new

ecommerce platform.

He then previews some of the projects in the pipeline for Barbeques

Galore over the next 12 months including new store openings and

refurbishments, as well as an ongoing evolution of the product range and

loyalty program.

Angus McDonald will be speaking at the Online Retailer Conference & Expo in July 2022.

In episode 25 of the Appliance Retailer Podcast, we speak to Sven

Lindell, chief digital & marketing officer for Winning Group about

the recent launch of online retail destination, Andoo and expansion into

new categories including furniture and bedding.

He discusses the recent acquisition of designer furniture, lighting

and textiles company, Spence & Lyda and what the deal means for the

business and its customers.

Lindell then shares details about the creation of umbrella brand,

Winning and how it will complement other Winning Appliances showrooms

around the country.

In episode 24 of the Appliance Retailer Podcast, we speak to Karen

Powell, head of ECOVACS Australia and New Zealand about the home

cleaning robotics category in Australia and how the brand is performing.

She shares details about the new ECOVACS flagship robotic vacuum

cleaner, the DEEBOT X1 OMNI and why the launch is so important to the

brand and the broader industry.

Powell discusses the key technology inclusions when it comes to

suction power, health and hygiene, voice assistance, as well as the

aesthetics in collaboration with Jacob Jensen Design.

With a price tag of $2,499, Powell explains the importance of strong

retailer relationships to successfully launch a new product like the

DEEBOT X1 OMNI.

We speak to Anthony Fletcher, director of sales at Schweigen about

how the company is responding to the increasing trend towards silent

rangehoodsHe discusses the growing popularity of black appliances and in

response, Schweigen has released a series of six undermount black

rangehoods in 600mm, 900mm and 1200mm widths.

Fletcher then shares details about the new game changing Schweigen

SteelFlex ducting with a Shirikon Firemesh finish for added strength and

flexibility, and lifetime guarantee. The ducting can be sold with any

rangehood but is designed to increase brand awareness for Schweigen.

Schweigen has also launched a new home ventilation system to help

remove odours from various rooms in the home, including the kitchen,

laundry and bathroom.

In episode 22 of the Appliance Retailer Podcast, we speak to Brad

Reed, head of marketing for B2B business solutions at LG Electronics

Australia about shifts in consumer behaviour within the IT category,

including significant uptake in the premium monitor segment, and what it

means for retailers.

He discusses LG’s investment in collaborative working technology and

range of cloud-based solutions in a market that is expected to grow by

double digits over the next 12 months.

Reed then shares a preview of what’s in the pipeline for the gaming

and computing categories in 2022 as LG remains on the cutting edge of

innovation in terms of processor speeds, chipsets and software to

deliver an optimal user experience.

He also explains why retailers should have dedicated in-store

displays to showcase their gaming monitor line-up and provide the

opportunity for consumers to experience refresh rates, colour

reproduction and sound first-hand, to maximise sales.

LG is focused on improving in-store merchandising with displays that

better communicate key features and unique selling points, as well as

more regular store visits to share information with floor staff.

In episode 21 of the Appliance Retailer Podcast, we speak to Hayat

Horma, director of shipping at eBay Australia about eBay’s new local fulfilment program in partnership with global logistics experts, Orange Connex.

She discusses the key benefits of the program including faster

delivery, more competitive rates, enhanced seller protection and full

eBay integrations.

Hayat then shares her thoughts on the shipping landscape, the

importance of returns as part of delivering a truly seamless e-commerce

experience and the increasing adoption of Buy Now, Pay Later.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Morten Boyer elucidates GfK's evolution into a data-centric organization, emphasizing the significance of actionable insights.
• The podcast underscores the dramatic rise of online sales, which have surged by 32% globally in recent years.
• A notable trend towards premium products has emerged, with brands valued 50% above average experiencing 43% growth.
• The introduction of GfK's AI-supported platform, gfknewron, revolutionizes data-driven decision-making processes.
• Understanding market performance in a global context is essential for businesses to identify future opportunities.
• Companies must continuously refine their data strategies to adapt to ongoing changes in consumer behavior and market dynamics.