2023 Appliance Buying Trends
Sirius Buying Group reveals its insider knowledge into the latest trends set to revolutionise kitchen living in 2023 and beyond
Steve Jones, Managing Director at Sirius Buying Group says, ‘There is no doubt that the UK high street has changed beyond recognition in the past two decades and we feel that a clear-eyed assessment of the market is the best way to help our members optimise their businesses and continue to lean into change. As independent retailers prepare for the home improvement season, we are making sure our members have the latest creative and digital solutions available to them to enhance everything from stock management to customer service as technology continues to develop at pace in 2023.’
The general economic backdrop is focussing attention on the cost of living and the continued conflict in Ukraine along with a General Election on the cards for 2024-5. Consumers are likely to be inclined to focus on what they can control – their home environment – so retailers can anticipate an even greater determination to spend on improving and remodelling key rooms such as the kitchen and utility room.
Based on latest market research Sirius predict that the wellness trend is set to continue into 2023 as more and more homeowners explore unique solutions to enhance their quality of life – in terms of having bespoke laundry and utility areas as well as hybrid kitchen living spaces which can also include home office elements. Practical luxury and sustainable design are definitely high on the wish list as homeowners want to create lifestyle interiors for the long-haul.
Enhancing and personalising the kitchen living space is also coming to the fore in 2023, as smart home living has become increasingly mainstream. In fact, 88 per cent of the UK population now has a smartphone, according to Statista. 96 per cent of those aged 16-24 have one and so do 78 per cent of people aged 55 and over. Retailers can capitalise on the ubiquity of the smartphone as plenty of consumers have yet to discover the benefits of combining their appliances with their apps, so demonstrating this in the showroom is a sure-fire way to educate and impress homeowners.
Mark Veysey, Head of Operations at Sirius Buying Group says, ‘When it comes to the kitchen and laundry, energy-efficient appliances are steadily growing in popularity as consumers seek to save money as well as show their appetite for shopping with a conscience. Given the amount of product information available online, some customers merely want to see a product in the flesh before making a purchase while others will be keen to establish exactly how noisy an appliance may be or what sort of payment plans are available. So, we want to make sure that our members have the tools necessary to capture that customer online in the first instance and/or convert the sale instore when that customer enters their shop. It makes sense to keep an open mind and ‘assume nothing’ in all interactions with your customers as they have the power to refer your to their family and friends as well as rating you through Google reviews. The relationship never ends with the sale as there are many touchpoints to cover including extended guarantees, aftercare and servicing.’
Recommendations and word of mouth will remain key to driving sales in 2023. In fact, given that the average person has up to 15 close contacts – every lead could effectively generate another 14! Social media also has a significant part to play as Facebook groups are regularly used as a place to ask for recommendations. Retailers need to make sure they are easy to find online with a business page so they can be tagged in by happy customers.
Steve Jones concludes, ‘Relationships will be the bedrock of specialist retail going forwards. We’re strong believers in sharing and supporting each other through our enviable connections with leading brands and industry stalwarts. The community we have established over the past 21 years is a continued source of pride as we see members’ tap into each other’s genius and develop life-long friendships. As a bridge between global leading brands, distributors and retailers we like to offer a measured, long-term approach so that you can achieve your business goals in a way which suits you and your team.’
For further information on how Sirius can help your business to grow faster and smarter in 2023, please contact: Sirius Buying Group: email siriusoffice@siriusbuyinggroup.co.uk | t 01395 277103 | w siriusbuyinggroupltd.co.uk
