Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Despite the problems in the US housing, credit and finance sectors, small appliances saw an overall increase in sales last year, according to data from The NPD Group’s Home Section research arm.
Sales of espresso makers, food processors, citrus juicers, juice extractors and steamers all grew, with American consumers responding to products that offer convenience and multiple functions and variety in colour and design. There is also a trend toward eco-friendliness.
“While there were bumps in the road in 2007, we can say that, for the most part, many of the small appliance and housewares markets we track have demonstrated resiliency in the face of the slowing US economy,” commented Peter Goldman, president of the Home Section at The NPD Group.
Products such as stand mixers and espresso/cappuccino makers are also selling at higher price points: sales of the latter grew by 15% while their average price rose by $20.
