Retail Observer

W hirlpool Corporation shared its outlook on the future of appliance design and display products that make an impact on the daily lives of consumers at the International Builders Show in January. "We want our builders to feel confident knowing that Whirlpool Corporation has dedicated teams and spaces focused on developing and designing the future of appliances—all based on consumer behaviors and insights," said Bob Bergeth, general manager of Contract Builder Sales at Whirlpool Corporation. "We design for consumers, so builders can succeed." The Whirlpool Corporation Global Consumer Design centers study the cultures, behaviors and needs of people of all ages around the world, and are responsible for creating products with purposeful technology. At the helm of these centers is Patrick Schiavone, vice president, Global Consumer Design, who was on hand to share his team's insights at the show. "Our goal is to make appliances that people love and identify with because the appliances are tailored to their lifestyle and meet their needs," Schiavone said. "Across each of our brands, purposeful connectivity anticipates the needs of our consumers and their families, adjusting to common behaviors and activating meaningful shortcuts and solutions so they can get back to what matters most." For example, Whirlpool Corporation designers know consumers are looking for appliances that feature problem-solving and time- saving technology. In a 2014 homeowner survey, 83 percent of those surveyed said they are always looking for ways to spend more quality time with family, and nearly half of homeowners (48 percent) said doing daily chores cuts into that time. Also, Whirlpool Corporation sees tremendous opportunity with the increasing preference for open homes. "We want appliances to bring harmony within the home instead of being stand-alone pieces," Schiavone said. "That's why we created the KitchenAid black stainless finish to integrate and blend easily with other materials in the home. It's less like a kitchen and more like a living space." Show attendees experienced the latest product innovations in the adjacent show homes at the Outdoor Exhibits area. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED: • Jenn-Air ® Built-in French Door Refrigerator (NextGen Home TV SmartHome): One of the newest developments in design is the brand's signature Obsidian interior, a dramatic and sophisticated deep charcoal that offers a compelling contrast compared to traditional white interiors. Not to be outdone by its appearance, the dual evaporator system creates two independent climates for enhanced food preservation — adjusting for optimal temperatures, humidity levels and freezer environment. All Jenn- Air ® built-in refrigerators feature a specially designed articulated hinge that installs for a fully-integrated and flush appearance. In addition, some built-in models are panel ready, allowing for the use of custom panels that blend seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry. • Jenn-Air ® Connected 30" Double Wall Oven with V2TM Vertical Dual-Fan Convection System (NextGen Home TV SmartHome): This sleek, dual convection wall oven features wireless connectivity and an app for IOS and Android devices that gives users control of the oven's functions and performance. * Among many features accessible via the app is the Jenn-Air ® Culinary Center, an interactive, image-driven system that uses the oven's advanced cooking system, a series of precise algorithms, and chef-tested cooking programs to give cooks the ultimate control in achieving desired results. A "My Creations" feature allows users to save the settings for their favorite recipes. • KitchenAid ® Multi-Door Refrigerator (Show Village): The first five-compartment configuration provides unparalleled control for organizing and preserving food, but even more stunning is the unique platinum interior. LED lighting that gradually increases light levels provides a silvery, glossy and sophisticated alternative to the traditional bright white finish. • SWASH ™ 10-Minute Clothing Care System (NAHB New American Home): SWASH ™ is the first in-home system that gets garments looking their best in just 10 minutes. Its compact design removes light wrinkles, neutralizes odors, restores fit lost to wear and helps extends the life of garments, and installation is as easy as plugging it into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. No water, plumbing, pipes, vents, or special hook-ups are needed. For more information, please visit insideadvantage.com and whirlpoolcorp.com and follow @WhirlpoolCorp. *Requires Wifi and account creation. App features and functionality subject to change. Subject to Terms of Service available at: www.jennair.com/connect. Data rates may apply. MARCH 2016 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 97 RO

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