Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2016 38 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S A s we make our way into the second quarter of the year, it's a good time to look back on some of AHAM's U.S. factory shipment data from early 2016 and some of the trends AHAM has seen in its shipment data over the past few years. The year got off to a strong start for major home appliance shipments. AHAM's factory shipment data show increases in most of the categories the association tracks. Here's a snapshot of what AHAM has found in four core categories: Induction cooking goes mainstream: Since 2010, the percen- tage of surface units shipped that include at least one induction unit has doubled. Five years ago, only 8% of electric surface cooking units shipped included at least one induction element. By last year, the number had grown to 16% of units shipped. This is one example of a commercial kitchen trend that has made its way into homes as well. More doors, please: Consumers are looking for more ways to customize and access their refrigerator and freezer space. AHAM has seen a steady increase in bottom-mount refrigerators with four or more doors since 2011, the year we began tracking those shipments. Last year, 17% of refrigerators shipped had four or more doors, up from 11% four years earlier. Bottom-mount refrigerators with two doors made up just 13% of shipments in 2015, down from 35% in 2008. Back on top: After several years of lower shipment numbers, top- load washers are seeing a resurgence in popularity. They accounted for 76% of units shipped last year, up from 62% in 2009, according to AHAM data. But it's different this time around, as a lot of the growth is due to a growing preference for top-load washers without agitators. They made up about 48% of top-loading units shipped in 2015, compared to 27% in 2011. This is a prime example of innovation, as this product has grown more efficient, and offers the consumer multiple configurations and options. It's a "steel": We've seen a steady increase in the number of dishwashers and refrigerators with a stainless steel finish. Bottom- mount and side-by-side refrigerators with a stainless steel finish made up more than 60% of units shipped in 2015, up from 29% in 2006. More than half of dishwashers—56%—shipped last year had a stainless steel finish, a trend that has been on a steady upward climb since 2007. While it's impossible to predict what trends will come next, connectivity seems poised to become a centerpiece of the next generation of home appliances. Home appliance manufacturers believe connectivity has the potential to bring new levels of convenience into consumers' lives through features like remote operation, task automation, mobile alerts and easier repairs. Many are already producing new lines of connected products. But as with any innovation, potential buyers will need to understand the benefits that connected appliances offer before they buy. They'll likely look to retailers for that information. We invite you to visit www.aham.org and download AHAM's new white paper, Home Appliance Connectivity: Limitless Potential, and use it as a guide as you introduce your customers to connected home appliances. In it, we address a number of common consumer questions about connected home appliances, including: • The difference between smart, Smart-Grid enabled and connected home appliances • How connected appliances will allow consumers to save more time • How smart appliances can reduce their users' energy costs • The steps being taken to preserve high safety standards in connected appliances • Concrete steps users of connected appliances can take to protect their personal data The white paper was developed by AHAM's Connectivity Task Force, a group of experts from AHAM member companies who produced the paper based on their insights into the challenges and opportunities that connected home appliances present. AHAM will be staying on the pulse of connectivity as it emerges as a feature in home appliances and consumer interest in connected appliances builds. We'll continue our efforts to educate consumers about the possibilities and capabilities of connected appliances, a role we anticipate will grow as more are brought to the market. AHAM'S RECENT FACTORY SHIPM ENT TRENDS AND A NEW CONNECTIVITY RESOURCE RO

• Cover