Electrolux and Whirlpool have announced measures which they plan to undertake to make their companies truly sustainable in the future. 

The full extent of Samsung's investment in the white goods sector and the company's intention to establish itself as a major player in this market is reflected by the suite of built-in cooking appliances which the manufacturer has just launched.

The new hybrid Everio GZ-X900, or Everio X, is a pocket size video camcorder that offers the powerful shooting combination of Full HD video and nine megapixel still photos, plus creative shooting functions such as slow motion video and high speed ‘motor drive' still photography. It allows simultaneous five megapixel digital still shooting while recording Full HD video. 

As Chief Executive of AMDEA, I have to take a broad approach and consider a wide range of issues and perspectives. Hence I recently attended a breakfast meeting discussing trade relations with China.

Reflecting the current financial climate, this year's retra annual conference in London was titled ‘From Gloom to Boom'. Kept to a tight schedule of six hours, it featured 14 presentations (which was a record in itself in the 49-year history of retra conferences). A wide range of speakers demonstrated to the audience of retailers, manufacturers and service suppliers that despite the downturn in the economy, the industry has plenty to offer to its customers and trade partners although at times some players may need to resort to ‘guerrilla marketing' (more about this later).

Some ideas are ahead of their time. Eight years ago, Bush launched an internet TV, allowing viewers to access the web from the comfort of their couch. But the system was slow (most homes only had dial-up internet connections) and clunky. Fast forward eight years, and the situation has changed beyond recognition. Government statistics show that, in 2008, more than 65% of all homes in Great Britain had internet access, with more than half of all homes (56%) having broadband connections. What is more, broadband speeds are increasing all the time.

Amica, the largest manufacturer of domestic appliances in Poland, commanding a 12.6% market share (followed by Electrolux with a 11% market share) with subsidiaries in Germany, Russia, Romania, Czech Republic and Denmark, entered the UK market in 2006. 

The time when the majority of people lived in relatively large houses which could accommodate many appliances designed for a single purpose is becoming history. Homes, in general, are getting smaller and kitchen space is at premium. This is related to a number of socio-economic trends.

Since the recession took hold we have had an increase in rental business, relating to new and used equipment; and in sales of second-hand TV and video gear, coming in as ex-rental and part-exchanged units. Apart from the obligatory electrical safety check, some of this is in dire need of refurbishment to maximise its appeal, even to impecunious customers.