Household appliances: over the top

Sales of electric appliances grew dynamically in 2004-2005. Sales continued to rise last year, but at a slower rate. Prices are falling. A major driving force behind the growth seen in recent years was the demand for consumer electronics, according to GfK Market Research. During the 2004-2005 period, the market of consumer electronics expanded by 10 per cent annually. Sales of everything digital were well above average. DVD and portable CD players were especially popular, but demand for digital camcorders also grew. As average prices are falling, market expansion will slow down. Sales of large electric household appliances have been stable for some years. Front loading washing machines, microwave ovens, vapour and smoke exhaust systems are the most popular items in this category. Growth is related to the availability of credit. The proportion of households equipped with modern equipment is growing. Though sales of small electric household appliances grew in 2005, stagnation is expected for the current period. Concentration is the trend in this business as well. Independent stores .are either closing or joining retail chains, or similar organisations.