No Import Duties For Foreign Fridges

By Alan Wolf On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

WASHINGTON – Four offshore majap makers dodged a very large bullet today after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) unanimously ruled in their favor in a year-long anti-dumping case initiated by Whirlpool.

The manufacturers -- Frigidaire, LG, Samsung and GE’s Mexican OEM partner Mabe -- had faced possible double-digit duties on their imported bottom-mount refrigerators after the U.S. Commerce Department determined last month that the Korean products are subsidized and that all are sold in the U.S. at below-market prices.

 

 

hhgregg Seeking Appliance Supremacy

By Alan Wolf On Feb 13 2012 - 6:00am

INDIANAPOLIS – hhgregg is looking to become the nation’s next appliance giant.

The multiregional majap, CE and furniture chain predicted that white goods will become its biggest product category, and intimated that conditions are ripe for it to usurp Sears as the nation’s preeminent appliance retailer.

Whirlpool Q4 Profits Up 20%

By Alan Wolf On Feb 13 2012 - 6:01am

BENTON HARBOR, MICH. — Whirlpool’s fourth-quarter earnings rose 19.9 percent to $205 million on improvements in its North American business.

Net sales for the three months, ended Dec. 31, slipped 2 percent to $4.9 billion.

Electrolux Fourth-Quarter Profits Fall 68%

By Alan Wolf On Feb 13 2012 - 6:01am

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Lower prices, higher raw-material costs and weak demand contributed to a 68 percent decline in Electrolux’s fourth-quarter earnings.

Profits totaled 220 million kronor for the three months, ended Dec. 31.

Results were also squeezed by plant rationalization and headcount reduction costs as the majap maker worked to bring its manufacturing capacity in line with lower global demand.

Net sales rose 3 percent worldwide to 28.4 billion kronor.

Sears, Posting Big Loss, Raising Cash, Sets Strategies

By Steve Smith On Feb 28 2012 - 6:28pm

HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. – Sears Holdings reported a net loss of $2.4 billion in its fiscal fourth quarter, and revealed the sale of 11 Sears stores and the spinoff of various businesses to raise cash.

The $2.4 billion loss, for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 28, compares with net income of $274 million for the prior-year period. The net loss for the full year was $3.1 billion, compared with net income of $133 million in fiscal 2011.

ITC Finds Evidence Of Predatory Majap Pricing

By Alan Wolf On Feb 28 2012 - 11:22pm

WASHINGTON – A preliminary investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has found that certain large residential washers imported from Korea and Mexico are harming the U.S. appliance industry by being sold at below-market prices.

The preliminary vote, taken earlier this month, stemmed from anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions filed with the U.S. ITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in December by Whirlpool, accusing LG and Samsung of predatory pricing.

U-Line Turns 50

By TWICE Staff On Feb 28 2012 - 11:26pm

MILWAUKEE – U-Line, the premium undercounter appliance maker, said it is marking its 50th anniversary this year with a new line of modular under-counter refrigeration units that offer “advanced technology, aesthetic elegance and seamless integration” for use in today’s modern kitchens and lifestyles.

The company, based here, was founded 50 years ago by Henry Uihlein, Sr., who developed and patented the first automatic under-counter ice maker for residential use in 1962. The company is now celebrating its third generation of family management.

Nationwide Upbeat About Majap Business

By Steve Smith On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. – While the major appliance market is still challenged, Nationwide Marketing Group executives said that trends and efforts by the group are providing its members with an edge.

TWICE interviewed both Jeff Knock, appliance marketing senior VP, and Rick Weinberg, appliance merchandising senior VP, during the group’s PrimeTime! convention, here.

TWICE One-On-One With GE's Brett BeGole

By Alan Wolf On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. – As product general manager for GE Appliances, Brett BeGole is responsible for the company’s kitchen and laundry lines, and has a major say in how its $1 billion investment in majap R&D is spent.

TWICE caught up with BeGole on his first anniversary as product chief during the Nationwide Marketing Group’s spring meeting here last month.

TWICE: What prepared you for this job?

MEGA Group Stresses Web, Product Mix At Show

By Alan Wolf On Mar 26 2012 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. – Online marketing and a diversified product mix were among the top takeaways from MEGA Group USA’s biannual convention and buy fair.

The four-day event, themed “Igniting Your Profits,” concluded here last week at the Marriott World Center, but not before drawing a strong turnout of the buying group’s furniture, appliance and CE members. Many said they were here looking for deals as well as ways to enhance their online and in-store operations.