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When Trade Shows Collide

Concurrent CES and KBIS shows created headaches for the appliance biz.

Updated! This month’s concurrent CES, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders Show (IBS) events yielded an embarrassment of white-goods riches for consumers, but logistical challenges for retailers and exhibitors stretched from Las Vegas to Orlando.

But take heart, weary exhibitors and attendees: As CE Online News & CE Calendar reminds us, KBIS and IBS will return to Vegas next year (Feb. 19-21, 2019), where they’ll be separated from CES (Jan. 8-11) by a month.

In the meantime, here are some appliance highlights from this year’s crop of shows:

Carrier: The name synonymous with air conditioning introduced a 9,000 btuh single-zone ductless heating and cooling system at CES, whose rating of 42 SEER makes it the most efficient AC in North America, the company said.

Electrolux: The company’s latest kitchen lines for Frigidaire, introduced at KBIS, include a freestanding Frigidaire Professional glass-door refrigerator in stainless steel that features an oversized glass portal and LED illumination for viewing contents without opening the door.

GE/Haier: The manufacturer’s super-premium Monogram badge introduced a new marketing campaign at KBIS, “Elevate Everything,” that enlists the services of global fashion designer and cookbook author-turned-Column refrigerator creator Zac Posen.

LG Electronics USA: The vendor launched its LG for Builders division at IBS, which looks to provide its mass-premium appliance line to the high-growth designer and construction trades.

Samsung Electronics America: The company used the occasion of CES to unveil its next-gen Family Hub 3.0 fridge, which ups the platform’s smarts quotient with Bixby voice control and integration with Samsung’s SmartThings IoT ecosystem.  

Whirlpool: The world’s largest majap maker made the connection with Apple and Honeywell at CES. More than 20 majap models can soon be monitored and controlled from an Apple Watch, an industry first, while Honeywell thermostats will be able to adjust the appliances’ settings based on occupant detection.   

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