Electronics, home appliances and IT retail posted one billioneuros in sales in the January-September period, 42.3% (700 millioneuros) less than in the similar period of 2008, according to asurvey conducted by market research company GfK.
Seasonality continues to be an important characteristic of themarket, with sales of the various product segments being dependenton the quarter, according to the GfK survey. A comparison of datafor the second and third quarters of this year reveals that inJuly-September sales rose by 28 million euros, to 336 millioneuros, against the April-June period. Among Eastern Europeancountries, Romania saw the biggest sales reduction, by over 45%. Onthe Romanian market, the segment of big home appliances continuesto generate the biggest sales volume, 30% (up 5% on last year) andis supported by the buy-back campaigns implemented by importers andproducers together with specialised retailers.
The 100 or 200 RON received in the form of a voucher for theacquisition of a home appliance when turning over a used itemcontributed to the less significant decline of this segmentcompared with that of IT and office equipment.
"These are natural campaigns, and recyclers contribute withfunds, themselves. The programmes also keep the product's averageprices," explains Giuseppe Parma, general manager of IndesitRomania, the third largest brand on the Romanian home appliancesmarket, after Arctic and Electrolux.
According to Indesit representatives, the average price for homeappliances sold in Romania is 245 euros, whereas in countries likeItaly, France and Germany, it is 399 euros, while in Turkey andGreece it reaches as much as 500 euros.
According to GfK, the summer brought about a higher demand forfreezers and refrigerators from upper energy classes.
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