Indesit Company, one of the major players on the domestic market of electrical home appliances for this year projects a sales volume worth 60m euros, close to last year's level. "The results we've posted so far make us confident we can reach the same level of turnover in 2006 as well, and that is even though we expect the market to shrink by 5-10% and average prices to drop by over 10%," stated Rodica Stere, marketing manager with Indesit.

The Italian producer is present on the domestic market through an office, while import and distribution activities are handled through some domestic companies.

Indesit Company estimates it has a share of 20% of the overall sales of electrical home appliances in Romania. The Indesit brand held the heaviest weight in overall sales, of 18%, while Ariston luxury brand accounted for only 2% of the market. Beside Indesit and Ariston brands, the company's portfolio also includes brands such as Hotpoint and Scholtes, which are not present on the domestic market, though.

Sales on the segment of white goods (refrigerators, washing machines) this year were about 20% lower, according to the data provided by the main players on the market.

The importer believes the end of the year will be the most favourable period in terms of sales, after having seen its turnover rise in August in the wake of purchases Romanians working abroad made during the holiday. "The following period, October-December, is the season peak for us, when 40% of annual sales can be made," Rodica Stere added.

Indesit Company makes most of its sales through national retail networks such as Altex, Domo and Flanco, selling over 60% of total products. Hypermarkets sell around 20% of Indesit electrical home appliances, while regional retailers hold an increasingly smaller share year after year, with the value dropping below 20% this year.

Indesit