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