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‘Customers have experienced a digital-first way to shop for electricals, the majority will never look back’, says AO boss


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AO World has reported that it experienced its strongest ever peak trading period over the Black Friday period and in the run up to Christmas. In its latest trading update, the online retail giant said it saw a “significant increase” in demand since the start of the pandemic, recording year-on-year UK revenue growth of 67.2 per cent to £457.3 million. AO Founder and Chief Executive, John Roberts (pictured), commented: “Now that customers have experienced a better,


Berlin is back: IFA set to return in 2021


Organisers of IFA have announced that the Berlin edition will return on September 3-7 2021. The consumer technology and home electronics trade exhibition will once


again be home to thousands of global brands that “can’t wait” to present their latest innovations following last year’s much smaller event (due to the height of the Coronavirus pandemic at the time). IFA Executive Director, Jens Heithecker, said: “We are overwhelmed by the


extremely strong commitment of our partners. This demonstrates the high interest of the industry in presenting their innovations to IFA’s global media community live in Berlin. “Together with our international retail partners, we want to prepare the


recovery and rebound for the time after lockdown.” Among the exhibitors sharing this news and his delight to be taking part


again in 2021 was Miele Group’s Dr Reinhard Zinkann, who said: “IFA in Berlin is one of the most inspiring highlights in our diary every year. We look forward to seeing each other again.” Meanwhile, Frank Trittel, General Manager of Amica International, added:


“We are well aware of the social and economic challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic means worldwide, but we still miss the possibility to meet personally with people, exchange opinions and connect. The traditional IFA is the most important fair for us, so the AMICA Group will take part this year.”


digital-first way to shop for electricals, I believe the majority will never look back. We intend to cement that change by raising the bar on our service and proposition in ways that only AO can deliver.” The retailer said it is looking forward with confidence as the


structural shift to online is “cemented in consumers’ minds” by the changes seen throughout 2020. Mr Roberts added: “We’ve seen 10 years of change in 10 months, and experienced our strongest ever peak trading period.”


Miele reports of a strong and successful 2020


Vacuums and refrigerators


Miele has reported that it achieved sales of €4.5 billion in 2020 – up by 6.5 per cent compared to 2019 and despite “the turmoil caused by the pandemic”, it said. For its fiscal year January to December


last year, in the UK sales were “roughly held”, but online saw the most positive development in all markets. The German manufacturer added that


business had been a “roller coaster ride”. Whilst the year got off to a promising start, the company experienced a big dip between March and May, followed by strong demand during the summer and an “outstanding” second half, with consumers spending more money on their homes and domestic appliances reaping the benefits.


stood out Vacuum cleaners and refrigeration were standout categories for the Miele Group – the new cordless Triflex HX1 stick vacuum cleaner got a special mention, while refrigerator and freezer sales were helped by an increased demand for food storage solutions. Other successful areas include the


Generation 7000 range of built-in appliances and G 7000 dishwashers, plus Miele’s upgraded laundry care portfolio. Miele Group’s Executive Board


(pictured) said: “Miele has succeeded in surpassing the previous year’s turnover by a considerable margin. We will continue to stay our course and, indeed, strengthen it.” Addressing issues around production


and supply of stock, Miele said production capacities have been “permanently increased” and that it is in “close and constant contact” with the retail trade while it battles with longer delivery periods for washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.


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