Will there be a refrigerator or range under your Christmas tree
this year? An analytics-based forecast made by technology giant IBM earlier
this year says there very well could be.
IBM is projecting a four percent increase in appliance sales
in December this year compared with the same month a year ago. "Big Blue" says
the forecast is based on 19 years of previous historical analysis using
software the company developed to analyze long-term trends.
Fashion trend
Consumers are looking to update the modern household and
appliances are becoming a hot fashion trend with new front load laundry
machines in designer colors and stainless steel kitchen set, including
French-door refrigerators and two-oven ranges. These trends may be pushing the
appliance sales increase predicted by IBM.
"The price of stainless has come down and it's much
more affordable and reasonable," said Chuck Ewing, CEO of Appliance
Factory Outlet.
Disposable income is on the rise, according to a report by
the Commerce Department, and discount
retailers like Appliance Factory Outlet are able to offer consumers &
gift-givers new home styles without compromising affordability.
Ewing said that the hottest items this holiday season are
for the laundry room and the kitchen.
"The laundry room is becoming the new decor area of the
home," said Ewing. "And French-door refrigerators are highly sought
after because they offer so much space and high-quality features."
Demand was strong for luxury appliances during Black Friday sales and forecasters say this demand will continue through December. Appliance Factory Outlet reported an increase of almost 40 percent over last year's sales for their Black Friday event. Ewing expects his Christmas sales to follow the same trend.
