Stores are expecting a rebound in sales of summer appliances this season after a disappointing 2015. Summer is the peak period for the home appliance market, and dealers have been busy preparing for the expected rush of customers. 

As part of their market expansion and sales strategy, many dealers have launched new-in-the-segment products. Some are planning to unveil new offerings soon. 

Rida Incorporated, the authorised distributor of Walton products in Nepal, said they were focusing on their summer marketing campaign and had decided to launch rechargeable summer fans. The product will be available in the market from Sunday. 

Bangladeshi multinational brand Walton entered the Nepali market in 2013.

Rida offers more than four variants of Walton refrigerators ranging in size from 149 litres to 240 litres. They are available in single-door and double-door models. 

“The temperature has shot up and we hope sales will rise accordingly,” said Shailendra Khanal, marketing manager at Rida Incorporated. “For the next three months, we expect to achieve good growth.”

Likewise, Navin Distributors, the sole distributor of Whirlpool in Nepal, recently launched the first-of-its-kind French-door refrigerators after the success of Icemagic refrigerators. 

“Sales this summer have been satisfactory. Weather conditions have also supported our strategy,” said Ayush Kedia, marketing manager of the company. “This summer we expect to boost our sales 25-30 percent year on year.” 

According to Kedia, Whirlpool offers a premium range of products targeted at the high-end market segment in Nepal. “Icemagic has a specially designed cooling zone which runs for up to 12 hours. It can cool food and drinks even during power cuts,” Kedia said. 

Similarly, Nepali brand CG, which offers refrigerators, air coolers and fans under the summer electronic segment, has unveiled cash back and discount schemes that will last till mid-May.  

“CG has experienced satisfactory growth in the summer electronics segment with  well designed and affordable products,“ said Ram Sagar Yadav, brand executive at CG. 

“Products like mirror-finish air conditioners and refrigerators have recently hit the market and are performing well.”  According to Yadav, summer sales have gained pace in cities like Butwal, Bhairahawa, Biratnagar and Kathmandu. Air conditioner sales in Butwal have surpassed expectations.