As consumer expectations continue to rise, the home appliance industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation—from traditional sales channels to more sophisticated management systems. With the widespread integration of new retail models, from e-commerce platforms to physical stores, the in-store experience has become a key factor in home appliance purchasing decisions.
At the product level, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the industry. More and more appliances are now being embedded with AI capabilities, making smart home solutions increasingly common. As the internet continues to evolve at a fast pace, it's only a matter of time before fully intelligent home appliances become the norm for everyday consumers.
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The shift in home appliance consumption toward "stronger needs"
In recent years, the home appliance market has seen a slowdown in demand, but this doesn't mean that consumers are less interested. In fact, there's been a significant quality upgrade happening behind the scenes. After meeting basic needs, more consumers are now looking for higher-quality products. This trend is especially clear this winter, as health and environmental concerns have led to a sharp increase in demand for air conditioning systems with advanced air purification features. At the same time, the need for heating in smaller cities and towns has surged, driving up sales of high-power air conditioners. It's clear that the industry is being driven by a growing preference for quality-driven consumption.
A leading air conditioner manufacturer shared insights on this year’s sales trends in Shaanxi. Two main characteristics stood out: first, consumers are prioritizing energy efficiency and eco-friendly options, with top-tier energy-efficient units and central air conditioning seeing strong demand. More people are using air conditioners for heating in the winter, a trend that’s expected to grow. Second, with frequent foggy weather, there's a rising demand for fresh air systems, and local buyers are showing strong interest in premium, high-end products.
Moreover, many brands are incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI into their air conditioning products. Though these smart appliances come at a slightly higher price, local consumers are not hesitant to embrace them. Sales of such technologically advanced products have been steadily increasing, showing that consumers are becoming more open to innovation in the home appliance sector.
The rise of an all-in-one online and offline lifestyle
As consumer spending power increases and competition intensifies, more people in Shaanxi are becoming more informed and experienced shoppers. When choosing products, they don’t just compare prices and features—they also consider where and how to buy. This evolving demand is pushing changes in the home appliance retail landscape.
In response, some well-known traditional retailers in Shaanxi are adopting “new retail†strategies, shifting from simple appliance sellers to comprehensive service providers focused on the “home†experience. For example, Gome and other major retailers have started offering integrated solutions like home design, floor heating systems, whole-house water purification, and fresh air systems. They're also creating immersive shopping experiences with VR theaters, e-sports arenas, and even cooking classes to engage customers.
In addition, mobile apps, official accounts, and other digital platforms are playing a key role in connecting online and offline shopping experiences. By integrating home appliances, home improvement, furniture, and services, these platforms are delivering a seamless, omnichannel shopping experience that meets modern consumer expectations.
Scene-based experiences boost home appliance purchases
Home appliances and home furnishings are closely linked. When consumers shop for appliances, they often look for complementary home products at the same time. That’s why scene-based consumption has become a major focus for many retailers this year.
Industry experts note that more people are paying attention to family life and the overall shopping experience. Some retailers have shifted their focus from selling appliances to promoting a holistic “home life†concept. Through store transformations, they’ve introduced new in-store experiences like bakeries, e-sports zones, VR cinemas, and internet cafes to enhance customer engagement.
For consumers, shopping isn’t just about finding low-priced products anymore. Stores now offer interactive experiences, such as live cooking demonstrations, VR movie viewings, and immersive product trials. These experiences create emotional connections and drive purchases.
Beyond selling quality products, retailers are also enhancing the post-purchase experience. Services like mobile concierge, logistics tracking, and real-time delivery updates help build trust and satisfaction. After buying a product, consumers can track its journey through their phones and leave feedback directly. Major promotional events like 618, Double 11, and Double 12 have further boosted consumer interest in the online-offline integration model, making shopping more engaging and convenient than ever.
Dongguan Zhonghe Electronics Co., Ltd. , https://www.zhonghesleeving.com