Household Appliance Stores Industry Profile

The US household appliance store industry includes about 9,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion. Major companies include ABC Appliance, Conn's, hhgregg, and PC Richard & Son. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 35 percent of industry sales.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by home sales, replacement due to product failure, and home remodeling. The profitability of individual companies depends on effective marketing and merchandising. Large companies can negotiate volume discounts from manufacturers. Small companies can compete effectively by offering superior customer service or specializing in product segments.

Major competitors include department stores (Sears); home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s); consumer electronics stores (Best Buy); warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's); and mass merchandisers (Wal-Mart, Target). Besides its primary locations, Sears has a network of more than 900 independent dealers that sell its Kenmore brand appliances in small markets.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major product segments include kitchen, laundry, and small household appliances, and TVs. Kitchen appliances account for nearly 40 percent of sales, washers and dryers for about 15 percent, and other major household appliances and TVs for about 10 percent apiece. Large appliances, with the exception of TVs, are often referred to as “white goods.” Kitchen appliances include refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and microwaves. Other major household appliances include room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and vacuum cleaners. Appliance retailers may also sell consumer electronics, including video and audio equipment. Stores typically offer extended ...