Floorcare suppliers may need to rethink their pricing strategies as research reveals that consumers are beginning to choose more economical options. A growing strategy to offer greater support to retailers in 2010 may be well advised due to these changing buying patterns. Providing consumers with more information on value-added options is now critical in any effort to convince them of product features and benefits and to demonstrate they are worthy of a higher price tag.

Vacuums that steam and clean at the same time, assist allergy and asthma sufferers, enhanced dust-free disposal systems or are compact to suit apartment living are among a wide range of innovations retailers and consumers can expect in floorcare for 2010.

Nilfisk promotes innovative models

More promotions will be staged by Nilfisk with its retail partners in 2010 to support products like the Niflsik Handy 2-in-1 vacuum and the Coupe Neo. Available in a new crisp pearl colour, the Handy 2-in-1 stick vacuum comes is a detachable handheld unit for smaller cleaning jobs. The lightweight Coupe Neo is promoted as having a futuristic design at an affordable price.

US: Best Buy Co has appointed Carol Surface as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective March 1. Surface 44, will report to Brian Dunn, Best Buy's CEO, and will be responsible for developing and directing Best Buy's global human resources organization.

 Suppliers are building new and emerging market categories into serious contenders to attract Mother's Day sales for 2010. This strategy to proactively respond to market intelligence is being combined with yet another tactic to put in place initiatives to encourage consumers to up-sell by purchasing a more advanced version of a product or even to be persuaded to buy a second item.

Retailers may be poised to benefit from incentives provided by suppliers for Australian consumers to purchase additional or more technologically advanced appliances this Mother's Day

Emerging market categories are expected to build sales this Mother's Day season as suppliers act on identified trends in the marketplace. An example is the wider range of products to be available for discerning tea drinkers while other suppliers are poised to attract consumer interest in a growing selection of appliances suitable, not just for the kitchen, but for bedrooms and laundries.

Gift with purchase promotions will feature strongly in Breville's Mother's Day marketing campaign to drive consumers into stores and give them an added motivation to purchase the company's products. 'My Table', a book written by chef Peter Evans and retailing for $45, will be provided as a gift with purchase for participating items from the Breville Professional 800 series and ikon series. Included in this promotion are items such as the SmartOvenTM BOV800, WizzTM Planetary Mixer BEM800 and the Smart GrillTM BGR820.