Emerging trends in consumer durables industry

Companies have tapped into changing consumer sentiments by providing innovative solutions to address expectations

2020 will leave its mark in history as the year that altered lives and reshaped the business landscape across industries. The consumer durables industry has come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic. Companies have tapped into changing consumer sentiments by being more responsive and providing innovative solutions to address expectations. Over the last decade, the consumer durables sector has grown at a steady rate, marking the scope of future prospects. This provides the industry with a great opportunity to build sustainable markets and tap into both urban and rural markets in the country. Last year saw a significant increase in ecommerce demand from tier two and tier three towns, in light of the pandemic. Brands are also moving toward a more customer-centric approach like never before. The ability to identify a customer's emotional need, understand the reasons behind that need, and respond to it effectively goes a long way in building successful brands. Keeping these factors in mind, we can anticipate certain trends in the consumer durables industry in the 'new normal':

Enhanced focus on health and eco-friendly products

Consumers are likely to prioritise health going forward and products that offer superior features protecting or enhancing health will become the popular choice. The outbreak of the virus has led to widespread health awareness with a direct correlation to safety, health and hygiene, making products like water purifiers and water heaters even more important. Also, with increased awareness around the environment, there is a greater focus on more energy-efficient and eco-friendly products to help reduce the carbon footprint.

Digital integration will be key

The need to ensure social distancing has given significant rise to online transactions. Consumers will continue to use digital means to learn more about products. The emergence of more e-commerce channels has also provided convenience with quick delivery, more offerings and the ability for price comparison. Mapping the customer digital journey to create personalised experiences will be key.

Tech products help shape the future

Consumers are looking for products that are more technologically advanced, simple to use and easily accessible. We're privileged to be living in a time where science and technology can assist us, make our lives easier and help reshape the ways we go about our lives. The emergence of AI and IoT driven products has upped the scale and quality of communication between devices and humans with intelligent technology. This year, we will see technologies, such as robotics, AI, IoT and AR-VR moving to the forefront. The technology we're already accustomed to have paved the way for us to further innovate; and future technologies will have the potential to change our lives even more.

Agility will be fundamental to success

Life as we know it is constantly changing, driving the need for businesses to become more agile and adapt to change across functions – production, supply chain, marketing, sales, etc. There is growing recognition of its transformational benefits and its ability to bring flexibility to business quickly. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the need for companies to be more agile. For example, a supply chain strategy that made sense before Covid-19 may no longer be applicable. Disruption to the supply chain brought several businesses in the country to a grinding halt. The need to be flexible, create the right business culture, and put customers first, while remaining profitable, will be the key to success. The important lesson is to deploy a combination of strategy and agility to weather strong currents.

Customers are keen to purchase products that support hygiene and health. The exposure to global technologies and lifestyle has created a perception shift, and consumer durables are no longer viewed as utility products, but rather an extension of one's personality. Consumers today are aware and equipped with information that helps them understand how opting for more efficient technologies can result in better usability. They seek products that enable both comfort and convenience and don't hesitate to purchase at a higher cost if it adds value to their lives. Increasing electrification of rural areas and wide usability of online sales are also aiding this growing demand. Every crisis is an opportunity for unexpected growth and learning, and the pandemic has encouraged more companies to reinvent and evolve.

(The author is Managing Director, A O Smith India)