14th February 2012
The UK is becoming increasingly focused on energy efficiency, with measures in place at many homes to restrict power wastage and cut down on the amount of fuel that is consumed.
Whether you have invested in solar panels to create sustainable energy or a smart meter to tell you how much you are using, you are part of a significant movement towards greener British homes.
ABI Research has now issued some predictions for the future of the sector, suggesting the trend of sustainability is here to stay. Indeed, it noted that the popularity of smart appliances for domestic abodes is due to go through the roof.
There are a great number of innovative products that are currently going through the development and testing stages and could soon arrive in the market. When this occurs, shipments of energy-efficient appliances are likely to rise.
Retailers offering such solutions to buyers may wish to consider the service they are currently providing and how it can be ramped up to deal with the expected surge in demand. For instance, some could decide to invest in new protective packaging to ensure their items are delivered safely and without breakages.
Craig Foster, senior analyst in home automation and M2M at ABI Research, said: "LG Electronics, for example, along with fellow South Korean appliance manufacturer Samsung Electronics are two of the first companies to have already brought a comprehensive range of smart appliances to market.
"Whirlpool, BSH, Miele and Electrolux are among the other leading players to have unveiled one or more smart products."
Sending out orders to consumers is something many retailers need to become more accustomed to if a recent report by Knight Frank is anything to go by. The organisation suggested that internet shopping is booming in the UK and now accounts for ten per cent of all orders.