The near-term outlook in household appliances is for a continuation of difficult trading conditions: the downturn in the housing market, along with higher costs of credit and rising energy and food bills, has dented consumer confidence.

However, the good news is that vacuum cleaners have a number of angles to encourage growth.

Although essentially a replacement market, the home is becoming increasingly important as a place in which to work, relax and entertain. This offers an additional incentive to make it a more desirable and cleaner environment.

The near-term outlook in household appliances is for a continuation of difficult trading conditions: the downturn in the housing market, along with higher costs of credit and rising energy and food bills, has dented consumer confidence.

However, the good news is that vacuum cleaners have a number of angles to encourage growth.

Although essentially a replacement market, the home is becoming increasingly important as a place in which to work, relax and entertain. This offers an additional incentive to make it a more desirable and cleaner environment.

Main report themes:

How fierce competition and heavy discounting by the vacuum cleaner brands and the retailers who stock them are impacting on market value.

Increasing importance of home. How can tapping into consumers’ attitudes towards housework and cleanliness help vacuum cleaner manufacturers evaluate the market better?

Innovation and the extent to which manufacturers are responding to the changing needs of consumers (eg allergen reduction, compact cleaners for smaller households).

Marketing vacuuming as an emotive, pleasurable experience, as well as a functional necessity.

Protection of the environment and how manufacturers are tackling the issue of energy efficiency.