China's home appliances market is the fastest-growing in the world, driven by increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and a rebalancing of product mix. The market is particularly strong in white goods and small appliances, with a growing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products. COVID-19 has had a mixed impact on the market, with some products experiencing high sales revenues while others have suffered from logistical and geographical issues.
E-commerce has become an important sales channel for home appliances in China, with consumers increasingly turning to online platforms for convenience, product comparison, and competitive pricing. In 2019, more than 40% of home appliance orders were placed online, with the share of e-commerce sales increasing to about 7.5% compared to the same period in 2018. The sales of traditional appliances like TVs and washing machines have declined, while technologically advanced products like robot vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and electronic face cleansers have enjoyed strong demand.
The market for smart home appliances is expected to drive future growth, with appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators experiencing rapid growth. However, there are several issues to be addressed, including non-unified standards and unsatisfying user experience.
The Chinese home appliances market is highly competitive, with domestic companies dominating the market. Traditional home appliance manufacturers are stepping up their efforts to launch smart home appliances, with Chinese manufacturers benefiting from their understanding of local demand, extensive distribution networks, affordable pricing, and commitment to technological innovation. Companies like JD.com, Sunning, and Alibaba dominate the e-commerce space, with offline experience stores and flagship stores becoming increasingly popular to reinforce consumers' online and offline experience and interaction.
In conclusion, the Chinese home appliances market is a lucrative one, driven by a variety of factors, including increasing disposable incomes and a growing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products. The market is highly competitive, with domestic companies dominating the scene and e-commerce channels increasingly becoming a key sales channel. As the market continues to evolve, the growth of smart home appliances is expected to drive further expansion.