Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis.  A spokeswoman says the department store will sometimes replace items bought years ago to keep customers happy.  "We really think a reason our customers shop with us is that we stand behind our merchandise," she says.

Carmine D.

DC18

Hello Lucky1:

Just in time for the Holiday sales.  Obviously, you will keep one displayed prominently where all the store traffic can see and ask about!  Please share with us your customers' reactions and impressions when they see/use.  Weight will be a concern for some customers.  But I'm curious to learn what MIELE customers think about the new upright as well as the general vacuum public. 

The target market for these uprights, along with quality vacuum buyers, is MIELE cann buyers/users who secretly prefer uprights but compromised personal likes for the MIELE brand.  Over the years, they settled for the MIELE cann's.  There is an existing pent up demand for uprights by these MIELE customers and you may be surprised by the number of sales.  MIELE needs to promote this angle aggressively and shake up and out these customers' interest now.  I suspect MIELE will in early December in time for Christmas sales.

Also, many customers bought into the bagless hype and purchased the high priced uprights during the last 5 years from the big box retailers.  Thinking these were quality made and would save them money.  But now they have grown tired of the extra care and effort these bagless vacuums require to use and maintain.  Like dirt bin dumping daily.  And/or the time, effort, and difficulty required for obtaining service/parts.  These customers are looking now to lock in a known vacuum brand with a reputation for lasting 20 years and an existing network of dealer authorized stores who service and support the brand.  They will want to trade/upgrade their exisiting vacuums; or relegate them to the second level, basement and/or garage.   This is an easy and convenient way for vacuum buyers to justify an out-of-pocket expense for another/new vacuum. 

If I recall correctly, you said months back that your geographic area is insulated from the bad economic conditions.  If this is still the case, these new MIELE uprights, among the vacuum customers I described, should be a very good seller for you.  Congratulations and good luck

Carmine D.

Here is the post that led me to the conclusion I made above:

Re: Big Hit on the London Markets Reply #90   Mar 29, 2008 10:38 am

I inferred from the above that at least in your local area everything was status quo and business as usual despite the dire economic forecasts for the months ahead. 

Carmine D.

Thanks for the info.  Plan to see these this week.  And pick up a few dusting brushes.

Carmine D.