Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Carmine D.

Carmine D.

Carmine D.

More than likely vacuum sales in 2008 were off both in dollars and units but just slightly.  I have not seen any official numbers from the industry authorities who track and report on these matters, like the NPD.  Most say the vacuum industry figures are only best estimates for a variety of reasons:

--One, privately owned companies, like dyson, are hesitant to report honest broker figures in bad times for fear of the industry ripple effects.  They spin the numbers to their advantage.  

--Two, it's likely that sales of vacuums at big box stores in the $50-$250 range increased year over year while there was a fall off of higher priced vacuums in those sales venues.  This complicates the picture.  An industry phenomenon called "trading down."  Very common across all industries in a recession/depression.  So, in total the industry looks alright but in fact individual companies are falling down.  Most likely as a result of "trading down" high priced brands and models sold thru big box stores suffered the worse [witness the sudden fall of halo]. 

--Third, my personal and professional experience and conversations with experts and pros in the business [some who post here] affirm there was and will continue to be increases in sales of parts and repairs during hard times at most of the local independent vacuum stores.  This increase in business offsets the fall off of new vacuum sales.  Venson was kind enough to post and share a recent news article from a local vacuum store whose 2008/2009 business reflected this.  I recall the vacuum store owner was waiting almost a week on an okay for an $85 repair on a dyson. 

Finally, Tom Oreck, Dave's son and company CEO, reported to several news authorities, that 2008 ORECK sales were not as good as predicted and expected at the beginning of 2008.  But certainly not as bad as most vacuum makers.  Why?  ORECK caters to a niche market and is sold thru a network of its own 500 owned/franchised stores and independents.  ORECK has more control and authority over it's sales destiny than vacuum makers at the mercy of the big box stores.  An excellent vacuum business model for hard times.  Why?  These big box retailers are worried about going belly up.

Trebor, you said it well.  Who's standing when the dust settles?  They are the winners.

HARDSELL, my deepest apologies.  You and DIB got no bonuses in 2008 and 2009 is looking even worse.  Can't say I didn't tell you so, long before this economic sunami started 16 months ago.  You blew it off as just my typical doom and gloom. 

Carmine D