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ATLANTA (Reuters)-Whirlpool Corp. (WHR. N)
No in the world.
An appliance maker said Wednesday that its Maytag will return to Best Buy. (BBY. N)
At May's store, it injected new vitality into the brand it bought last year.
David Swift, president of Whirlpool North America, said: "We have proved to Best Buy that our innovation strategy is nurturing new growth . ".
Swift said Best Buy will introduce about 18 May label appliances, which Whirlpool has labeled as "Maytag month.
In early 2005, Best Buy stopped selling Maytag washing machines and refrigerators on the grounds of consumer preferences for other brands.
At that time, Maytag was a listed company struggling with high fixed costs and growing competition from foreign appliance manufacturers such as LG Electronics (066570. KS).
Lisa Smith, vice president of Best Buy appliances, said: "Our decision to bring Maytag back is actually triggered by a return of confidence in the brand's commitment . ".
In 2005, "consumers did not respond to Maytag products," Smith added ".
"There was a lack of innovation at the time, and the commitment to marketing was also weakened.
Best Buy is one of the four major American brands. S.
Appliance retailers said they had no plans to remove other brands from the appliance department due to Maytag returns.
Despite the decline in market share in recent years, Maytag is still the idol of consumers.
US "power brand" ranked 2005S.
The consumer franchise of household goods News found that Maytag was located in 12 places, down from 4 two years ago.
"If the Maytag brand has not had a significant stake in consumers, this strategy will be more difficult to implement," Swift said . ".
Since the acquisition, Whirlpool has developed new Maytag products such as Epic front-
Washing machine.
To mark 100 anniversary of this year's Maytag washing machine, Whirlpool launched the Maytag Centennial, a top washing machine
Loaders with commercial functions such as traditional square and stainless steel baskets.
Whirlpool, based in Port Benton, Michigan, relies on demand for new products and a $1 savings.
With the US economy weak, a $7 billion acquisition could boost revenueS.
The housing market cooled demand for electrical appliances.
The company expects that by 2008, the cost savings will exceed $0. 4 billion due to the closure of the Maytag plant and the improvement of electrical efficiency.
Whirlpool also bought Jenn-
The air and Amana brands were purchased in March 2006.
"People already understand that there is a lot of cost savings," said Laura champing, an analyst at Morgan Keegan . ".
"People have been wondering if Whirlpool can share it by having the Maytag brand," she said . ". “This (
Best Buy announcement)
Help them prove this.
Whirlpool said in February that North American metal prices in its largest market rose and weak demand for electrical appliances could affect performance this year.
Analysts expect a profit of $8.
2007 per share in 07, up from $5.
Reuters estimates that 51 per share in 2006.
Earlier this month, Whirlpool, after a nationwide search, appointed a new Maytag repairman for its television ads.
Smith of Best Buy said the new repairman will "create some energy and excitement for the brand ".
In terms of Best Buy, the sales of home appliances in stores opened for at least 14 months increased by 0 year on year.
The quarter ended March 3 was 5% per cent.
As of the third year, home appliances accounted for 7% of Best Buy's revenue, up from 6% in the previous year.
Whirlpool shares fell 1 cent to $87.
In early trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Best Buy fell 22 cents to $47. 24.
Whirlpool shares rose 6% this year, while Best Buy shares fell 9%.