3 Jan 2009

Large price rises due for household appliances

9:33 am on 3 January 2009

Shoppers can expect the price of whiteware appliances to go up by about 20% in the next few weeks in response to price movements in the overseas market.

Black Diamond Technologies managing director Ken Lilley said the price rise is due to the increasing cost of commodities.

He said the largest rise will take place from January to March, but prices could decrease from June as commodity prices even out.

Harvey Norman spokesperson Frank Anderson says prices will increase in its shops by 20% to 30%.

He said products imported from Japan and Thailand will be the most expensive due to lack of supply.

Noel Leeming Group chief executive Andrew Dutkiewicz said shoppers can expect to pay up to 20% more for whiteware.

He said retailers have done their best to absorb increased costs, and any price cut would depend on the fortunes of the New Zealand dollar.