Howard’s, an independent Southern California appliance retailer, announced that it has formed partnerships with luxury home appliance brands Miele and Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS). German company Miele is the world’s largest family-owned professional-grade appliance manufacturer and a leading supplier of premium household appliances for kitchens, laundry and floor care. Signature Kitchen Suite, the award-winning, New Jersey-based manufacturer of luxury, built-in appliances is committed to combining passion, innovation and technology for those who respect, prepare and enjoy food.
“We are thrilled to partner with both of these outstanding brands,” said John Riddle, president & CEO, Howard’s. “Not only will our customers be able to interact with and test-drive Miele and SKS products at all of our experience centers but partnering with the companies allows us to further secure our position as the first-choice retailer for luxury appliances. Our select brand partners’ products come to life in our stores, showcasing their design, functionality, and connectivity in working exhibits.”
Howard’s will debut the full suite of products for each manufacturer in fall 2021 in all its high-tech experience centers including cooktops, ranges, wall ovens, ventilation, dishwashers, refrigerators, laundry care and more. The retailer will showcase Miele and Signature Kitchen Suite technologies and precision-engineered, best-in-class products that meet the complex needs of today’s luxury appliance consumers.
“Signature Kitchen Suite is pleased to become a Howard’s brand partner and to offer our luxury appliances in their high-touch experience centers,” said Randy Warner, vice president of sales, Signature Kitchen Suite. “Howard’s commitment to the customer experience within the approachable luxury retail market echoes our dedication to honoring the Technicurean market—those who combine their passion for food with an appreciation for innovation. We look forward to sharing our appliances with Howard’s dedicated audience and presenting customers with new opportunities for connecting with us.”
Strategic partnerships are key to Howard’s drive for growth and subsequent success. The introduction of new high-end, cutting-edge lifestyle products allows the retailer to continue to bring innovative and connected brands to their discerning customers.
“At Miele, we are happy to partner with Howard’s to further our brand growth,” said John Stampley, regional manager, Miele. “For over 120 years we have continued to revolutionize our appliances in keeping with our brand promise, ‘Immer Besser’—seeking new opportunities to be ‘forever better.’ We see our partnership with Howard’s as an extension of this commitment, sharing our luxury products with their Southern California audiences.”
Howard’s dedication to luxury appliance sales and the introduction of its first experience center at Marina Pacifica in Long Beach led to a 42% year-over-year revenue growth and a 57% increase in premium appliance sales over 2019. The retailer also saw a 46% growth in new customer business in January 2021. Howard’s will open a new experience center in West Hollywood in Fall 2021 and will remodel its Huntington Beach (summer 2021) and Irvine (winter 2021) locations for a total of four experience centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties, with more to come in 2022. The retailer also has large showrooms throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
