As the end of February approaches, the island city is still buzzing with the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. However, for major electric appliance retailers, the focus has shifted from holiday cheer to a new wave of promotions. This year, the air conditioning sales season has started earlier than usual, with merchants and manufacturers launching aggressive marketing campaigns ahead of schedule.
With March just around the corner, the timing couldn't be better for retailers looking to boost sales. Companies like Liqun, Suning, and Gome have already begun warming up the market, offering a variety of promotions on air conditioners—some of which are typically sold in the summer. From free installation services to one-year replacement guarantees and even luxury gifts worth thousands of yuan, the competition is heating up fast.
At a mall in Li Village, reporters observed that certain models came with a 2,999 yuan gift, while another store offered a deposit of just 50 yuan to unlock up to 2,000 yuan in discounts. “We’ve introduced free installation and a one-year replacement policy to ensure customer satisfaction,†said Mr. Qu, a representative from Suning Tesco. “This early promotion helps us start strong in 2018.â€
According to Mr. Yin from Taitung Liqun, the shift in timing is due to consumer demand. “In previous years, we usually started promotions in March, but this year, we’ve moved it up by nearly a month,†he explained. “Many customers prefer to buy air conditioners before summer to avoid the rush and installation delays.†He added that the success of last year’s sales also played a role. “Last April, we only managed to sell one brand of Gree. This year, all major brands are pushing promotions earlier to maintain growth.â€
The market is also seeing more diverse options. Unlike the bulky designs of the past, modern air conditioners now come in sleek, colorful, and smart-enabled models. Some even offer air purification, water replenishment, and beauty functions. Prices vary, with cabinet units ranging around 10,000 yuan and wall-mounted units around 4,000 yuan.
When asked about what consumers care about most, many shoppers emphasized energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and comfort. At a large supermarket on Yanji Road, a salesperson highlighted the quiet operation of their models, thanks to an advanced airflow system.
Locally, Haier and Hisense dominate the market, accounting for around 70% of sales, followed by Gree and other international brands. According to Mr. Yin, foreign brands like Gree and Midea have become increasingly active in Qingdao, launching more promotions to capture a larger share of the growing market. With such a competitive landscape, the air conditioning war shows no signs of slowing down.
Dongguan Zhonghe Electronics Co., Ltd. , https://www.zhonghesleeving.com