WeMo, the home automation ‘ecosystem’ has launched itself into the DIY channel with a deal that will see its range stocked in more than 160 Bunnings stores nationally.
Owned by Belkin International, the WeMo range will be rolled out in Bunnings’ from mid-July. The range will be backed by consumer education on the lifestyle benefits that can be delivered via smart devices. In an interview with Appliance Retailer yesterday, Belkin senior product manager EMEA Andrea Bruno said the company was pursuing the goal of “ bringing the ‘Internet of Things’ to reality for everyday Australians in an accessible, affordable way.”
Belkin national account manager, Amanda Jones (left) and Bunnings head category manager, Tracy Lefebure.
Bruno said that Australia was one of the countries experiencing strong home automation growth.
He explained that, while WeMo is already ranged through the electronics channel including Harvey Norman, JB HiFi and Dick Smith, the company is now leveraging the DIY trend to home automation.
DIY channel exploding
According to US based Strategy Analytics 2014 saw an explosion of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home devices in a wide range of categories, including hub-based systems, point solutions, DIY kits and self-install traditional home security. They predict that smart home systems and services could reach $39 billion by 2019.
WeMo is a line of modular Wi-Fi-based products that turn any smartphone or tablet into a remote control for household devices and allows users to access and govern their home from anywhere in the world through the WeMo mobile app. The WeMo ecosystem is compatible with any household network, and WeMo products work together seamlessly to create a scalable, customisable home control system, designed to provide added safety, convenience and peace of mind.
Globally, Belkin’s data reveals that home automation will be one of the first ways consumers will adopt smart devices and the ‘Internet of Things’ into their daily lives, forecasting a $51 billion market when combining the Home Automation, Networking and Energy Management categories in which WeMo operates.
“We believe that WeMo is the ‘on-ramp’ to the Internet of Things, and will play a key role in connecting consumers, delivering what might otherwise be a complex or daunting situation in a very approachable and cost-effective experience,” Belkin ANZ managing director, Stephanie Ogden said.
“A key element of de-mystifying technology is awareness and education, which is what makes our expansion into Bunnings particularly exciting. Their passion for home improvement and willingness to showcase and demonstrate the benefits of home automation makes them a great fit,” she continued.
The WeMo range being rolled out into Bunnings will include DIY products including the WeMo Switch, Switch+Motion and WeMo Light Bulb. Additional products requiring assistance from an electrician include the WeMo Light Switch and newly released Wemo Maker. Meanwhile, the future range of home sensors, energy and water management devices will also be rolled out in 2016.