Thank you for the article. Fascinating read, despite the blood pressure spike it gave me. Wow! To see a turd hyped up like that is just nauseating. Just wow. And they even shamelessly advertised it on national television LOL! There are claims that don't make much sense- my understanding is that GE laundry was selling more than Maytag with Maytag being a rather poor example to compete against in a number of ways. And of course down right lies- such as performance, being quiet and dependability. But to think GE could compete with luxury market is for me is laughable yet was shockingly accurate in reality to a sad extent. It goes to show you how many upscale buyers, even today are swayed by size and features vs durability and longevity and GE exploited that to the fullest. GE not only coned landlords but also upscale buyers. Love the reference to Disney too- the power of keeping people in a pesdo dream like state.
<blockquote>
A favorite activity here was listening to the dryer door going "thunk" like the one in a luxury car. According to Larry Johnston, GE Appliances' vice president of sales and distribution: "The secret weapon, and I think the hidden story here, is the dryer. When the dealers slammed the door it was all over."
One of the retailers who responded favorably to the presentation was Dennis D'Angelo, the white-goods buyer for Tops Appliance City. "They made sort of a quantum leap with their laundary," he commented. "There are a lot of salient consumer features.
</blockquote>
These quotes are also revealing. It shows how people shop and judge on superficiality vs the state of actual product or lack there of.
Very revealing article, an unfiltered look inside GE's mind. I can't thank you enough Jerome.