It’s summer time and the living is easy… Or so the song says.
That is unless you are too hot! Then the summer can be rough – unless you have an air conditioner. But if you live in an older apartment or house, there may not be a central air conditioner, or there might be older window units that don’t work very well. What to do?
As one of the hottest years on record, it might be time for a new air conditioner. And we’re not talking about the ancient, ugly, square window units. Today’s window air conditioners are sleek and smooth, maybe even a little sexy. They are also more expensive (fashion costs more). Air conditioning units range from a few hundred dollars to $400-$500 each. They have remote controls and are WIFI-enabled.
The new units tout themselves as being more efficient and energy conscious. They sport simple displays and can be automated to cool your room down just before you get home. Many of the new units are easier to install than the old clunker units, as well as much quieter.
Ready for summer?
Group Activities and Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the importance of clearly defining a target market.
- View July’s website: https://july.ac/?variant=48805219926310
- View Midea’s website: https://www.midea.com/us/air-conditioners/window-air-conditioners
- View Windmill’s website: https://windmillair.com/
- Show Consumer Report’s review of window air conditioners: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-conditioners/best-window-air-conditioners-of-the-year-a1095244181/
- Wirecutter’s review: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-conditioner/
- Discuss the various promotional tactics that can be used for launching a product.
- Have students come up with tactics and list all the tactics on the white board (ex: billboards, print, direct mail, etc.).
- Divide students into groups to work on this exercise.
- Have each team select a different air conditioner units and develop three different tactics. For each tactic, explain why it was selected and how it will be used.
Source: Dunn, T. (17 May 2024). The Best Air Conditioner. New York Times-Wirecutter; Holtermann, C. (30 June 2024). The great air-conditioner glow up. New York Times.
