Almo Appliances

Second Round of Price Increases?? CONFIRMED

We have received one report that both Whirlpool and GE prices are going up another 5% - 10% June 2005.  As the story goes, the increase is being blamed on steel prices and will be announced April 1.  Is this true?  This would be on top of the 5 - 10% increases effective January 2005.  We are looking for some reader confirmations.
UPDATE:  March 28:  Nothing, nada, zip, nobody has confirmed this.
UPDATE:  March 29:  From one of our readers:
"GE has announced a selective 5% increase effective May 1.  The GE price increase was “leaked” at the AVB/Brand Source convention in Dallas..... to see how Whirlpool will react.  Electrolux (Frigidaire) is waiting to see if Whirlpool follows GE to announce their own price increase...."
UPDATE:  March 30:  Electrolux Letter sent to Dealers

March 30, 2005
Dear Valued EHP Customers,

As you know, raw material costs have continued to escalate. At EHP, we have accelerated already aggressive cost-out initiatives and are making good progress. Unfortunately, the rate and breadth of the material increases have greatly exceeded our productivity gains. As such, we will be raising wholesale prices on most EHP appliance products approximately 5-10%, effective May 31, 2005. Specific product category and model increases and the accompanying price sheets will be provided to you shortly.
We appreciate your business and your continued support.
Sincerely Jay Penney, VP Sales, Electrolux Home Products

UPDATE:  April 5:  A reader has emailed that:
- Maytag has notified customers it will increase prices for both quoted projects and the regular price sheet 2% for colors, and 3% for stainless, effective July 1
- Whirlpool has indicated that it will go up but not when or how much
- GE is promising an as yet unspecified increase for both quoted projects and the regular price sheet effective July 1.