|
In 1927, Kenmore first appeared on a Sears
laundry appliance, an agitator
type, wringer washing machine. By 1936, Sears had already sold 1
million Kenmore laundry items. Its popularity hasn’t
slipped. Today, nearly one in every three American homes
contains a Kenmore appliance. You can see why, when you look at
Kenmore’s history. The Kenmore brand boasts a long list of
firsts in automatic appliances, energy efficiency, and stylish,
modern designs.
The
first appearance of the Kenmore brand washing machine almost
escaped notice. The
Kenmore washing machine did not show up in the venerable Sears
catalog that year, and no known photograph of the 1927 washing
machine with a Kenmore brand on it exists. The origin of the name Kenmore is equally vague.
One suggestion is that Kenmore came from Kenmore Avenue,
a prominent street in Chicago.
With
nearly 99 percent of urban homes wired for electricity by the
end of the 1920s, Sears recognized the huge untapped market in
household appliances. To
reach this market Sears offered a wide assortment of Kenmore
appliances.
After
the Second World War, Sears helped revolutionize home décor
with the introduction of the Kenmore Harmony House line of
appliances. Kenmore
Harmony House appliances featured the latest designs and
technology for washing machines, dryers, and ranges. These appliances came in bright colors including Sunshine
Yellow, Malibu Coral, Aquamarine, and the standard white finish.
Over
the decades new Kenmore products reflected consumer demand.
Kenmore dishwashers, garbage disposals, and trash compactors
joined ranges, washing machines and dryers. Kenmore added countertop appliances to the product mix.
The Kenmore product line included everything from
sunlamps, and electric baby bottle sterilizers, to vacuum
cleaners, and electric blankets. Sears also sold a Kenmore 3-piece barber set and hair
clippers, and a Lady Kenmore electric shaver. In 1977 Sears put the Kenmore brand name on
refrigerators.
Kenmore
Chronology
View a detailed chronology
of the Kenmore brand.
Kenmore today
Read some basic facts
about Kenmore today or visit Kenmore.com or
on Sears.com for more information and to purchase
products.
|
