Home Depot Adds Appliances To Online Sales

Would you like a microwave oven to go with that power drill? The Home Depot USA Inc. has expanded its online sales efforts by adding home appliances to the long list of goods customers can buy through the home-improvement retailer's Web site.

Home Depot began selling appliances in its stores in September 2001, and now ranks third in market share in U.S. home-appliance sales. But until now, consumers couldn't purchase appliances through the company's Web site.

The 1,800 appliances Home Depot began selling from its site earlier this week include washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, and trash compactors. Prices will be the same offered in stores and will not vary by region, according to the company.

After an order is placed online, a Home Depot employee will call the customer to arrange for delivery and required parts, work out local sales taxes, and offer extended warranty services. The products will be delivered by third-party shipping companies from Home Depot distribution centers.

According to Home Depot, it also recently enhanced its Web site with new search capabilities and a gift registry.