• ISSN: 2301-3567 (Print), 2972-3981 (Online)
    • Abbreviated Title: J. Econ. Bus. Manag.
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    • DOI: 10.18178/JOEBM
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HOME > Archive > 2026 > Volume 14 Number 3 (2026) >
JOEBM 2026 Vol.14(3): 232-235
DOI: 10.18178/joebm.2026.14.3.946

The Value Game in a Polarizing Market: A Study on Pricing Strategies and Future Trends of Smart Refrigerators

Changing Li
Changing Li
Institute of Chips, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
Email: Changjing.Li23@student.xjtlu.edu.cn

Manuscript received June 2, 2026; accepted August 23, 2026; published September 9, 2026.

Abstract—This thesis investigates the strategic pricing choices of companies in China’s smart refrigerator market, characterized by increasing polarization between premium and budget segments. Drawing on theories such as differentiated pricing and perceived value, the research employs case study and literature analysis to examine the divergent strategies of brands like Haier and Xiaomi. The core findings indicate that successful brands in the premium segment reconstruct their value proposition through “hardware + scenarios + services” to justify higher prices. In contrast, budget brands compete on ecosystem integration and operational efficiency. The future pricing power will increasingly rely on a company’s capacity to delineate novel usage scenarios and develop ecosystems. This study provides theoretical and practical insights for home appliance companies navigating pricing decisions during intelligent transformation.
 
Keywords—smart refrigerator, pricing strategy, market polarization, value innovation, business model

Cite: Changing Li, "The Value Game in a Polarizing Market: A Study on Pricing Strategies and Future Trends of Smart Refrigerators," Journal of Economics, Business and Management, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 232-235, 2026.

Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).

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