NEW YORK: The newest status symbol on the streets of Manhattan is a high-tech portable fan that’s been hard to get hold of.
Dyson Ltd said it has been unable to keep its US$100 HushJet Mini Cool portable fan in stock since it debuted in April, citing high temperatures, especially in cities where people frequently travel on foot.
“When Dyson restocks the fan on partner sites such as Amazon and Best Buy, it’s typically gone within hours.”
“The consumer reception has been incredible and exceeded Dyson’s expectations,” said a company spokesperson.
“The demand is clearly there, especially as temperatures rise, and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum with expanded colour offerings and inventory replenishment in the coming weeks.”
Dyson is the latest company to offer a luxury take on the humble battery-operated fan, going head-to-head with more pedestrian options that typically cost US$10 to US$30 on Amazon and at big-box retailers.
In March, SharkNinja Inc released the US$150 ChillPill Personal Fan and Cooling System, which can be worn around the neck, attached or held, and features a mister.
The pitch, whether from Dyson or Shark, is that a well-built, more powerful fan is worth the lofty asking price.
In the case of Dyson, which was founded in the United Kingdom and has since moved its global headquarters to Singapore, pushing air is what the company is best known for.
The brand has made its name offering high-end products such as vacuums, hair dryers and air purifiers. Indeed, the HushJet Mini’s design borrows cues from Dyson’s signature bladeless look.
It’s compact, easy to use and delivers strong airflow with several speed settings, including a maximalist 88 kilometres per hour mode. But there are tradeoffs.
Despite the included neck strap, the airflow doesn’t reach your face when it’s hanging, so you’ll still want to hold it.
It’s also heavier than you might expect, which can get tiring if you’re carrying it around all day or wearing it around your neck. — Bloomberg
