China’s Haier group has tried to build its US business with cute (“Ribbit” frog-shaped televisions for kids) and with cool (it currently offers a sleek $2,500 refrigerator with a “convertible bottom drawer” that can chill or freeze). But is it now time for something bolder?

A bid for General Electric’s appliance business, which looks increasingly likely, would certainly offer Haier a shortcut to both brand presence and distribution.