Sales for digital cameras and accessories in the U.S. are trouncing sales expectations this holiday season and are poised to hit a record for 2006 as a result of lower prices and a move by consumers to purchase a second, or even third camera for the holidays, Reuters reports.
According to market research firm NPD Group, shipments of digital cameras rose 24 percent through the end of last month, compared to a 22 percent growth during the same time last year. While many analysts forecasted that 2006 would see a slowing demand for digital cameras (some even heralding up to a 20 percent decrease as fewer consumers looked to replace film cameras), the influx of second and third-time buyers has helped to propel the market.
More than 30 million digital cameras will likely be sold this year, NPD says, which is double number in 2003.
Comments