Consumer technology purchases in stores across the U.S. fell for the first time during the week of Thanksgiving, which includes the top shopping day Black Friday, NPD Group.
No blowout sales hurt business
Sales were off 8 percent compared with last year as discounting appeared to be less widespread – with the exception of Black Friday’s TV deals.
Nevertheless, there were some bright spots. Sales of LCD televisions larger than 30 inches were up 18 percent in units and notebooks unit growth climbed almost 19 percent. Sales of GPS equipment, plasma TVs and digital picture frames were up, but aggressive price declines saw revenue dip.
“There were no blowout sales to attract consumers,” said Stephen Baker, an NPD vice president. “Deals mimicked a typical weekend sale.”
