Black Friday Week Electronics Sales Dropped 8.4%

Sales of consumer electronics from brick-and-mortar retail stores during the week of Black Friday fell 8.4% from the same period last year, according to research firm NPD Group . For the November 23-November 29 period, consumer electronics revenue from U.S. retailers totaled $2.03 billion, down from $2.21 billion. The decrease this year compares to gains of 6.1% last year, 11.8% in 2006 and 15.4% in 2005. NPD says the downturn was not unexpected, given the shutdown of the Tweeter electronics chain , the Chapter 11 filing by Circuit City and “less exciting product selection.” Not to mention the ugliest recession in decades. NPD did says that notebook PC units were up 19%, with revenue up 8%. LCD TVs grew 18% in units and 9% in dollars. GPS, plasma TVs and digital picture frames saw gains in units, but declines in revenue due to lower pricing. (link)