Troubled economy? Not for these gadgets

Despite uneasy feelings on Wall Stre5et, electronic gadgets are predicted to gain in sales by 3.5 percent over last year’s Q4. While overall spending is set to decline on holiday shopping, gadgets are somewhat immune. According the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), specific gadgets will still do extremely well this holiday season.

Smartphones

Any product that increases connectivity with friends and loved ones will be spent on more heavily according to the CEA report. Consumers will forgo other luxury spending to get smartphones that can handle e-mail, texting, phoning and even Internet browsing. Consumers can justify the expense easier as the phone becomes integral to daily life.

Big TVs

Another big holiday segment is TVs. And this year, the impulse to buy a flat panel TV is stronger than ever thanks to steadily falling prices for bigger and bigger screens. Couple that with added attention from the analog conversion and Netflix streaming content over just about every device imaginable and you’ve got an in-your-face assault that is tough to avoid.

Sensible gadgets

Gadgets like Leap Frog for kids and other gadgets that can be seen as educational are expect to have a strong season as well. Even gadgets that blur the line on being beneficial for kids and adults alike, such as the Wii Fit will continue to push the segment upward in sales.

Summary

“These are no longer just luxury items or products that are fun to own. They really are used in a variety of ways to enhance communications, increase productivity, or for education,” Tim Herbert, senior director of market research for the CEA said. “Also, from a gift-giving standpoint, there is still a tremendous ‘wow’ factor with electronics.”

Even with gadget spending expected to grow, the industry sees bigger deals this year to lure customers in. Stores like Circuit City and others are on the financial ropes, hoping to make it through the season and we can expect bigger splashes to attract holiday shoppers. That is going to mean great deals on the gadgets we want. And of course, Gadgetell will be pointing out the great deals of the season, including our Black Friday special coverage, so check back often.

Read: [Reuters]