Electronic Device Sales to Grow Despite Economy

Sales of consumer electronics devices are expected to grow by 6% to more than $95 billion in 2001, powered by a thirst for hot digital products such as DVD players and cameras, according to a recent study.

But the growth, while representing the industry’s 9th year in a row of better sales, is expected to slow from last year’s 10% bump, as consumers, faced with a slump in the economy, delay purchases of CD and MP3 players, televisions and camcorders, items that often cost hundreds of dollars.

The Consumer Electronics Assn., a trade group representing U.S. companies that produce audio, video and mobile electronics, projected 2001 sales at a record $95.6 billion, up from $90.1 billion in 2000 and $81.9 billion in 1999.

“The spectacular growth in sales of consumer electronics this year is due in large part to the wide variety of products made possible by digital technology,” said Gary Shapiro, chief executive of Arlington, Va.-based CEA.

The projected growth comes despite sluggishness in the global economy, which has taken the wind out of many companies’ sails.