FRS Heads For Big-Time Selling Season

Staff On Nov 6 2000 - 8:00am

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. -FRS sales this year through August have reached a total of 1.9 million packs sold or 2.6 million individual radios, as the category heads for what is expected to be its biggest selling season ever this Christmas, according to Peter Orato, Telecom account manager for NPD Intelect, here.

In addition, price declines in FRS radios are beginning to level off, dropping from an average selling price of $61 in December 1999 to $58 in August 2000.

NPD expects average selling prices to remain relatively stable because of the many new step-up features just now being offered. "Extras such as weather alerts and FM radios are only at 1 percent of the market, but as they become more popular, it will drive the prices up and will counteract the price erosion in older radios," Orato said.

In addition, units with subcodes are gaining in popularity, with 36 percent of all FRS units sold in August offering subcodes. NPD also found that the percentage of FRS units sold in twin packs has been steadily increasing this year and now accounts for almost half the category (48 percent).

Among other facts on FRS from NPD:

• On average, twin packs are only 52 percent higher priced than single packs ($72 vs. $48).

• Nine out of 10 radios sold are 14-channel units.

• 98 percent of the Two-Way Radio category is made up of FRS.

• As of the latest period, more than two thirds of the radios sold have LCD displays.