Washington – At least 4.5
million shoppers plan to take advantage of Super Bowl promotions to purchase a
new TV, a new survey suggests.
That’s up 25 percent from
the 3.6 million last year who said they would buy a TV before the big game, and
the 2.7 million who planned to buy one in 2009.
The poll, conducted by
BIGresearch for the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association (RAMA), indicates
that about 171 million people will tune in for Super Bowl, the most in the
survey’s history.
Of those, another 2
percent, or 3.4 million, said they planned to buy furniture or a new
entertainment center to help celebrate the Packers-Steelers showdown.
Retailers also “have
cause for celebration” thanks to consumer demand, said RAMA executive director Mike
Gatti. “Consumers hoping to wow their friends and family with a new HDTV should
act fast as this is one of the most popular times of the year to buy new
televisions.”
Yet dealers are still
facing a tepid sales environment following a lackluster holiday season.
To help stimulate
business and make way for new models in March, manufacturers are passing along
compelling price promotions and bundles. At Best Buy, those include an
exclusive sale on a range of Sony 55- and 60-inch LED TVs, including 3D and 240Hz
models.
“Our customers tell us that this is an ideal
time of year to upgrade or invest in new big-screen televisions, so we wanted
to give them a great excuse to come into Best Buy by offering deals on some of
the best and largest TVs we carry,” said home theater senior VP Mike Mohan.
Sale items include a
55-inch 240Hz 3D Bravia, model KDL-55HX800, for $1,799, representing a $1,401
savings.
Best Buy is also offering
deals on its 42- and 55-inch private-label Insignia LEDs, the former for $650,
a savings of $350, and the later for $1,000, a savings of $600. Both are
bundled with a free Internet-connectible Insignia Blu-ray Disc player.
Best Buy is also guaranteeing
free delivery in time for Super Bowl for any HDTV purchase of $999 or more made
by Feb. 2, 2011.
