Electronics are the fourth most popular gift for Father’s Day 2016 a new consumer survey shows, with the category edging up 2 percent in purchase intention over last year.
According to customer engagement consultancy Brand Keys, 18 percent of dad’s-day shoppers are buying the old man electronics, following gift cards (40 percent), clothing (35 percent) and tools (20 percent).
Related: Tablets Among Top 5 Father’s Day Faves
Nine percent of dads will be receiving smartphones, although that percentage slipped 3 percent from last year, when high-profile entries drove greater sales.
“But after all, how many phones – smart or otherwise … does Dad need?” asked Brank Keys founder/president Robert Passikoff.
Only 2 percent of respondents plan to buy DVDs or CDs for dad, which is flat from Father’s Day 2015.
The stats are based on a nationwide Brand Keys poll of 5,800 men and women ages 18-65.
The good news for fathers — and the economy — is that spending on them is up an average of 6 percent, to $157, which equals last month’s increase in Mother’s Day expenditures. Passikoff attributes the gains to steady economic conditions and consumer confidence.
“Retail can use it,” he said.
