Port Washington, NY – Global information company, The NPD Group, today announced that it has expanded its Retail Tracking Service to provide a view of virtual and augmented reality headset sales. The new service is the first to provide retailers and manufacturers with sales data in this emerging category and will include data dating back 12 months.
“In such a young category it can be extremely challenging for manufacturers and retailers to gather the information needed to make the most informed business decisions,” said Ian Hamilton, President, Technology Sector, The NPD Group. “However, we can now deliver the information they are looking for to better understand the size and traits of the U.S. VR/AR market, allowing them the opportunity to make strategic choices to grow their business.”
U.S. dollar sales of VR/AR devices have been on the rise since July, and have increased 300 percent in the six months ending October 2016 versus the six months prior (November 2015 – April 2016)*. With pervasive holiday season promotions, there are many questions regarding what the holiday will mean for VR/AR device sales. This new data will provide clients with a look at brand and item sales at a time that is significant for the category.
“Given the growing interest in VR/AR technology and the wide range of products available to meet consumer needs, we anticipate 2016 holiday sales have the potential to double 2015 holiday sales,” said Ben Arnold, executive director, industry analyst for The NPD Group. “Whether intended for use with a mobile phone, gaming console or PC, there are a wide range of VR/AR devices available at a number of price points, and the data we are able to provide will help clients better understand what products are most appealing to consumers.”
*Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service
About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group provides market information and business solutions that drive better decision-making and better results. The world’s leading brands rely on us to help them get the right products in the right places for the right people. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, consumer electronics, diamonds, e-commerce, entertainment, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, technology, toys, video games, and watches / jewelry. For more information, visit npd.com and npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup and @npdtech.
