Holiday Shopping For Consumer Electronics Is Perfect Way For Nation To Recover From Election Turmoil, Says CEA President

Sends MP3 Players As Congratulatory Gifts To President-Elect Bush And Vice President Gore

15-Dec-00

With the presidential election finally over, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) called on U.S. consumers to begin closing the partisan divide by joining together in a grand American tradition - shopping for consumer electronics as holiday gifts.""As both President-Elect Bush and Vice President Gore have said, it's time to come together as a nation and heal the divisions of the presidential campaign,"" said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. ""What better way to come together and reconcile our differences than to close ranks in the aisles of our nation's consumer electronics retailers and e-tailers to buy gifts for our loved ones this holiday season?""Nearly seven in ten adults, or approximately 69 million U.S. households, plan to visit an electronics retailer when shopping for gifts this holiday season, according to the results of the ""7th Annual Holiday Purchase Patterns"" survey released by CEA earlier this year. The survey found that digital electronics products, such as DVD players, digital cameras, CD recorders, wireless phones and mass storage devices are at the top of many wish lists this year.""The incredible variety of new consumer electronics product offerings in recent years has given shoppers more gift choices than ever,"" said Shapiro. ""Much of that growth has been fueled by the digital revolution, and it is apparent that consumers recognize the benefits of digital products. The added convenience, speed, portability and cost-efficiency of digital products has led to positions of priority on holiday shopping lists this season.""As we celebrate the peaceful transition of power, let us turn to the power of consumer electronics and celebrate the value that electronics products add to our daily lives,"" Shapiro added. ""From entertainment to communications and safety to productivity, consumers rely on electronics to enhance their ëworkstylesí and lifestyles.""In the spirit of reconciliation and the holiday season, Shapiro also announced that CEA is sending MP3 players, one of our industry's most sought-after holiday gifts, to the president-elect and the vice president.""While only one can emerge from this great national debate as President of the United States, both President-Elect Bush and Vice President Gore have displayed the true meaning of the holiday season with their gracious acceptance and concession remarks,"" noted Shapiro. ""In that spirit, we are sending them these gifts to thank them for their leadership.""Both men now likely need some solitary time for reflection and relaxation. We hope these gifts will help provide a few moments of peace as well as demonstrate for them the wonders of the consumer electronics industry,"" Shapiro stated.Shapiro concluded, ""So, let me echo the words of the vice president in saying to our fellow members of the world community, let no one see this contest as a sign of American weakness, see it as a renewed opportunity for America to go shopping.""Now is the time for all Americans to put aside the things that divide us and rally around the things that unite us - specifically, a love of consumer electronics! Happy Holidays to all!""