Accessory Sales Show Growth In 1999

Revenues from factory-to-dealer sales of consumer electronics accessory products grew sharply in the fourth quarter of 1999, leading to an overall strong year for the category, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).Most significant were sales of audio accessory products, which increased by 24 percent in the fourth quarter, leading to year-end revenues of $335 million. The audio category, once considered by many to be on the decline, underwent a tremendous resurgence in 1999, growing revenues to their highest level in four years. The strong year for audio accessories is yet another factor demonstrating consumers' recognition that audio truly is the soul of the system.Also impressive were sales of landline telephone accessories, which grew by more than 14 percent to revenues of $152 million. Rounding out the growth in the category were video and camcorder accessories, which grew by one and eight percent, respectively.Blank MediaSales of compact format videocassettes - VHS-C, digital video cassettes (DVC/D-VHS) and 8mm - were again up during the fourth quarter, with unit sales increasing by 19 percent over fourth quarter 1998, and revenues of $54.5 million. Those strong fourth quarter numbers propelled year-end sales totals to 71 million units, an 18 percent increase over 1998, and dollar volume to $184 million, a 14 percent increase.The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.Source: CEA