CEA predicts 7% jump in holiday CE sales

ARLINGTON, Va. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is forecasting a 7% increase in holiday sales of consumer electronics with laptop computers and video games leading the way.

The CEA projects $48.1 billion in consumer electronics sales for the 2007 holiday season. “Consumer electronics will be the shining star of holiday retail sales, accounting for 22% of all gifts given,” said CEA economist Shawn DuBravac.

A CEA survey shows the top 5 wish list items for CE gifts this year include laptop computers, video game systems, digital cameras, MP3 players and big screen TVS. The 7% jump in sales forecast for this year would be less than half the 15% increase from 2006.