IBM forecasts strong and early holiday for consumer electronics and appliances sales

Armonk, N.Y. Holiday sales of consumer electronics and appliances in U.S. retail stores are expected to get an early start this year, with consumers spending a larger-than-usual share in November, according to an analytics-based forecast produced by IBM.

Sales of consumer electronics and appliances are predicted to total $10.164 billion this November, representing a 4% increase over November 2009, according to the forecast. The November 2010 forecast breaks down as follows: $8.688 billion for consumer electronics and $1.476 billion for appliances.

In December, sales of consumer electronics and appliances are predicted to total $13.800 billion, up 4% over December 2009, according to the forecast. The December 2010 forecast breaks down as follows: $12.197 billion for consumer electronics and $1.603 billion for appliances.

This year, the sales momentum going from October into November is expected to be much stronger than in previous years, while the momentum from November to December is forecast to be weaker than in the past.

"The forecast indicates that retailers should be ready for a robust Black Friday and Cyber Monday," said Global Business Services partner and IBM retail analytics leader Michael Haydock. "Retailers that staff up and stock up for November and invest in advertising are likely to have a substantial advantage in the marketplace."