Mass retail nets 43% of DVD sales in '06

LAS VEGAS Mass retailers generated nearly half of all DVD sales in 2006, according to a report commissioned by the Entertainment Merchandiser’s Association released on July 16 at Home Media Expo 2007 in Las Vegas.

According to the 2007 Home Entertainment Industry Annual Report, mass retailers, led by Wal-Mart, accounted for 43% of DVD sales followed by consumer electronics chains with a 16% share and online retailers with 12.5% of the market.

Overall, DVD sales were essentially flat in 2006 with $16.45 billion in sales compared to $16.38 in 2005. The rental market dipped slightly to $8.45 billion from $8.54 billion in 2005. The Home Media Expo runs from July 16-18 at the Venetian Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas.