'First HD World Cup' sees UK TV Sales Double

++ HD helps drive value sales in June prior to kick-off ++

Sales of Flat-screen TVs in value terms almost doubled (+96%) in week 22* in the UK compared to the same week in 2009. Whilst this was tempered slightly by the fact that this period included the second May Bank Holiday which was not the case last year, the excellent performance continued in week 23** with sales rising 77% (year-on-year) in the week which saw the World Cup begin. With the exception of the first week of January, these two weeks have exhibited the highest sales for the TV sector so far in 2010. Both weeks 22 and 23 enjoyed volume growth of 75% and 58% respectively.

As an undoubted 'big-screen event', consumers have been opting for larger screen sizes in their droves in order to maximise their World Cup viewing experience. The 37"+ segment represented a share of over one third in terms of volume in weeks 22 and 23, a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2009. Plasma TV was also a significant winner, almost trebling in each of the weeks concerned. Manufacturers have endeavoured to capitalize on the popularity of 'super-sizing' with a variety of offers and incentives on the marketplace as many consumers opt to replace their existing sets with a much larger screen.

"Obviously, in World Cup years the TV market has been considerably boosted, but the added bonus of HD technologies and software entering the arena has seen sales improve dramatically," commented GfK's CE Director Nigel Catlow. "In the past the World Cup has bought sales forward from July and August, so it remains to be seen if these take a dip after the tournament ends."

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* Week 22: May 30th - June 5th  
**Week 23: June 6th - June 12th