Super-sized televisions are flying off the shelves.
This holiday season, one of the hottest gifts is too big to fit under the tree, up the chimney, or even in some living rooms.
Televisions measuring 97 inches or more diagonally so-called XXL recently became super popular as prices for the gigantic screens have fallen. And many owners are ready to sell off new televisions they bought at the peak of the pandemic.
Jumbo-sized screens are one of the few bright spots in an otherwise scrawny television market, according to Circana, the media research firm formerly called NPD Group. Best Buy will carry the XXL TVs in 70% of its 940 stores in the United States for customers clamoring for them.
Whereas the price for the 98-inch kinds used to go last year, it has plunged a whopping 53% owing to changed manufacturing costs, great advances in technology, and value chains. This is a huge leap, which has seen sales increase by an astonishing 877%. Meanwhile, prices for 75-96-inch TVs have fallen a more modest 6%, with sales up a more modest 19% this year.
Although ultra-large TVs are still an investment-from $1,699 to $2,999-Best Buy is promoting free delivery and installation with each sale.
The growing interest in XXL TVs might be just what Best Buy needs to provide new momentum for the retailer as consumers tighten budgets amid inflation. "We know customers invest when they see compelling new technology," said Best Buy CEO Corie Barry in a statement.
Blake Hampton, Best Buy's senior vice president of merchandising, said interest among shoppers for XXL TVs is increasing, particularly as technology improves and more options become available across a range of price points.
Similar XXL TVs pop up in holiday sales at retailers including Target, Costco, and Walmart.
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