Grow Sales with Premium Headphones Just a few years ago, spending $300 on headphones was something only a handful of artists, music producers, and audiophiles would even consider. But that was before a hip-hop legend got involved. $100 Sweet Spot According to retail analyst firm NPD Group, U.S. sales of headphones that cost $100 or more increased 73% year-over-year in 2012, representing the fastest growing price point in the headphone market overall. Premium headphones now make up 43% of all headphone sales, and consumers who make the leap to high-end headphones don’t seem to regret the decision: those who own premium headphones have an average of 2.3 pairs, according to NPD. The Mobile Revolution is Driving the Market Industry analyst Ben Arnold, of NPD Group, says that the premium headphone market is being driven in large part by the rise of smartphones and tablets. As more consumers shift toward listening to music on mobile devices, high-end headphones — essentially mobile hi-fi speaker systems — are a logical hardware extension for most users. The Opportunity According to a recent study by Futuresource Consulting, the worldwide headphones market is expected to experience serious growth between now and 2016. This year, the market will reach US$6 billion in value, a 20% increase compared to 2011. Right now, in-ear headphones priced under US$25 account for 60% of total unit sales. Last year, over-ear headphones accounted for 16% of overall headphone sales. The Douglas Stewart Company has a complete solution for the headphone category, including several premium brands. Contact your Account Manager to find out how we can help you find the perfect product mix for your store. www.dstewart.com —2— 800.279.2795
Audio Product Guide
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