Digital SLR Camera’s are set to be big in 2008 with bottom end models set to be the most popular and while most models are purchased through stores, online purchases are growing says a leading research group.
According to research group GFK entry level models are the big growth area, but with new models being launched the market will grow across both the top end and bottom end of the SLR range.
In a recent report GFK say “While there remains genuine opportunity in DSLR for traditional outlets, overall, in terms of online shopping there is a year-on-year increase in camera sales online, which underpins the growth in home Internet users. This creates an environment that will challenge traditional retail channels. Though a challenge, it isn’t all gloom”.
GFK go on to say that the PC is clearly where most technology devices head and the impact of this on the photo market is marked, as much by the threat of PC users shopping online, but also for the opportunity that it presents; the extension of products in the mix and an opportunity to diversify product ranges”.
A big beneficary of this will be the likes of JB Hi Fi who recently aquired the Digital Home web site from 4Square Media.
The main thing for anyone competing for sales in the next year is a question of having a decisive offering. With a hybrid customer, who will mix shopping between Internet and in-store, each channel will need to effectively promote its USP in order to capitalise on the opportunities this year presents says GFK.
