IndiaRetailBiz

Almost twice as many American shoppers, surveyed by America’s Research Group, during the first weekend of December, at Wal-Mart indicated preference for sports goods this Christmas than in the previous year (11.3% vs. 5.7%). Similar was the case for electronic goods as 32% shoppers preferred them over 20% last year.

The trend this year stems from the concern that the customers have for lead painted China made toys, millions of which have already been returned to their place of origin.

This, according to a Forbes.com report, augurs well for retailers like Wal-Mart, who would gain in sales as average price of electronic and sports items is much higher than toys. Increase in sale of baseball bats and video games would be at the expense of sale of toys and shirt sleeves, sales of which are falling.

Consumers would like to be cautious and err on the safe side as reports of lead tainted toys are still emerging. This would adversely impact business of retailers like Toys for U, which specialise in sale of toys.

Britt Beemer, president of America’s Research Group, which tracks consumer behaviour said, “The growth in electronic purchases is a bonus for Wal-Mart as they generate high-average tickets.”