Cricket World Cup boosts TV sales

PUNE: There has never been a better time for cricket fans to upgrade their television sets. With the ongoing World Cup, television sales across the city have registered an increase of 25% to as high as 75%. Not be left behind, electronics showrooms are offering freebies like 4K HD set top box and audio systems to boost their sales.
Sunil Nayyar, head of sales of an electronics brand said, "Our television sales in Pune went up by 70-75% and by almost 80% across the country during January-February this year, as compared to the same period, last year.Apart from the regular sales, we have rolled out a host of offers for customers who want to purchase our television." Buyers can look forward to gadgets such as Playstation 3&4, DVD player, the Smartwatch2, blu-ray player, headphone and a pen drive as free gifts.
Another electronics brand is giving buyers of its ultra high definition (HD) televisions, free audio products such as sound bars and a chance to take part in the buy-and-fly competition that gives an opportunity to watch the world cup matches live at the venues.
Anirudh Dhoot, director of an electronics company said that while the company has done good sales of its 4K ultra HD television launched last year, the company has recorded a 20% rise in television sales since the cricket tournament started. His company is giving a 4K set-top box free to customers.
"West is a key market for us that contributes 35% of the overall television set sales. To add to the excitement of the world cup season, we are also giving a four-year warranty to all who buy the LED TV", added CM Singh, chief operating officer.
Another brand is giving away free audio systems and an extended (1+2 years) warranty of two years with the purchase of an LED TV. The company is expecting 40% increase in sales from the western market.
Stores selling electronics and white goods in the city registered a 30% increase in the demand for television sets since February. "The demand for upgraded versions of televisions in Pune was in line with the all-India demand and we saw that flat panels, especially those above 40 inches, were hugely popular. Apart from the brand offers, we have introduced financial incentives," said Avijit Mitra, chief finance officer at a store.
Television sets are flying off the 'online' shelves as well. An Amazon India spokesperson said, "We have seen a 20% jump in sale from early February and the trend continues."
"We have received orders for TVs from all corners of the country including cities like Manglapuri, Guwahati, Solan/Nahan, Srinagar and Gamharia," he said.
Ankit Nagori, senior vice-president, marketplace at Flipkart, said, "This World Cup season, TV as a category has seen a significant increase in demand. In fact, we have witnessed a 20-30% increase compared to last month and expect this number to go up in the coming days."