4.7m flat panel TVs sold in SE Asia this year

Retail sales tracking by market research company GfK reveal that more TV sets were being sold in every single market across the South East Asia region in the month prior to the commencement of the World Cup.

The study shows nearly 957,000 units sold for the combined markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, Rapid TV News reports. 

Demand for TV in May this year surged significantly; by 15 per cent more than the average sales volume achieved in the non-peak months of February, March and April for all markets in the range of 4 to 31 per cent. Thailand showed the greatest spike, followed by 19 per cent in Vietnam, and 16 per cent in Singapore.

“It is interesting to highlight that this trend of higher demand for TVs in the month leading to World Cup was also observed four years ago,” said Gerard Tan, Account Director for Digital World in GfK. “GfK’s weekly retail audit for TV sales further showed apparent spikes in take-up volume in various June weeks for Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand to achieve the highest weekly sales since January.”

Sales penetration of 3D TVs have reached nearly 8 per cent in the region. In Singapore, over one in every four (26 per cent) sets of TV sold has 3D technology, while Thailand has the next highest share for local 3D TV sales at 12 per cent. All other markets are still hovering below the 10 percent level for the segment.