The virtual/augmented reality retail category in the U.S. had a very successful 2021 holiday period (Nov. 21 – Dec. 25, 2021), with sales up 180% and 153%, respectively, versus the prior year, according to new data from The NPD Group.
Based on NPD’s Weekly Retail Tracking Service data, sales growth of VR/AV products was slightly lower for full-year 2021, up 163% in unit sales and 137% in revenue compared with the previous year.
Ben Arnold
“This year’s holiday gains come as consumers continue to look for unique entertainment experiences and also likely benefited from challenges consumers faced in securing popular gaming consoles,” Ben Arnold, executive director and technology industry analyst for NPD, said in a statement.
Arnold believes that as new devices become available, and the consumer base has an opportunity to grow, he expects positive momentum in the year ahead — starting with 32% revenue growth in the first half of the year.
“The Metaverse, VR/AR, and smart glasses will be areas to watch in 2022,” he said.
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