The rise in prices, the shipping crisis and the shortage of basic components are the most prominent challenges for the continued growth

25% increase in sales of computers and accessories during “Corona”

• The increase included, in particular, thin and light portable devices.

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Sales outlets and electronics manufacturers reported that there was an increase of 25% in sales of computers and their accessories during the “Corona” pandemic, explaining that the increase included in particular thin, light and portable convertible devices, while gaming devices recorded the highest growth, and business And distance learning has prompted many consumers to purchase the necessary accessories for every computer in the home.

They told «Emirates Today», that the pandemic has prompted companies to think about new specifications for devices, noting that the most prominent challenges to the continuation of growth are currently the rise in the prices of devices by rates exceeding 10%, as a result of the great demand, as well as the shortage in the production of basic components for those devices, In addition to the sea freight crisis and the rise in air freight prices, in addition to the repeated waves of the pandemic forcing some factories to reduce their working hours or the number of their workers.

new reality

In detail, Jumana Karam, Head of Acer's Products and Marketing Unit in the Middle East, said that the "Corona" pandemic has created a new reality in human life that depends entirely on technology from laptops, desktops and screens, as well as electronic communication devices to access the Internet and various applications. During the pandemic, it has become fashionable to have a separate computer for everyone at home.

Karam added that as a result, sales of computers and their accessories witnessed significant growth throughout the past year, noting that, according to documented market reports, the retail sector witnessed a growth in computer sales in terms of number and value by 8% for each of them between 2019 and 2020.

growth

Karam explained that the local market has witnessed, since the beginning of this year, a growth in computer sales in terms of number by 6%, while it has increased by 15% in terms of value, compared to the same period last year, for certain types of computers, namely, thin and light laptops and computers. Convertible portable devices, pointing out that this is due to the ease of use of these devices to perform work, learn and entertain everyone alike, from young people to adults, and from the government sector to the private sector in all its fields.

And she pointed out that the category of gaming computers recorded the highest growth by 24% in terms of number, and 37% in terms of sales value compared to 2020, due to the desire for entertainment following social distancing, quarantine and safety measures.

screens

Karam indicated that there is an increase in sales of screens, especially those dedicated to games, and that remote work and distance learning have prompted many to buy the necessary accessories for each computer at home, noting that the sales of companies during the pandemic came from all sectors, but the most prominent came from the side. Individuals, as everyone was forced to acquire a device to learn or work due to social distancing, quarantine and safety measures, after most companies, schools and institutions allowed their employees and students to use what was available to the individual.

Challenges

Karam revealed the most prominent challenges facing the industry during the coming period, which are the rise in the price of devices after the pandemic due to the heavy demand and the shortage in the production of the basic components in the devices, as well as the sea freight crisis and the high prices of air freight, in addition to the repeated waves of the pandemic forcing some factories to Reducing her working hours or the number of her workers.

a plus

For his part, an official in one of the electronics manufacturers, M.A., said that there is an increase of between 15 and 20% in computer sales as a result of working and studying remotely during the pandemic, while the prices of some devices have increased by approximately 10% as a result of the pandemic. Due to high demand, shipping cost and difficult working conditions under the pandemic.

Patterns change

In turn, the Deputy Director of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society for Operations, Abdullah Eid, agreed that there is an increase in computer sales by between 20 and 25% during the pandemic, indicating that the increase is affected by the change in work and study patterns, after the shift has been largely to remote work and study. .

Eid explained that the increase in sales included different types of devices, especially portable and used for electronic games, pointing out that the demand for purchase was mainly from individuals, as well as some government agencies and social associations.

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In the same context, Philippe Pigeon, Director of Carrefour Emirates at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: “Last year we witnessed a sudden increase in sales of laptops, electronic devices and accessories in general, which we attribute to the heavy reliance on technology during the period of the spread of the virus ( Corona), whether through distance education or remote work.

Bijeon added that there was also a demand to buy accessories related to devices, as consumers also sought to own accessories that suit the intense and sudden use of technology at the same time, such as headphones and printers.

innovation

In addition, the sales official in one of the sales outlets in Abu Dhabi, Muhammad Al-Assaad, said that the “Corona” period witnessed a growth in sales of computers and their accessories by a rate ranging from 5% to more than 20%, depending on the brand and “model”, as a direct result of work and study on Dimension in the context of relying on modern technological means that have become indispensable in light of the pandemic.

He added that the pandemic prompted companies to innovate in specifications in line with what matters most to consumers at this stage, which is the health aspects, such as providing computers with screens or anti-bacterial and anti-bacterial covers, and others.

Al-Assaad indicated that the most important challenges facing consumers today are the increase in the prices of devices by more than 10% due to the repercussions of the pandemic and the accompanying lack of production of some components, in addition to the difficulties in shipping and its high prices.

New specifications

Joumana Karam, head of Acer's products and marketing unit in the Middle East, said that the "Corona" pandemic prompted the company to think about new specifications for the devices, as many laptops were provided, for example, with options that include covers or touch screens covered with a layer. Antibacterial, the company also announced important trends such as sustainability and renewable energy, with the launch of its first sustainability-focused laptop.

• Gaming devices recorded the highest growth.

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