UK tablet market grew 267% in sales volume in 2012 versus 2011, driving the market for protective tablet accessories
Protective accessory sales have risen significantly over 2012, driven by the demand for tablet devices, according to new research.
Between April 2011 and April 2012 there were increases of 38% in volume and 29% in the value of the accessories market, according to GfK's 2012 study, 'UK Mobile Accessories Market in Volume and Value'. The main categories driving this growth were mobile headsets without Bluetooth, and charging.
GfK stated recently that the UK tablet market grew 267% in sales volume in 2012 versus 2011, which has helped drive the market for protective tablet accessories.
Media tablet cases saw significant growth in 2012, with both volume and value sales up 174% and 144% respectively. In fact, this product now represents 47.9% of the total laptop bag market value, up 25.8% from 2011.
December 2012 was the biggest sales month for mobile accessories since January 2011, GfK claimed, with the protection segment of the peripherals sector that includes both cases and screen protectors leading the charge.
Tablets are pushing notebook accessories out of the picture; notebook skins, although previously a growth product, are now experiencing a fall in volume and value sales, 23.8% and 28.7% respectively when comparing 2012 to 2011.
Robyn Tovey, GfK account manager, commented: 'It seems likely media tablet sales will continue to grow in 2013 as the availability of lower priced devices has made buying a tablet a more viable purchase for many consumers. Likewise, tablet cases could be expected to be the key selling product of the luggage market this year.'
