The association also says that interest in consumer electronics is at its highest in seven years and 76% of consumers plan on buying such goods as gifts this year compared to 71% last year. And 25% of those surveyed said they will spend more this year than last year, though 22% said they would spend less.
The news prompted Lehman to emphasize that Best Buy remains one of the firm's top picks. "We believe Best Buy's consistent outperformance relative to its peers underscores the company's continued market share gains within the sector," Lehman's report says.
Lehman was not as hopeful about Circuit City, though the firm did say that a partnership with Verizon as well as executive changes could help the retailer. High gasoline and heating costs could hurt RadioShack, as its customer demographics are lower than the two other chains.
According to the CEA survey, the top items on adults' wish lists are plasma screen televisions, followed by digital cameras and 27-inch or larger color televisions. New electronics offerings by Dell could also spur increased demand, the Lehman report says.
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