Nearly Two-Thirds of Smartphone Owners Report Interest in Item Trackers
According to NPD's Mobile Connectivity Report, when asked about interest in the latest generation of tracking devices, 63% of smartphone owners surveyed reported they were at least "somewhat" interested in purchasing a tracking device through their wireless service provider.
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., April 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In the first few months of 2021 two mobile industry leaders announced new products in the item tracking category to help consumers locate lost items from luggage to purses and pets. According to NPD's latest Mobile Connectivity Report, when asked about interest in the latest generation of tracking devices, 63% of smartphone owners surveyed reported they were at least "somewhat" interested in purchasing a tracking device through their wireless service provider. Looking at interest based on the smartphone OS used, 69% of Apple owners were at least "somewhat" interested, while 57% of Android owners reported being at least "somewhat" interested.
U.S. sales growth in this category last year (Jan.- Dec. 2020) was moderate, with sales up 2% in dollars and 7% in units. But with Americans beginning their return to work, travel, and social activities, in addition to new products hitting the market, NPD has reported stronger gains in Q1 2021. From January to March item tracker dollar sales were up 70% compared to the same period in 2020 and unit sales were up 67%.
"This week's AirTag announcement from Apple and recent SmartTag releases from Samsung, have the potential to drive new buyers to the category – especially as the need to keep track of important items while we get back to travel and other endeavors grows," said Jill Aldort, director, industry analyst for The NPD Group. "The appeal of items trackers also stands to benefit from new functionality like the ability to tap into the large network of iPhone and Samsung smartphone users."
Methodology
The results of The NPD Group Connected Intelligence Mobile Connectivity Report are based on consumer panel research that reached 5,100 U.S. cellphone users, aged 18+ from diverse regions and demographical backgrounds. This survey was completed in February 2021.
About The NPD Group, Inc.
NPD offers data, industry expertise, and prescriptive analytics to help our clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on us to help them measure, predict, and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and B2B. We have services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, home improvement, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys, and video games. For more information, visit npd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup.
Media Contact
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SOURCE The NPD Group
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