Leading television makers, including LG, Samsung and Videocon, are cashing in on football fever and expect as much as a 100 per cent jump in sales during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Most of the companies have kicked off promotional campaigns this month to boost TV sales, particularly in three states -- Goa, Kerala and West Bengal -- where football is extremely popular.
The firms said they expect a quantum jump in sales during June-July compared to the same period last year thanks to the World Cup, which began on Friday and will conclude on July 11.
"We expect a 100 per cent jump in the LCD/LED category and a 60-65 per cent jump in flat panel sales. The football fever would have positive impact in our sales," Videocon Group (Chief Marketing Officer - Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances Business) Jaideep Rathore told PTI.
The company, which recently started selling Philips brand televisions, besides its own, said it has tied up with several dealers and retailers across the country to boost sales during the FIFA World Cup.
Similarly, Korean firm Samsung is also looking to benefit from the World Cup fever.
"We are expecting a 25 per cent jump in sales in the flat TV and ultra-slim category during the World Cup. Our flat TV sales are doing very well. The trend is likely to continue," a Samsung spokesperson said.
Last month, Samsung witnessed a 100 per cent jump in TV sales, she said, adding, however, "It would be wrong to attribute the growth to the football World Cup only, but it will definitely trigger our sales."
Samsung had recently launched a 'Goal pe Goal' campaign, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Goa, Kerala and West Bengal, where it is giving away freebies and gifts for buying its products.
Rival LG said it has seen a surge in LCD sales, particularly in West Bengal, and expected an increase in other parts of the country as the World Cup progresses.
"We are seeing an increase in the LCD offtake, the consumer offtake is likely to gain momentum as we move closer to the Football World Cup in states like West Bengal.... We expect even greater growth pan-India," LG Electronics Business Head (Home Entertainment) Rohit Pandit said.
The company is currently promoting its TVs in West Bengal under the catchline, 'Roar Of Football'. In other parts of the country, it is offering home theatres and DVD players along with TV sets during the period.
