TV sales spike as Malaysians gear up for World Cup

PETALING JAYA: With only weeks to the Fifa World Cup Finals in Qatar, football fans have been taking advantage of promotional sales and discounts, leading to an increase in TV sales.

Harvey Norman, the Australian-based international retailer that has become a household name in Malaysia, said its TV sales have seen a boost.

“We have seen a 15% increase in the sales of TVs over the past month ever since we started doing World Cup promotions.

“The results are very encouraging, and we expect sales to go up further throughout the World Cup season,” said Regn Yap, its marketing communications manager.

Senheng Electric, a leading electrical appliances chain, said it saw an increase of about 6% to 8% in TV sales after launching its campaign for the World Cup, which comes around once every four years.

“This year, our World Cup promotions have been exceptionally well received. We sold a good number of the latest premium TV models,” said its marketing division head Chong Linly.

Both Harvey Norman and Senheng reported that the hottest-selling television models are those with 4K resolution and ultra-high definition (UHD).

Football fan Kevin Mark, 53, who recently bought a 4K UHD TV, is just waiting for the kick-off.

“A quality television is crucial for better viewing and a more immersive experience. I can’t wait to catch the games on my new TV with my friends,” said the IT professional.

For financial adviser Muhammad Muzammir, however, getting a new TV was all about comfort.

“You feel the excitement if you have a television that allows you to feel comfortable while watching the games,” said the 33-year-old.

Harvey Norman’s Yap said the company also has promotional sales on a variety of World Cup “necessities” that include bar fridges and recliners.

“We are particularly pushing the OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV because the contrast between its dark and vivid colours makes the picture incredibly detailed, thus enhancing the whole viewing experience,” she added.

Senheng has also launched a full-fledged campaign called “Up Your Game” to promote high-end television sets.

“There are over 80 TV models on offer with this campaign that comes with savings,” said Chong, adding that the company also offers trade-in programmes.

In addition to televisions, the retailers said sales of soundbars have also increased lately.

She added that even though mobile devices have become a large part of people’s lives, they can’t beat watching a football game on TV.

The first World Cup in the Middle East runs from Nov 20 to Dec 18.