Computer monitor sales experienced 268% year-on-year (YoY) growth in March 2020, according to the latest GfK data, as consumers transitioned to working, studying and entertaining at home.

TV sales grew nearly 20% YoY while tablet sales were up by 27%. Headphones were also a popular category with sales increasing 29% as these devices help consumers with their work, education, and online social life.

In particular, the week commencing 23 March 2020 saw tablet sales increase 73% in unit terms and 48% in value terms, while TV sales were up 38% in unit terms and 25% in value terms.

Lenovo Australia and New Zealand consumer sales director, Chris Osborne said with the shift to remote working, technology is taking on a central role in enabling everyone to keep moving forward and ensuring continued collaboration and productivity.

“There has been more interest and a real willingness from both businesses and workers to adapt and adopt flexible arrangements,” he told Appliance Retailer.

“Teams need the right technology for remote work, and as people look to replicate their office set-up, we have seen an immediate uplift in sales of essential hardware that enable collaboration, productivity and comfort in working – starting with monitors, keyboards and mice.

“This has gradually transitioned to a lift in demand, likely driven by education needs, for primary computing devices such as notebooks and desktop PCs, as well as secondary devices including tablets and smart home/video-conferencing tools.”

HP Australia and New Zealand vice president and managing director, Michael Boyle said as businesses, schools and families are adjusting to the new normal of living, working and learning from home, the role that technology plays has never been more critical.

“Whether that’s having the right PC or laptop, or a printer to sign and scan documents, being equipped with the right tools to effectively and efficiently learn and work is imperative, and HP is proud to say we are front of mind for Australian consumers,” he told Appliance Retailer.

GfK will share additional sales information from other categories that have shown significant changes in March due to the COVID pandemic in Australia.

“These are just some of the latest sales trends we are seeing in Australia and at times like these we can also look at learnings from other countries like China. For example, a realistic timeframe to return to 80% demand is an 8 to 12-week period,” a GfK spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.