This holiday season, one of the hottest gifts is also one of the largest: XXL TVs, boasting screens 97 inches or more. These super-sized televisions are flying off shelves as consumers seek major upgrades to their home entertainment, drawn in by falling prices and improved features. Once reserved for only the most dedicated home theater enthusiasts, XXL TVs are now becoming more affordable, turning them into a mainstream option for shoppers seeking an immersive viewing experience.
The trend towards larger TVs is revitalizing the television market, which has struggled with stagnant sales. Research firm Circana reports that these ultra-large screens have injected new excitement into the category, and electronics retailers are moving to capitalize on the demand. Best Buy, the nation’s largest electronics chain, recently announced plans to stock XXL TVs in 70% of its 940 U.S. locations. Other retailers, including Target, Costco, and Walmart, are following suit, rolling out their own collections of XXL TVs ahead of the holidays.
A significant factor behind this surge in interest is the recent drop in prices. Circana notes that prices for 98-inch TVs have plummeted by 53% in the past year alone, resulting in a remarkable 877% jump in sales. By comparison, TVs in the 75-96 inch range saw only a 6% price decrease, with sales increasing by 19%. This steep drop has opened the door for a broader audience to afford these massive screens, which now range in price from $1,699 to $2,999. Best Buy is sweetening the deal further by offering free delivery and installation, addressing the challenge of setting up such large devices.
The trend toward XXL TVs builds on the popularity of 65-inch screens, which were hot sellers at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many people upgrading their TVs during lockdowns to enhance their at-home experience, the pandemic spurred a major shift in consumer habits. Now, four years later, some of those early upgrades are due for replacement, and consumers are looking to make the jump to even larger sizes. Circana’s data suggests that five to six years is the typical upgrade cycle for TVs, indicating that XXL screens may continue to drive sales through 2025.
Features are also driving interest. Many XXL TVs now offer a multi-view function, which divides the display into four 48-inch sections, perfect for sports enthusiasts or multitaskers who want to watch several programs at once without switching channels. With more options and features available, XXL TVs offer a true cinematic experience for the home.
As more consumers look to enhance their entertainment setups, XXL TVs could be the big-ticket item that helps electronics retailers boost their sales. Despite inflationary pressures that have curbed spending on many luxury items, the appeal of bigger screens and cutting-edge technology is drawing in shoppers willing to invest in high-quality home entertainment. This trend may signal a new era for TVs, with ultra-large screens establishing themselves as the new standard for a captivating viewing experience.
