Cd-rom Christmas
The Age
Tuesday December 12, 1995
CHRISTMAS 1995 is shaping up as an Eldorado for computer retailers and software makers, what with the rush for multimedia computers, the release of Windows 95 and a splurge of new software titles.
Although there will undoubtedly be bargains on store shelves this year, retailers will not have to kick-start Christmas sales.
The broad acceptance pf personal computers into the home in the past 12 months will mean that PC systems, CD-ROMs, printers and hardware add-ons will just about sell themselves as consumers embark on a digital Christmas.
IDC Australia's Bruce McCabe said consumer interest in computing was building in recent weeks due to the release of Windows 95, the need to upgrade to the new operating system, the drop in price of Pentium PCs, and growing interest in the Internet.
Expected high growth in the home PC market will ensure that this is the biggest spending Christmas yet by consumers, said McCabe.
But the real interest this year will be in CD-ROM titles.
The affordability of CDs makes them ideal Christmas gift ideas, and the diversity of subject matter provides Christmas shoppers with plenty of choice.
Although giant retailer Harvey Norman's computer-related sales have slowed in the second half of the year, the company, like most software retail houses, is gearing itself for an end-of-year bonanza. According to Tony Gattari, national computer co-ordinator for Harvey Norman, the chain expects to channel $31 million in computer-related sales through its Australia- wide outlets in December. Of that, $7 million is expected to be from sale of software on CD-ROM.
Many new titles such as updates to the Microsoft Home series have been strategically released to cash in on Christmas.
Quality CD-ROM multimedia encyclopaedia titles such as Encarta, Eyewitness series, Compton's and Grollier's will be popular gift choices this year as Christmas shoppers seek value-for- money items for their stockings. At less than $100, these CDs contain a wealth of text, sound and video images, and have a strong educational value.
© 1995 The Age