Last week Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn was reported as saying that the Apple iPad was cannibalizing†the sales of traditional notebook computers by 50%. However, Dunn is now claiming that his statement, originally reported by the Wall Street Journal was mis-characterized.
Best Buy issued the following statement.
“The reports of the demise of these devices are grossly exaggerated,” Dunn said. “While they were fueled in part by a comment in the Wall Street Journal that was attributed to me, they are not an accurate depiction of what we’re currently seeing. In fact, we see some shifts in consumption patterns, with tablet sales being an incremental opportunity. And as we said during our recent earnings call, we believe computers will remain a very popular gift this holiday because of the very distinct and desirable benefits they offer consumers. That’s why we intend to carry a broad selection of computing products and accessories to address the demand we anticipate this season.”
Even if Best Buy is backing down from the claim of slowing notebook sales, other figures do support a shift in consumer habits towards more gadgets and tablets.