The insight: Consumers will spend a record $537 billion on devices, gadgets, and apps in 2025, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)—that is, if President Donald Trump’s tariffs don’t get in the way.
Our forecast is similarly bullish: We expect computers and consumer electronics to be the fastest-growing retail sales category in 2025, with 5.7% growth YoY to $402.92 billion.
Behind the numbers: Spending will be dictated by two major trends: the need for consumers to replace electronics purchased during the pandemic and growing interest in AI-powered features.