General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, appointed electronics industry veteran Tsutomo “Tom” Haga as its chief executive officer for the Americas.

Consumer electronics products topped the wish lists of adults and teens this past holiday season, according to research by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The 15th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study was unveiled at CEA’s Industry Forum, a four-day conference designed to inform and connect leaders in the consumer electronics (CE) industry.

According to the study, CE comprised four of the top 10 items on adults’ holiday gift wish lists, with computers coming in second behind peace and happiness. TVs, gaming systems and mobile phones also made the top 10. “Nearly 80 percent of adults expressed interest in receiving a consumer electronics product as a gift this holiday season, an increase of four points from last year,” reported CEA, and 84 percent of teens wanted to receive a CE device—an 8 percent increase from 2007.

“There remains a robust desire for consumer electronics, and this category continues to be the bright light during these dark economic times,” said Tim Herbert, CEA’s senior director, Market Research. “CE devices have become integrated into the everyday lives of consumers. No matter what your current economic situation, you can find a CE product to fit any holiday budget.”

The study also revealed the category products consumers were planning on giving as gifts. Video game systems were number 1, followed by digital cameras, portable MP3 players and DVD players.

Consumers said they planned on spending $1,437 on everything from gifts to food to decorations for the holidays, which was down nearly $200 from last year. The reason? Consumers cited cost of living increases and economic concerns. But they actually planned on spending more on CE products, according to the research, with 28 percent of the total holiday budget allocated for those purchases. This was a 6 percent increase from 2007.

CEA also noted that the study indicates “retailers should also make the most out of their advertising dollars. Half of consumers say coupons and circulars in the Sunday paper are useful, while 45 percent say television commercials are effective.”

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