Desktop monitor demand may soften in 2021 but the signs are more positive for LFDs 


Desktop monitor demand may soften in 2021 but the signs are more positive for LFDs 

Desktop monitor demand may soften in 2021 but the signs are more positive for LFDs 

Desktop monitor demand may soften in 2021 but the signs are more positive for LFDs 


Desktop monitor sales in the business and consumer space witnessed unprecedented IT channel growth in 2020 thanks to the unique drivers of the pandemic. That's going to mean next year will show a relative decline. However, a return to office-based work and continued consumer demand for gaming may both buoy the market, depending on the scale of any economic downturn.

There's perhaps more growth potential in a large-format display (LFD) market badly hit by the crisis, but one which could be increasingly important as businesses slowly adapt to a new post-pandemic world.

The story on the desktop

Comprehensive industry data collected by CONTEXT suggests that desktop monitor sales experienced a significant boost during the first lockdown. Individuals bought monitors for their home offices and study environments, whilst those stuck at home also invested in new screens for gaming and leisure. By contrast, 2021 will find it difficult to match this kind of demand.

On the one hand, the popularity of home gaming may continue its pre-pandemic trend, encouraging more purchases of high-end screens-especially if more lockdowns force workers and students to stay home. If prices are pushed down by increased competition in this space between vendors, then that could also spur demand. For businesses, there may also be fresh demand for new, ergonomic, all-in-one devices in new socially distanced offices.

However, these factors are predicated on the fact that workers will be allowed back into offices, and that a coming downturn doesn't significantly affect corporate and consumer spending.

LFDs on the up again? 

In the LFD space, sales growth hit double figures in 2019 only to fall back by double digits in 2020 thanks to lockdowns, and the closure of stores, events and public spaces. As a result, 2021 looks brighter: as a new normal becomes clearer, postponed projects will be restarted and large digital signage could have a crucial new role in displaying social distancing and public health messages. An increasingly mobile workforce will increase demand for interactive LFDs designed for collaboration hubs in corporate environments. Similar installations may be required for digital or hybrid schooling solutions to keep staff and students safe.

There are also opportunities for the direct-view LEDs used to build video walls in outdoor and large venues. No-one knows exactly when big screen sport will back, but with vaccine trials reporting positive results there's reason for optimism. 

By DK


Recent posts


Demand for mobility set to to drive PC sales in 2021

Consumer Printer Sales Growth to Soften in 2021 as Business Demand Continues to Lag