The holiday shopping season is off to a strong start for the consumer electronics industry thanks to a variety of new tablet and television offerings. Individuals are shelling out in a big way when it comes to the hottest, portable electronics, according to Abt Electronics, one of the nation’s largest independent retailers and leading nationwide presence through its e-commerce site Abt.com. The retailer experienced an increased amount of foot-traffic in store and online during Black Friday with consumers looking for the latest tablets, high-definition televisions and the always practical digital cameras.

Consumers have a strong desire to get their hands on the newest technology and their spending habits will likely reflect this trend all season. “In a multitasking world, consumers are looking for the fastest and latest way to connect to the internet while on-the-go,” said Abt’s co-president Jon Abt. “It’s not surprising to see consumers’ holiday spending leaning towards technology, like tablets, that makes their lives simpler.”

Abt Electronics experienced a five percent increase in visitors to its store this year, which yielded a 22 percent increase in sales from Black Friday 2011. Among the best-selling in-store products were the Samsung 32” HDTVs and Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras.

Abt Electronics also reported a 50 percent increase in the retailer’s e-commerce sales on Black Friday. Their website traffic was up 40 percent and Abt.com customers spent 39 percent more than they did in 2011. The Google Nexus 7 32GB Tablet was one of the most popular electronics purchased online.

Recognized for their customer service, Abt Electronics also saw a 70 percent increase in the volume of online live-chats with trained sales and customer service associates from 2011. Customers can expect the same quality of assistance and expertise an in-store sales associate would provide.

According to the Abt Electronics experts, an increase in sales of portable gadgets and electronics are expected to continue through this Cyber Monday, making for a tech filled holiday gift-giving season.

About Abt Electronics

Abt Electronics, founded in 1936, is one of the largest independent, single-store appliance and electronics retailers in the country. The third-generation family run Abt Electronics provides unparalleled customer service with its team of 1,100 expert staff members at its Glenview, Ill.-based store, which boasts a 100,000 square-foot showroom on 37 acres. The company has been recognized by the Chicago Tribune as the “Top Large Workplace in Chicago” for two consecutive years (2012, 2011). Abt services customers nationwide through Abt.com, where customers can receive advice and customer support through the site's live chat feature, email and toll-free phone number. Abt has its own 12,000 square-foot recycling center and features an atrium where customers gain access to its boutique stores-within-a-store such as The Apple Boutique. For more information, visit Abt.com.