CEA Market Research reports that consumer electronics accessories shipment revenues grew by about 11 percent in 2005, totaling year-end revenues of about $8.3 billion. Consistent with trends pointing to overall consumer electronics industry growth, retail accessories sales reached more than $11 billion in total sales in 2005.

According to the NPD Group, retail sales for camera accessories in the U.S. grew 27 percent to $598.1 million, compared to $472.8 million in 2004. Accessories include bags and cases, tripods and monopods, accessory and starter kits, lenses, flashes and batteries.

In 2005, more than $5.9 billion was generated from the sales of digital and film cameras in the U.S., with DSLR revenue experiencing the most growth for the year, increasing 44 percent from 2004. This helped fuel accessory purchases despite the fact that 75 percent of all DSLRs sold last year came with kits that included lenses. Lens sales, both fixed focus and zoom saw revenue increase 43 percent to $235.1 million in 2005, making lenses the most lucrative accessory.

Owning and operating a DSLR goes far beyond just taking a picture. DSLRs are a bigger ticket item and need to be sold as such. Accessories are an important element, both for first-time buyers who need a camera bag and for consumers who already have a camera, digital or otherwise, but want to enhance their digital photography experience with advanced options like lenses, filters and flashes. Camera cases/bags also generated impressive revenues in 2005, increasing nearly 24 percent from the prior year to $128.1 million. Flashes generated $54.6 million in 2005, while battery sales generated $49.9 million and accessory/starter kits produced $33.1 million in sales.

The accessory market has been a good way for retailers to cash-in on the increased household penetration of digital cameras and the growth of DSLRs. By focusing on the needs of consumers, not just at the time of their camera purchase, but as their photography habits evolve; retailers can reap the benefits of aftermarket sales.