Turning It Up: 2010 Headphone Trend Report

mike lewis

• July 15 2009
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• 4 comments

Headphones are rapidly becoming one of the hottest selling accessory categories out there and their footprint is rivaling retailers’ sunglass and watch cases for register ringing real estate. Not only are sales of headphones for action sports retailers growing, but so are their options of brands to pick from. As part of our summer/accessory product preview extravaganza, Transworld Business dropped in on six industry headphone makers, including some established players and a batch of new faces, to find out what we can expect from their 2010 lines.

For a  sneak peak of the upcoming styles, view our 2010 Headphone Preview.

Aerial7- Seth Egorin, President

In 2010 you’ll see more headphones and more designs of each one, as well as ear buds. The line will quadruple in size next year. We just launched our first line up this spring and it’s been selling like crazy.  We’ll be more than tripling our offering by the holidays, with more to come next year.

We’re using new materials you haven’t seen before on headphones, and incorporating new technologies to provide the best sound on the market.

Nixon

Since we’re new to the category we’re still seeing strong orders and an increase of interest in our program.  If we continue to introduce new product at good price points, we’re confident this will continue. We’re predicting solid growth with the addition of some new models and some improvements to our current line.

Roxy/JBL- Pam Levine, Roxy, Swim & Accessories Sales Manager

In 2010 you can expect to see CE products targeted at women blending high fashion design with cutting edge technology.

For the Roxy/JBL headphone line, style meets sound with a product line that perfectly blends Roxy’s signature style with JBL’s legendary sound. Additionally, these headphones were made specifically for females: The ear piece is smaller in shape and lined with soft velvet rather than leather so as for more comfort and not to pull on hair. The head strap was designed as an accessory akin to a headband rather than for pure function.

Marty Carrigan

SIEGE Audio- Marty Carrigan, Global Sales Guy

For 2010 we anticipate sophisticated looks with an emphasis on materials, finishes, and muted colors. The trend will be innovation, technology, premium materials, features, benefits and a compelling consumer experience.

We plan to Seek, Hear, and Engage.

Seek – Next level materials, finishes and an enhanced customer experience.

Hear – Technology and enhanced sound quality.

Engage – Products with increased usability, functionality, and durability for the active life.

For 2010 we will solidify our skate, surf and moto teams.

What you won’t see: extras, tassles, bubble gum colorways, skateboards, jeans, and non-audio related product – just good product that bridges the gap between music and the creative life.

Rick Alden

Skullcandy- Rick Alden, President & CEO

Check out the new dB collection: we feel that these are at the threshold of design and sound. Our in house advance concept design team are currently in lab crafting models that will change the game. We are also doing some major collaborations. [Our greatest successes this year have been] having core shops believe in the category and launching our core only line of headphones.

Greger Hagelin

WeSC- Greger Hagelin, CEO

WeSC headphones sales continue to grow tremendously. We’re extremely proud of what WeSC has to offer retailers season after season and the category consistently presents new opportunities for growth and creative development of the entire WeSC brand. We project more growth, more creativity and our best season yet.

WeSC offers both seasonal and non-seasonal color ways. This means carry over models and color ways with no pre-books, as well as new, innovative models, styles and collaborations, tailored for each season.