NPD Group Launches Wearables Advisory Service

US-based consumer and retail tracking provider The NPD Group has launched a new wearables advisory service, led by Eddie Hold, Vice President of the firm's Connected Intelligence division.

The new service will offer consumer panel-based reporting, US point-of-sale data and analysis from NPD's industry experts, and qualitative reports. These reports will include a view of the device landscape, tracking of events as they occur, and commentary on consumer adoption and use of these devices and related applications. Research will be complemented by Canadian consumer-based reports, as well as global shipment data analysis from NPD DisplaySearch.

Hold (pictured) has worked for the company for nearly five years. He previously served as VP, Consumer Analysis and VP Wireless Services during an eleven year stint at market intelligence firm Current Analysis.

Another former Current Analysis exec, former Principal Analyst Wes Henderek, has joined NPD to cover wearable device ownership, usage and connectivity. Other members of the new team include Ben Arnold, Executive Director, Industry Analyst who covers US consumer wearables purchasing and retail; Paul Gray, Director of European Research for NPD DisplaySearch who will provide a global view of wearable shipments and forecasting; and Mark Haar, Director, Consumer Electronics who will focus on Canadian wearables sell-through and consumer trends.

Commenting on the launch, Hold said: 'Wearables are impacting so many markets - from fashion to sports to technology and more. Our vertical specializations, along with our team of analysts provide our customers with an understanding of what's going on in the market now, and what is going to shape the future of the wearables market.'

Web site: www.npd.com .