Holiday tablet sales may elude traditional retailers, WSJ says

Tablet computers are expected to be among the best-selling items during the 2011 holiday season, but according to a Wall Street Journal report, major electronics retailers may not see the same lines waiting outside their doors as in years past.

Consumers are increasingly exploring different avenues for their electronics purchases. Many shoppers, for example, will choose to purchase their tablet computers directly from the manufacturer. Others are opting to buy from carriers, which often offer the devices for a cheaper price but with a wireless data service contract.

"Some of these tablets are essentially house brands for other retailers," says chief economist for the Consumer Electronics Association Shawn DuBravac, according to the Journal. "It makes for a very tough environment for traditional electronics retailers."

Research firm Gartner estimates tablet shipments will reach 63.6 million in 2011. A large portion of these sales are expected to come during the holiday season. However, it appears traditional retailers will have to adjust their strategies to attract potential tablet buyers to their brick-and-mortar outlets.