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New Zealand's athletes were not the only ones to benefit from the 2008 Olympics Games.
Paymark electronic transaction figures show a 13 per cent increase in total appliance sales in the fortnight before the Games.
The general manager of merchandise at Noel Leeming Group, Jason Bell, said the retailer had seen an increase in flat-panel television sales.
"We see this as a direct result of the launch and availability of high-definition content on Freeview and Sky.
"In addition, Television New Zealand's Olympic coverage and our successful Noel Leeming sponsorship of the New Zealand Olympic team have also paid handsome dividends."
Freeview general manager Steve Browning said the Olympics had had a direct impact on Freeview uptake.
"The feedback we've received from retailers suggests that TVNZ's broadcasting of the Games on Freeview prompted a real spike in sales, particularly with consumers who were after the two channels of Olympics coverage and the enhanced viewing experience of high-definition pictures and surround sound on Freeview HD."
- NZPA
