Electric razors in half of all households
The size of the electric razor business is detailed in this Wall Street Journal story (subscription required):
Electric razors are proving increasingly popular: About half of all households own one, up from about 40% in 2000, according to the International Housewares Association. Travel models in particular have been a big part of the $200 million-a-year shaver business, with manufacturers from Braun to Panasonic saying sales of these take-along models are up as much as 10% over last year.
Why the buzz about travel shavers? Credit new security and baggage rules, with airlines recently limiting carry-on bags to one per passenger. And while safety razors are allowed in carry-ons, old-fashioned razor blades are still contraband. As part of the renewed interest in these mini-models, travel purveyor Magellan's recently began selling them for the first time in years.