Board game sales climbed 6% in 2008, reaching $794 million in sales in the U.S., according to NPD Group.  NPD Group previously reported that overall toy sales were down 3% for the year (see “U.S. Toy Sales Decline 3% in 2008”), making the 6% climb for board games more impressive by comparison. 

NPD's reported gain for board games is consistent with what we’re hearing from the hobby channel, where board games have been growing for the past several years.  Now that staying at home is even more in vogue, board games have a great chance to build on that momentum in 2009.