Outdoor Entertaining Trend Still Going Strong
Despite the sluggish economy, most consumers are engaging in some form of outdoor entertaining, with an average frequency of about four times per year. While monitoring their spending, many have found it acceptable to invest a portion of their savings in select household items, and that includes outdoor entertaining. According to a recent report, “Outdoor Entertaining Trends 2008: Consumers Bring the Indoors Out,” from The NPD Group, Inc., a market research company based in Port Washington, N.Y., roughly 45 percent of outdoor entertainers purchased some type of related product in the past 12 months.
In addition, more than 40 percent of outdoor entertainers tell NPD they plan to purchase/add an item to their property in the next 12 months. Firepits/outdoor fireplaces, outdoor lighting, and water fountain/décor were among the top products outdoor entertainers said they plan to purchase within the next year.
Higher-Income Consumers Driven by Style
Twenty-six percent of affluent entertainers, those earning $75,000 and over, were significantly more likely to say they use items meant for outdoor use only, compared to those earning under $35,000 (17 percent) or between $35,000 and $74,900 (20 percent). Higher-income consumers also tend to pay closer attention to style when purchasing outdoor entertaining items, such as outdoor furniture, water fountains/décor and fire pits/outdoor fireplaces, as well as items from the electronics categories, like speakers.
Room for Improvement
Overall, retailers have done a good job marketing outdoor entertaining items, though consumers noted some areas for improvement. According to the report, consumers consistently ranked store personnel as a factor that matters little when they shop for outdoor entertaining products.
“Retailers may want to take a closer look at how they utilize their store associates, considering the value a knowledgeable staff can add. Initiating programs aimed at growing category expertise and customer service skills may appeal to some in the industry,” said Mark Delaney, director of The NPD Group’s Home division.
Furthermore, consumers in the highest income bracket of $75,000 and over were more likely to rate retailers’ efforts as only being “good,” compared to those in the lower-income breaks. “Some retailers may find it worthwhile to explore this segment more deeply to uncover what they can do to capture a great percentage of these disposable dollars,” said Delaney.
“Manufacturers and retailers who deliver the best assortment, at key price points, along with an educated sales force and outstanding customer service, will continue to have the greater advantage and successfully draw consumers into their stores,” ended Delaney.
In addition, more than 40 percent of outdoor entertainers tell NPD they plan to purchase/add an item to their property in the next 12 months. Firepits/outdoor fireplaces, outdoor lighting, and water fountain/décor were among the top products outdoor entertainers said they plan to purchase within the next year.
Higher-Income Consumers Driven by Style
Twenty-six percent of affluent entertainers, those earning $75,000 and over, were significantly more likely to say they use items meant for outdoor use only, compared to those earning under $35,000 (17 percent) or between $35,000 and $74,900 (20 percent). Higher-income consumers also tend to pay closer attention to style when purchasing outdoor entertaining items, such as outdoor furniture, water fountains/décor and fire pits/outdoor fireplaces, as well as items from the electronics categories, like speakers.
Room for Improvement
Overall, retailers have done a good job marketing outdoor entertaining items, though consumers noted some areas for improvement. According to the report, consumers consistently ranked store personnel as a factor that matters little when they shop for outdoor entertaining products.
“Retailers may want to take a closer look at how they utilize their store associates, considering the value a knowledgeable staff can add. Initiating programs aimed at growing category expertise and customer service skills may appeal to some in the industry,” said Mark Delaney, director of The NPD Group’s Home division.
Furthermore, consumers in the highest income bracket of $75,000 and over were more likely to rate retailers’ efforts as only being “good,” compared to those in the lower-income breaks. “Some retailers may find it worthwhile to explore this segment more deeply to uncover what they can do to capture a great percentage of these disposable dollars,” said Delaney.
“Manufacturers and retailers who deliver the best assortment, at key price points, along with an educated sales force and outstanding customer service, will continue to have the greater advantage and successfully draw consumers into their stores,” ended Delaney.