The Product Guy

Jun 29 2009 12:56PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
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By Nick Bajzek

I had a brief exchange last week with Deidra Darsa, HPBA media and public relations manager, about the latest trends in outdoor living. Here’s a snippet of our conversation:

TPG: What outdoor living trends have emerged since the downturn?

DD: I think the outdoor living trend has been a growing phenomenon for the last few years. I believe the recent downturn has caused people to re-think their lifestyle. Instead of looking to spend entertainment dollars away from home, they’re looking at investing in their homes and creating a backyard resort. With an enhanced outdoor living area they have increased their overall living area and created a fun way to entertain family and friends outdoors.

TPG: What are the ‘must-haves’ most customers simply won’t do without?

DD: The ‘must-haves’ in outdoor living are something to cook on (grill or smoker), someplace to sit, and a hearth product (fireplace or fire pit) to extend the season. Those are the basics and there are products in each of those categories for every budget. Grills these days come in all shapes and sizes and fuel options (gas, charcoal or pellet) – some grills are multi-fueled. Because of the latest technological features and huge variety of accessories, an outdoor chef can grill, barbecue, roast, or bake the same meals as they would normally prepare indoors outdoors.

TPG: What’s the ‘next big thing’ in outdoor living? 

DD: That’s hard to say. Looking at the products now it’s hard to imagine there’s more to come. Today, consumers can buy grills, fireplaces and fire pits, outdoor lighting, furniture, outdoor kitchens that include grills, storage, refrigerators, wine coolers, sinks and faucets, not to mention outdoor televisions and misters for cooling. My guess is that consumers will continue to add-on and enhance their outdoor areas as their budget allows.