10 reasons to promote barbecue for the holidays
Grills used year round
-- Casual Living, 10/3/2005 7:06:00 AM
Retailers who want their Christmas stockings stuffed with profits this year should plan now to take advantage of the gift-giving season.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, more than half of all grill owners use their grill year-round. And because more than 80% of U.S. families own a grill, it makes sense to capitalize on these numbers in what used to be considered the off-season.
HPBA offers the following 10 reasons retailers should keep barbecue essentials on the floor during the holiday shopping season:
1. 74 million households barbecue, so a grill-related gift is welcome by virtually anyone. The wide array of grills and accessories present perfect choices for every shopper's budget
2. Most charcoal grills cost less than $100, making them an affordable gift.
3. Six in 10 electric grills cost less than $100.
4. Long-handled utensils -- tongs, forks, spatula and cleaning brush -- are considered essentials for most consumers. Displaying a variety of sets at different price points in Christmas stockings reminds customers they make great gifts.
5. Smoke cooking has become quite popular, yet fewer than 12% of grill owners have a smoker ... this makes it a nice present.
6. Electric grills make a smart gift for someone living in an apartment or condo, where a charcoal or gas grill is not allowed.
7. Those who own electric grills identified long-handled tongs as No. 1 on their list of essential utensils. Display them together and the tongs could be an easy add-on sale
8. Because hickory- and mesquite- flavored barbecue sauces ranked as the most popular, include them in gift baskets with a variety of dry rubs and marinades. Add utensils and a BBQ cookbook to create a high-end gift basket. Cherry, apple, pecan, wine or whiskey wood chips or pellets provide more flavor choices.
Attractive, pre-wrapped gift baskets create add-on sales with a higher perceived value.
9. Portable grills are great gifts for tailgaters and campers. The grills are easy to pack and go, and are a relatively inexpensive gift.
10. Consider related items, too. An impressive 70% of grill owners take food prep outside one or two times a week throughout the year -- yes, even in cold climates. Position chimineas and fire pits as the perfect way for your customers to extend their outdoor season.
It's not the time to be the barbecue Grinch -- it's the time to be a Santa’s helper.
We would love your feedback!
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