EDITOR’S COMMENT Jack Cheeseman


31 May 2023 ertonline.co.uk


12


F


inally! It looks like Summer might be on its way! I think


we can all agree that it’s been a pretty dismal start to the year (although I am only referring to the weather!). But now it seems that everybody


is getting outside and enjoying those warmer, longer evenings; they’re dusting off their BBQs and patio sets ready for entertaining. So this is also a crucial time for retailers to flog more outdoor kit! It’s not always been a big sector for electrical or appliance retailers specifically, but it’s certainly a convenient sideways step to complement your usual instore offering with something different. Your customers may not expect to see BBQs, patio heaters or jet washers next to your washing machine displays, but it might just be the temping reminder they need to consider upgrading their old stuff just in time for Summer.


Certain outdoor product ranges are a great extension of most indoor options. There’s a growing trend at the moment of blending interior and exterior spaces, especially where properties have bi-fold patio doors which open out to create one large living area. Other homeowners take almost the entire outside,


kitchen


including the kitchen sink


(literally!), to create a completely self-sufficient cooking and dining space. At the higher end of the market, brands offer complete outdoor kitchens incorporating sinks, refrigerators, grills and burners and plenty of work surfaces. These sound a bit extravagant, but they are becoming hugely popular as an alternative to just a standard BBQ; and now more sizes and more configurations (at varying price points) mean their appeal is widening to more consumers. Thankfully, in this issue we’ve got our Outdoor Living feature – a round-up of some of the coolest kit for this season. Not just cooking or cleaning, but entertainment too! And there’s quite a growing collection of nifty gadgets to


appeal to most people’s style, requirements and budget. Rugged portable speakers are always a favourite, from designer Bluetooth ones to larger ‘party size’ ones – with flashing lights and input for microphones and instruments. That ought to get the party started! There’s more from Steve May on the subject, who also looks at some of the latest True Wireless headphones and earbuds – for those who still like to be outside but would prefer to drown out the sounds of nature with some banging tunes! Demonstrated in the right store environment, sales of any kind of outdoor product could fly this Summer. Get some background music going and some mood lighting – maybe even host an event and get the BBQ going! Encourage your customers to envisage what their garden could be like; tap into their senses and open their imagination, and they might be more inclined to open their wallets as well!


Email the editor at jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk What do you think ?


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