And the (outdoor) living is easy
As winter approaches, manufacturers are on the move bringing lawn, garden and outdoor living products to their distributors in time for spring. The outdoor category continues to be one that performs, even in inclement economies. In a recession, customers still want new and innovative or functional products to enhance their outdoor experience. Here’s a list of products—with their corresponding sales pitches and MSRPs—that look to do just that.
The Product: Toland Solar Art Glass Bell
The Pitch: During the day, it’s a stylish landscape accessory, according to Port Townsend, Wash.-based Toland. At night the solar-charged LED softly illuminates lawns, flowerbeds, potted plants, gardens and walkways. The unit features a sturdy, tri-pronged stake, stylish art glass and a weather-resistant brown finish.
The Price: $22
The Product: Outdoor Interiors 7-piece Eucalyptus Hardwood Fold & Store Table Set
The Pitch: Rolling Meadows, Ill.- based Outdoor Interiors’ Fold & Store table set ships fully assembled in one carton and includes wheels for quick storage along with seat cushions and table cover. This set is billed as the ultimate in convertibility and storage solutions. The optional granite inlay version provides the ultimate luxury for the set that does and has everything.
The Price: $799
The Product: GutterStuff
The Pitch: GutterStuff fits completely inside any 5-in. K style gutter, the most common style and size on the market, according to its makers. The Milwaukee-based company’s product comes in 4-ft. sections made from polyether outdoor durable foam. This lightweight insert won’t crumble, dent, bend or cave in. As an added benefit, it also prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the gutter. The foam’s main structure includes UV stabilizer, a germicide and a fire retardant.
The Price: $11.99
The Product: Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Infrared Grill
The Pitch: While other grills heat the air, which dries the food as it cooks, Char-Broil infrared grills heat the food directly, locking in natural juices and flavors. That’s the pitch from Columbus, Ga.-based Char-Broil, which introduced the Electric Patio Bistro, CSA-Listed for multi-unit dwellings. The small, lightweight, outdoor cooking unit meets International Fire Codes and plugs into any standard 120-volt electric outlet. This grill packs big grill features into a sleek, apartment-friendly design. The exclusive and patented Infrared Cooking system sears in flavor, according to the company.
The Price: $179
The Product: Centurion Folding Spade
The Pitch: Atlanta-based Centurion’s folding spade is part of the company’s space-saving and hard-working shovels that are strong and stain-resistant. This little powerhouse folds down to just over 9 inches by 6 inches. It might not be the biggest spade in the shed, but when extended this workhorse can dig like a pro, the company said. It is strong enough to get through rocky soil, and the serrated blade helps cut through roots and speed up the task at hand.
The Price: $19.99
The Product: Bayou Classic Cypress Grill
The Pitch: Borrowing techniques from the ancient masters of grilling, the Bayou Classic Cypress Grill is the latest innovation from Brandon, Miss.-based Bayou Classic. The Cypress uses the ancient art of Kamado grilling—domed, earthenware style. Not only has Bayou Classic made the Cypress Grill affordable and accessible for most budgets, it has a low-heat exterior surface and a spring-loaded lid lift. Several Cypress Grill accessories are also available. The Bayou Classic Cypress Grill is weather-resistant and built to last.
The Price: $699
The Product: BirdBrain Delmar Firepots
The Pitch: BirdBrain’s Fire Pot Gel Burners are a unique twist to traditional Vietnamese lacquer-ware. The Ypsilanti, Mich.-based company’s Delmar collection features eggshell and mother of pearl. The functional and attractive firepots can be used both indoors and out. Bird Brain’s proprietary heat-release technology prevents damage to the finish, while the open flame adds a beautiful design to any tabletop or landscape.
The Price: $85.00
The Product: Weber Fireplace
The Pitch: Palatine, Ill.-based Weber’s new outdoor fireplace features a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, a heavy-gauge steel construction and a no-rust aluminum heat shield. The product features two wooden handles and four steel support legs. The fireplace has a 29.5-in. diameter base, and is 32 inches high, 31 inches wide and 28 inches deep.
The Price: $149
The Product: North Cape International’s Malibu Collection
The Pitch: Bedford Park, Ill.-based NCI’s Malibu collection is highlighted by a modular sectional that can be configured to fit any area. The outdoor furniture features UV protected durable Java Flat Weave resin on an aluminum frame. The Malibu collection has many dining and conversational pieces to offer an array of solutions to add tranquil ambiance to an indoor/outdoor room.
The Price: $300-$2,500
The Product: Grill Pad’s Gas Grill Splatter Mat
The Pitch: Duluth, Ga.-based Grill Pad’s Gas Grill Splatter Mat is a 30-in. by 48-in. flexible pad, composed of two non-woven fiber materials separated by a patented barrier media that protects surfaces from grease and sauce drippings. Grunge associated with everyday grilling can be cleaned from The Gas Grill Splatter Mat. What’s more, if necessary, it can be turned over to extend its life span.
The Price: $17.99
The Product: Teton Grill Co. Master Grilling Apron
The Pitch: Teton Grill Co. of Shakopee, Minn., wants your customers to BBQ in style. Load up this high-end Grilling Apron with all the accessories needed to cook up a char-grilled dinner. Seasoning and grill utensils can be kept in two oversized front pockets. A genuine leather Teton Grill Co. patch doubles as a towel loop to dab your brow or clean up a saucy mess. Extra-heavy-duty 16-ounce duck canvas is built to withstand heat and keep chefs as close to the grill as possible without becoming an entree. The rest: fully adjustable neck and side straps, solid brass fittings with reinforced clasps and pockets, and extra width and length for the man with meat on his bones.
The Price: $29.99