True Value: Backyard vacations spur spending

In the greater lawn-and-garden category, there is a long tradition of emphasizing "staycations" during tough economic times. This year is not an exception, said Mike Clark, True Value's senior VP and chief merchandising officer, in an interview with Home Channel News.

One reason True Value is expecting a stronger spring season in 2009 than 2008 is the uncooperative weather experienced last year. Another is the trend toward staying closer to home.

"We had a difficult second quarter last year because we didn't have much of a spring," said Clark. "And what we did have came late. We're anticipating a much stronger spring season than we got last year."

One product that came as a surprise for the 2009 consumer has been solar landscaping lighting, which he described as being up 50% over last year. He described this category as a "do-it-yourselfer's dream." "You just take this light and stick it in the ground -- there's nothing to it."

Clark explained that lawn and garden in normal years is a core strength for True Value members. "We're pretty optimistic about what's going to happen in lawn and garden," he said.