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| Tony Ramos - Publisher |
Even with the slowdown in new-home construction and an overall downturn in the residential real-estate market (and in spite of an unseasonably warm first couple of months of 2007 and spring's late arrival in most parts of North America), 2007 was a good year for the patio, hearth, barbecue/grill and outdoor-living industry. A true sign that an industry is maturing and growing is that it can weather storms and overcome obstacles that are bound to occur, continuing to expand and thrive. Outdoor living is one such industry.
The hearth industry experienced a slowdown relative to the declining housing market, yet all indications are that the 2008 season will be strong as oil prices continue to rise, as inventories shrink at the retailer and dealer levels and as new product introductions bring consumers into the showrooms. Gas and electric fireplaces are poised for continued growth, with outdoor fireplaces becoming even more popular. New and contemporary designs for fireplaces are fueling growth by attracting upper-income consumers, while fireplace designs for nontraditional areas of the home are also seeing an upsurge. Stoves, with their varied fuel resources, continue to play an important role in home heating, while the designs and colors of stove offerings have enhanced the appeal of this mainstay heating source in any home. Many homeowners use a combination of fireplaces and stoves as their main form of heating during the cold winter months.
In the arena of casual and outdoor furniture, new collections are the lifeblood of the industry, and 2007 witnessed a wide assortment of new product introductions. Colorful fabrics and unique textures were the name of the game for the outdoor-furniture industry in 2007, as myriad new color combinations, designs and textures were introduced to the market. Deep seating continues to dominate the field, with comfort designed for the gathering place as a central theme being promoted by specialty stores and retailers. Cushions are starting to play an even more important role with outdoor collections, as retailers and designers use cushions with colorful fabrics to accentuate the outdoor-living area. A number of manufacturers introduced smaller collections for vertical living areas, with products specifically designed for high-rise units and condos where space is limited. Bar-height eating areas are also becoming very popular, as more and more consumers aim to have their outdoor-living spaces have a look and feel that is different from indoors, while still offering family and friends the opportunity to eat, relax and gather around outdoor furniture and firepits.
Just as kitchen islands have become the central eating areas in many homes, outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands have quickly become the nucleus of outdoor-living spaces. With the proliferation of top-of-the-line barbecue grills and smokers, and with outdoor eating becoming the recreation of choice for many families, homeowners are starting to build their outdoor-living spaces around outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands. Many outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands offer refrigerators, sinks, multiple storage areas and high seating to accommodate a number of people. The outdoor chef is no longer relegated to the side of the backyard, grilling away while the rest of his or her family and friends enjoy each other's company in a different part of the backyard. Outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands offer owners a complete cooking experience while they and their guests enjoy each other's company before, during and after lunch or dinner.
As we move into 2008, the weather and the state of the housing market will always be the great unknowns. What is known is that outdoor living continues to grow and expand in all parts of the United States and Canada, while fireplaces and stoves, including outdoor fireplaces and firepits, continue to find a place in multiple sections of the home. The patio, hearth, barbecue/grill and outdoor-living industry is a vibrant industry to be part of, whether as a specialty store, retailer, dealer, manufacturer, distributor or manufacturer's representative.
Tony Ramos
Publisher
tramos@peninsula-media.com
PHPR November/December 2007 |
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