Lighter, more versatile single-burner stoves fuel early-summer camp-kitchen gains at retail.
Sales for multi-burner stoves and family camping cookware declined year-to-date (YTD) according to SSI Outdoor sales data*.
Overall, Camping and Backpacking Essentials sales had minor growth, up 1.5 percent YTD and just 1 percent during the most recent rolling 52-week period. But Family Camping Cookware headed the opposite direction, falling 11 percent YTD with Plates/Cups/Utensils, the largest subcategory, declining 39 percent. Travel Grill sales continued to slide with an 8-percent drop during the recent trailing 52-week period and plummeted 47 percent YTD. And Single Burner Stoves gained 29 percent, while Two-Burner and Three-Burner Stoves fell 13 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
During the week leading into Memorial Day weekend (May 22-28) Camping and Backpacking Essentials showed strong growth, up 28 percent, driven primarily from increased sales in Single Burner Stoves which surged 116 percent and Stove Systems gained 46 percent while Three-Burner Stoves declined 44 percent. Family Camping Cookware had meager gains at two percent while the more minimally inspired Backpack Cookware category grew 53 percent, which could be an indicator that outdoor enthusiasts are increasingly seeking to find backcountry experiences and/or are preferring to pack lighter even when car camping.
Product advancements in Single Burner Stoves and compact Stove Systems coupled with more appetizing options in the Food Products Category have made it easier for backpackers and car campers to enjoy a gourmet meal in minutes by simply boiling water. The Food Products category gained 28 percent during the week leading to Memorial Day with Entrees up 55 percent and Side Dishes/Desserts growing 34 percent. These gains are consistent with the overall growth trend highlighted below.
It would seem that outdoor enthusiasts are becoming less interested in bringing the indoors outdoors but instead are valuing versatility and pursuing products that provide a convenient and comfortable experience on multi-day backpacking trips as well as at a road-side campground. Fortunately, Single Burner Stoves, compact Stove Systems and delicious dehydrated food options are making the choice an easy one for consumers.
*SSI Data, powered by SportsOneSource, collects and analyzes POS data from more than 15,000 retail doors across nine channels of distribution. To learn more contact SSI Data | SportsOneSource at 303.997.7302 or email Solutions@SportsOneSource.com.
Photo courtesy Mountain House
