3 Key Findings to Keep an Eye on As Spring Arrives
Despite 2020 being a year of mostly indoor activities, the outdoor living market rose approximately 3.3%—to a staggering $30.2 billion—according to Freedonia.
People are focused on creating spaces in their backyards and on their patios that offer an escape from the confines of the indoors. Outdoor workspaces can offer a getaway or different type of office at home.
Spaced out, open areas can bring a sense of calm and purpose to otherwise cluttered spaces. And outdoor patio upgrades can offer indoor luxuries along with the benefits of fresh air.
Outdoor Workspaces
Taking the office outside means more than a different background for Zoom meetings.
According to Work Design Magazine, “One benefit of working in an outdoor space is improved employee concentration and focus. Modern offices can be an incredibly distracting environment – especially in open floor plan offices. … [A] Well-designed outdoor workspace can help to reduce the impact of office distractions and lead to improved performance.”
When it comes to setting up an outdoor workspace, your customers will need a variety of accessories. Items like power sources (or extension cables), Wi-Fi signal boosters, outdoor desks and—of course—a laptop, Notebook, or tablet to do work on are necessities.
Make sure that you have these items and more in-stock for when they come calling.
Open Outdoor Spaces
Wide open outdoor spaces don’t have to be empty or limited to seasonal use.
Now more than ever, people are finding ways to make sure they can use their outdoor spaces year-round. Whether it’s gardens, an outdoor kitchen, or a variety of other novelties, people are looking to spend more time in their little slice of the outdoors.
According to Veranda, “We anticipate greater investment in products that make our patios, balconies, and backyards more livable in extreme temperatures. We’re looking to the Scandinavians, who long ago mastered the art of year-round outdoor entertaining and know that heavy-duty blankets, outdoor fireplaces, and even novel amenities, like pizza ovens, will help entice us to entertain outdoors [during] winter—and beyond.”
Outdoor Patio Upgrades
Finally, outdoor patios can serve as a second living room for those who are willing to make that kind of investment. TVs, lighting, heating and cooling options, and other amenities are ideal for patio upgrades.
TVs
Outdoor TVs are often pricey, but for those looking for widescreen glory, there isn’t much of an alternative. Outdoor TVs often require mounts as well, along with some kind of soundbar or sound system to amplify their occasionally meager built-in speakers. TV covers are also an ideal alternative for those who don’t want to spend wildly on weatherized TVs.
Lighting
Making sure there’s ample lighting for the patio and yard is important for both security and comfort. Deck lights, solar lights, motion-activated lights, and more offer a variety of options for your customer’s, based on their needs.
Heating and Cooling
Patios can be comfortable year-round with the right heating and cooling options. Space and patio heaters can provide ample heating during the autumn and winter. And during the summer, ceiling fans keep air circulating to help stave off heat.
Outdoor Furniture
Durable outdoor furniture can last a long time and ensures that whether it’s a relaxing evening on the porch or a get-together, there’s enough comfort to be found. Your customer’s may be looking for patio chairs, umbrellas, outdoor tables, or even an entire outdoor kitchen setup.
Offering the Ideal Outdoor Living Space
Whether it’s a small upgrade or a complete overhaul, make sure you offer your customers the products and knowledge they need.
For more trending product information and advice, make sure to visit the Petra blog.