Sizzling out? As peak barbecue season begins, fewer Americans are buying grills
Why are fewer Americans purchasing grills as of 2023?
Fewer Americans are purchasing grills as of 2023 due to several factors, including high meat prices, increased interest rates, economic uncertainty, and no immediate need to upgrade their fairly recent purchases26. Market leaders such as Traeger and Weber have experienced a decline in sales and unit shares since the pandemic-driven buying surge in 2020.
How did the pandemic affect grill sales according to market leaders?
The pandemic led to a surge in grill sales, with market leaders like Traeger experiencing high demand. Traeger's grill sales reached $156.1 million in Q2 2021, but have since declined to $76.8 million in the latest quarter. Best-selling grill brand Weber has also seen unit shares decline since 2020.
What factors are contributing to the decline in grill purchases?
The decline in grill purchases is attributed to several factors, including inflated meat prices, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty5. Consumers are grappling with the consequences of historically high food prices, particularly for meat, and the impact of higher interest rates5. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions also contribute to the hesitance in making significant purchases like grills.