Consumer confidence worries grill manufacturers

Posted 15 / 09 / 2010

With consumer confidence still in the doldrums, grill manufacturers have every reason to be worried. High end grills, whether they be gas or electric, are classified as a luxury item, and one of the first to be hit, when consumer confidence in spending slows.

There is a small note of optimism however, a recent report by Bangko, has stated that consumer confidence has improved (South East Asia) in the last quarter. But, that it still stands at a negative rating. A similar rating has been evaluated in most developed nations, be they East or West.

Consumer sentiment has been improving in Australia as well, a bastion of barbecuing and outdoor grill sales. But, financial officials again noted against too much expectation, small rallies are occurring, but the general atmosphere could best be described as fragile.

The consumer landscape, globally, could best be described as uncertain. The US, like most countries reported that consumer confidence had increased during June to September, 2010. The rise in the Stock Market has been quoted as one reason why confidence has risen. But employment and sales growth is still slow.

Weber, a preeminent grilling manufacturer, has shown that while consumer confidence may be fragile, people's love of grilling, in the US at least, is as strong as ever. Close to eighty percent of Americans surveyed by Weber, will be using an outdoor grill as part of their Independence Day holiday in 2010.