Open Register

Grill talk!

Of all the product lines we'll discuss this year, few thrill my friend and our Publisher, Patrice Kuhl, more than this week's topic. Indeed, she has been singing the praises of grills for the better part of five years. At last, the industry finally discovered what Patrice has suspected all along: Your customers love the outdoor kitchen.

That noted, let's now note some places that can help you take advantage of this budding romance. For some great background on grills and grilling there are few Web sites better than bbqabout.com. Here, site meister Derrick Riches waxes enthusiastic and knowlegeable about all things grill. Another excellent resource that will help you be a better resource is ConsumerSearch.com, which rates grills and helps you know what works and what doesn't. If you're already selling grills and accessories, I would recommend checking out the clever grill covers from Two Dogs Designs, which give personality to the patio cooking area.

Quality diggers and more - Garden tools

In the ongoing battle between independent retailers and mass merchandisers, the "indies" seem to have conceded certain product lines. On the surface, garden tools would appear to fall in this category. However, a number of independent garden centers are finding success with specialty or high-end garden tools — specifically items or brands that "out-value" what their cookie-cutter competitors are peddling down the street.

A good resource in the premium tool market is Brook & Hunter. The company offers sturdy, attractive shovels, trowels, forks, cultivators and more, each made with Red Oak handles and stainless steel blades. We also think you'll give a green thumb's up to the quality products from Fiskars. This site is updated with new products regularly. For an excellent review of garden tools, which spotlights items by brand and by type, you'll want to check out Epinions.com. Here, consumers use the tools and rate them. Click on the link and then go to the Affiliates section for more information.

Maybe you have a tool line you would like or recommend. Maybe you just like talking tools. Either way, log into our blog and tell us your tale. And, by all means, check out the rest of these GCP&S e-Zone features...