From backyard barbecues to cozy patio gatherings, shoppers are seeking to make the most of their outdoor spaces in 2024. During the pandemic, home improvement surged as people sought to create comfortable living spaces amidst lockdowns and restrictions. Now that life has returned to normal, the frenzy of renovations has slowed, but the trend of embracing outdoor living persists. This enduring desire to optimize outdoor areas continues to present an opportunity for brands and retailers. As consumers look to enhance their outdoor living experiences, several key trends have emerged, shaping the landscape of outdoor living in summer 2024. From a focus on sustainability to the integration of technology, these trends reflect the evolving preferences and priorities of today’s outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s explore some of these trends and how they’re influencing the offerings of retailers and manufacturers in the outdoor living space.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions
A significant trend shaping outdoor living in summer 2024 is the increasing emphasis on sustainability. Consumers are now prioritizing eco-friendly options for their outdoor spaces, from recycled materials to renewable energy solutions. For instance, sustainable outdoor furniture crafted from reclaimed wood or recycled plastics, organic fertilizers and biodegradable plant pots for eco-friendly gardening, and solar-powered outdoor lighting alternatives are gaining popularity.
Additionally, the trend of growing food at home has gained momentum, with consumers looking to create sustainable and self-sufficient outdoor spaces by cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their gardens or on their patios.
Outdoor living brands can leverage this trend by integrating sustainable materials into their product offerings or highlighting eco-friendly elements in their existing range. Expanding beyond purely eco-conscious messaging, brands can appeal to cost-conscious consumers by emphasizing the long-term savings associated with sustainable options, such as solar lights. This strategy not only broadens the appeal of these products but also underscores the practical benefits of investing in sustainable outdoor solutions.
Tech-Enhanced Outdoor Experiences
In summer 2024, outdoor living experiences are undergoing a high-tech revolution as consumers increasingly embrace technology-enhanced solutions. From Philips Hue’s smart lighting systems to Traeger’s Wi-Fi-enabled pellet grills, the integration of technology into outdoor spaces is transforming the way people interact with and enjoy their outdoor environments.
Philips Hue’s smart outdoor lighting allows users to control their outdoor lighting remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands. With features like color-changing bulbs, dimming capabilities, and scheduling options, consumers can create personalized outdoor ambiance while enhancing security and energy efficiency.
Traeger’s Wi-Fi-enabled pellet grills revolutionize outdoor cooking by allowing users to monitor and control their grill’s temperature and cooking progress remotely using smartphone apps. This technology enables precise temperature control, while also providing convenience and flexibility for busy outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to lighting and cooking, outdoor entertainment is also undergoing a technological transformation. Outdoor speakers equipped with voice control functionality, such as those from Sonos or Bose, allow users to stream audio seamlessly in their outdoor spaces. With weather-resistant designs and powerful sound quality, these speakers elevate the outdoor entertainment experience while integrating seamlessly with smart home ecosystems.
These innovations demonstrate how smart indoor, and traditional outdoor brands are expanding their offerings to bring technology outdoors, enhancing convenience, comfort, and entertainment for consumers. This trend presents an exciting opportunity for other brands to ideate and innovate around how they can incorporate technology into their outdoor products. Whether it’s bringing indoor smart home features outside or enhancing traditional outdoor products with tech, there’s ample room for creativity and expansion in this burgeoning market.
In the dynamic landscape of outdoor living, brands and retailers must adapt swiftly to meet evolving consumer demands. With Explorer Research as a strategic partner, brands can confidently navigate the evolution of outdoor living, seizing opportunities and achieving success in this dynamic industry landscape. Our track record of being a trusted partner for numerous outdoor living brands and retailers underscores our commitment to delivering valuable insights and innovative solutions that drive growth and excellence in the market. Get in touch with us to explore our capabilities in this space, and we’ll be delighted to share some compelling case studies showcasing our expertise and impact.
