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For
Industry Innovator, It's PICNIC TIME All The Time
Buccaneer Tailgater Sailing Along
July 17, 2006
Those who think they've “seen it all” in the outdoor entertaining market obviously haven't seen enough of Picnic Time. An innovator in the picnic, barbecue and wine markets for a quarter-century, the company broadens the scope of its products and finds countless thousands of new customers every year.
“Picnic and tailgate products make eye-popping gifts for anyone on any occasion,” says Scott McCormack, Picnic Time's director of sales & marketing. “They are perfect ideas for that ‘what should we get....’ challenge.”
“Picnic
Time makes getting into this market a breeze with our low
minimums,” says McCormack, adding that the company’s
products feature high-appeal retail packaging, including
four-color gift boxes.
Picnic Time holds retail licensing agreements with a number of major universities nationwide, which has helped to drive sales of its tailgating items.
“While a collegiate or sports logo on any item enhances its demand,” says McCormack, “the effect on these items is immeasurable. Tailgating is all about identifying with your favorite college or team.
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Living up to its reputation as an industry innovator means keeping the communications pipeline open. Picnic Time regularly mails out “bounce-back” cards to its accounts asking three questions: How did we do? What could we do better? and What products would you like us to add? They also do over 50 trade shows a year, and each one offers a great opportunity to talk with customers and consumers. Picnic Time also hires industry consultants and designers to help guide them in their product development endeavors.
What’s been hot for Picnic Time this year? The Buccaneer portable BBQ / tailgater has won several design awards, including “Hot New Product” at Promotions East in Atlantic City and a “Chicago Choice Award” at the Chicago Gift Show. The Buccaneer features a cooler compartment, barbeque grill and three-piece BBQ tool set—all contained in an attractive and rugged sports bag.
Picnic Time will be one of the key exhibitors at the November Tailgate • Picnic show in Las Vegas. “If buyers are looking for value-added products in one of the hottest categories going,” says McCormack, “this show is the place to find them.”
