Drills In Dads' Future For Father's Day - ideas for Father's Day presents - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May, 2000

A poll of Ace Hardware retailers suggests that power and hand tools may be more ubiquitous than neckties as Father's Day gifts this June. The survey also indicates that hardware stores are fast becoming a popular gift-shopping destination for consumers throughout the year.

When asked to name the top four occasions for gift-buying in their stores, 74% of the hardware retailers cited Father's Day, a strong second to Christmas (named by 95%). Mother's Day ranked third, cited by 46%, and 38% said birthdays were popular for gift purchases at their stores.

"Growing numbers of do-it-your-selfers mean more shoppers are looking for practical gift ideas that people will actually use," notes Paula Erickson, manager of consumer affairs for Ace Hardware Corporation. Thirty-nine percent of the retailers reported increased gift sales over the past three years, and 36% said gift purchases represented between 10 and 25% of their store sales. Consistent with a market trend which has seen increasing numbers of female shoppers in hardware stores, 81% pointed out that women accounted for the majority of gift sales.

According to the dealers, the most popular gift items to be purchased for this Father's Day will be power tools, cited by 91%, with corded and cordless drills the most common choice. Hand tools will be the next most popular product category (82%), followed by lawn and garden products (69%) and appliances (57%). (Multiple responses were permitted.)