Sydney Covid picnic bonanza: Kmart, Bunnings in huge sales boost
Major retail chains have experienced a huge surge in demand for picnic gear after Gladys Berejiklian gave Sydneysiders the green light to eat alfresco with friends.
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Retailers are fast selling out of picnic tables, chairs and hampers after Gladys Berejiklian gave residents the green light to dine in the park.
From September 13 Sydneysiders were allowed to join in groups of five adults in the same local government area or within 5km of home for an outdoor picnic.
With the weekend just gone being the first since the new rules, parks were packed across the city.
Kmart, Bunnings and Target said everything from picnic rugs to foldable tables and board games had been flying off the shelves.
“After recent government announcements that allows those currently in lockdown to see some loved ones for outdoor gatherings we have seen this reflecting in what our customers are buying,” a Kmart spokeswoman said.
“We have seen a large increase in interest in our outdoor entertainment products including picnic rugs, baskets, tables and outdoor games to keep both kids and adults entertained,” she said.
She said the hottest selling of Kmart’s products were the traditional picnic mat, mini picnic table and traditional rattan picnic set.
A Bunnings spokeswoman said searches for ‘picnic’, ‘picnic table’ and ‘picnic blanket’ had rocketed on the store’s website over the past week.
“With picnics the go-to outdoor activity right now, we’ve seen an increase in popularity of our picnicware range over the last week with picnic rugs being the top pick,” Bunnings Outdoor Living Category Manager Mick Heanue said.
It was a similar trend for Target stores which also reported increased demand in products sold in the drinkware, tableware and outdoor living ranges including coloured tumblers and melamine plates.
“As people are venturing into the outdoors to enjoy family meals together, our Paper-cord items including our best-selling Paper-Cord Bread Basket, have become increasingly popular,” A Target spokeswoman said.
She said items such as the Convertible Bailey Cabana and Emery Disc Reclining Chair had also been hot sellers.
With the weather set fair for this weekend retailers are expecting increased sales this week.
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