Not In My Backyard™ Insect Repellent Products are Ideal Accessories

January 30, 2017 by patiohearthblog Leave a comment

screen-shot-2017-01-30-at-8-18-02-am Even customers who have the best outdoor cooking and leisure features can have their good time ruined by too many bugs. Savvy retailers can capitalize with the right insect repellent products on hand. The Not In My Backyard™ collection has several different sales-boosting options.

Insect repellent products are a natural accessory, but proper marketing is essential. Patio & Hearth Products Report sat down with officials at The Companion Group to get a better sense of how retailers can succeed with these products.

Patio & Hearth Products Report: How can retailers maximize the sales of these kinds of accessories?

The Companion Group: We love this line because it’s easy to cross-merchandise. The products can be displayed in a garden center, in a camping area, or in a grilling section. They could be in any of these areas.

The wearables (like the silicone band and the fabric band) could also be displayed by check-out because they’re priced and packaged for last-minute purchase. Retailers would also benefit from sharing the whole brand with customers since these products really complement each other. Customers could purchase the tabletop diffuser and place it on their porch table, while also wearing one of the bands to increase repelling power. There are so many ways to merchandise these products and boost sales across categories.

P&HPR: What is the biggest misconception (if one exists) about selling/marketing insect repellents?

The Companion Group: Many customers believe the only way to repel insects is by using sticky sprays or sprays containing DEET. That’s simply not true. We have a proprietary mix of geraniol, citronella, and peppermint oils that fights bugs in an all-natural way—and without coming into contact with your skin. For the wearable bands and the silicone clips, the essential oils are included in an insert that can be placed inside the band or clip. It’s one of the safest ways to protect yourself and your family from bug bites.

screen-shot-2017-01-30-at-8-19-05-am Another thing we noticed while developing these products was that customers are used to buying bulky insect-repellent products. There are plenty of large, clunky insect-repellent candles out there. We wanted to offer something that gets the job done first and foremost, but also fits into the environment where it’s being used. Our tabletop diffusers come in a range of appealing colors and enhance whatever outdoor space they’re placed in.

P&HPR: You mention a virtual reality experience “around the brand.” What is that?

The Companion Group: Innovation really runs in our blood, and we believe in innovating in every aspect of the business, including how we promote our products. We’ve had our eye on virtual reality and discovered that it’s perfect for promoting an outdoor line like Not In My Backyard™.

screen-shot-2017-01-30-at-8-19-52-am For our trade shows, we will be offering a VR experience to anyone who’s interested in learning more about Not In My Backyard™. The experience will give people a sense of what you’ll get out of using the products as compared to venturing outdoors without any bug protection. We don’t want to give too much more away, but if you’re at HPBExpo, the International Home and Housewares Show or the National Hardware Show, please stop by and see for yourself!