Swimming pools are in hot demand as Kiwi's spend up large. Photo / Getty Images
Swimming pools are in hot demand as Kiwi's spend up large. Photo / Getty Images
Kiwis are spending big bucks on their backyards as demand for swimming pools and outdoor furniture goes ''ballistic''.
Chain stores, including Bunnings, Para Rubber and Briscoes, told NZME they were facing unprecedented demand with some expected to hit record sales year.
However, retailers warn shipping costs that had quadrupled andlengthy delays meant some items would cost more and stock could run out before Christmas.
Para Rubber director Vaughan Moss said demand was extraordinarily high and had jumped by 50 per cent on last year but stocks were low.
More pools were due to arrive before Christmas but he expected those to sell out fast because of pre-orders.
Pinfold ran Hudson Transport and delivered spa pools across the North Island.
''Those people have been generally waiting for their spas and in some cases, it's been up to six months.''
New Zealand Toy Distributors Association president Geoff Lyons said some deliveries were three months late and it had become a ''logistical nightmare''.
In April a container out of China cost $4000 and that had jumped to $17,000 ''so it has gone up fourfold''.
Kiwi's are splashing on swimming pools, outdoor toys, furniture and spa pools. Photo / Getty Images
The Haka NZ importing company director said FMO, the fear of missing out, and not being able to travel overseas was driving consumers to big-ticket items like swimming pools.
''They are pre-ordering and paying deposits upfront to ensure they get supply. Demand has gone through the roof.''
But that had backfired in some instances as costs had escalated from time of ordering to delivery date.
''It can end up being a 25 per cent increase and either we have to wear it or the retailer or the customer. Somewhere along the line that money has to be recouped.''
''Everybody that imports are in the same predicament. Nobody is getting better freight deals or priority over containers.''
He said back-orders for outdoor furniture, leisure products and outdoor toys had also escalated in time for Christmas.
''All the orders are up.''
Greenslades Furniture co-owner Andy Greenslade said people were placing more value on creating inviting outdoor areas.
Demand for furniture was high and budgets had increased.
''Thirty years ago when I started people would spend a few hundred on an outdoor setting. Now they are quite happy to spend $10,000, they will spend as much if not more than the cost of their lounge suite.''
Greenslade placed a big order nine months ago due to delays and while there was stock in store he anticipated running out before Christmas.
''I think January and February are going to be tough for us to get in outdoor furniture.''
Briscoe Group managing director Rod Duke said business was ''very, buoyant and very busy''.
Stock was a little bit hard to get hold of due to some supply chain disruption but ''we are selling an extraordinary amount of outdoor furniture''.
''But perhaps more inside the home than outside. Every category is on fire except for luggage.''
Black Friday sales had been the biggest in the history of the company that included Rebel Sport, Duke said.
Bunnings New Zealand director Ben Camire said outdoor living range has been very popular.
Some of the most sought after products have included our outdoor settings, cubby houses and barbecues.
Camire said overall it had good product availability across its store network but on occasion, Bunnings may run low.
''We have long-term relationships with our suppliers and we work with them to jointly manage pricing pressures.''
Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said there were shortages and challenges across the board due to ''massive'' supply chain issues.
There was stock for Christmas but a reduced range.
''The problem is that not all models, products or colours will be available. If you want something in particular for Christmas we recommend customers shop early if they can.''
