Older Consumers Buying Power Tools

May 10 -- Results just released from an NPD Group study indicates that consumers ages 65 and over accounted for 30% more in power tool sales and 16% more in outdoor power equipment sales in the 12 months ending March 2011 than they did in the previous year. 

The next age group, 45 years and up, accounted for 11% more in hand tool purchases in the same 12-month period than they did the previous year. 

Overall, this past winter was a successful one when it came to snow thrower/blower sales. Unit sales of snow throwers/blowers grew 6% in the 12 months ending March 2011, compared with the same time last year.

Electric staplers and brad nailers grew 7% in unit sales in the 12 months ending March 2011. Sales for wrenches increased 7% between April 2010 and March 2011.

Of the hand tools sold between April 2010 and March 2011, 19% were purchased in the mass and warehouse club channels, while the specialty channel (which includes lumber/building supply, outdoor power equipment stores, Agway, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon.com) grew by 7% in unit sales during this time frame. In power tools, 9% sold between April 2010 and March 2011 were purchased online. For outdoor power equipment, the number was 7%.

“It usually comes down to filling a need,” said Peter Goldman, president of NPD’s home division. “Mother Nature provides an excessive amount of snow, the economy drives consumers to do-it-yourself, a redistribution of discretionary income occurs with aging consumers who are looking to simplify their DIY projects, and therefore, we begin to see sales.” 

Explaining the rise in Internet purchasing, Goldman said: “The interesting thing to watch is the increases in online sales, which is not as surprising when consumers are telling us they are spending more time researching their purchases, and the Internet makes this easy for them. But it is [interesting] when growth is occurring among more large items like outdoor power equipment.”

Toro Recalls Power Clear Snow Blowers and Recycler Mowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 17 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Toro Power Clear Snowblower and the Toro 20" Recycler Mower

Units:
	Snowblowers:	About 18,000 in the U.S. and 5,000 in Canada
	Mowers:	About 6,000 in the U.S. and 200 in Canada

Manufacturer: The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.

Hazard: The carburetors on both products develop fuel leaks and can ignite when exposed to an ignition source, posing a fire or burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been about 500 reports of carburetor leaks. There were no reports of fire or injury.

Description:
	Toro PC-421Q Snowblowers:		The model/serial numbers are found on a decal on the underside of the rear of the unit. Model and serial numbers are:
		Model Number	Serial Number
		38588	310000001 to 310999999 and 311000001 to 311003576
		38589	310000001 to 310999999 and 311000001 to 311999999
	Toro 20" Recycler Mower:		The model and serial numbers are found on a decal on the left rear of the mower.   Model 20323; Serial number 310000001 to 310999999.

Sold at: Toro Dealers in the United States and Canada from September 2009-March 2011.

Manufactured in: Mower in Mexico; Snowblower in the United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the products and contact a Toro Service Dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, including the name of a dealer near you, contact Toro toll free at 877-738-4440 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, or visit Toro's website: www.toro.com