DEALER + PRODUCT TRENDS

This month , we look at the marketplace for hedge trimmers and related shears . This is the third in our ongoing analysis of data from Dealer +, the collaborative data program developed by Traqline and Ideal Computer Systems .

This data comes from point-of-sale records of nearly 2,000 independent OPE dealers nationwide , representing every major brand . Plus , the effort looks at data from mass merchants . Sales were recorded from January through March 2024 .

Dealer + Data ( from independent OPE dealers )

Average leaf blower sale price Commercial models = $ 519 Residential models = $ 269 Overall average = $ 450

Total battery-powered sales Commercial models = 1 % Residential models = 47 % Total = 14 %

For the product data we ’ ve seen so far , this is the lowest percentage of battery products for commercial buyers , and the highest percentage for residential buyers . That

Lowe ’ s is currently selling ( as of May 2 ) this Craftsman 20V 20-in hedge trimmer ( with a 1.5 Ah ) battery for $ 100 , down about $ 20 from its MSRP . According to Google ’ s Shopping Insights tool , this trimmer has been as low as $ 70 recently . For big-box stores and residential buyers , that is what this market is all about . Low prices drive sales for a tool that ’ s used a couple times a season . And that 1.5 Ah battery is evidence of the infrequent use .

Top Brand : Ryobi There is a close battle here between Ryobi , Craftsman and Stanley Black & Decker for Top Hedge Trimmer Brand at bigbox stores . The strong seller from Black & Decker is a corded model for about $ 50 . points to vast product design and use differences in this market . And a big opportunity for manufacturers to focus on pro-level battery-powered trimmers , either with product design or marketing .

Note : “ Residential ” – products marketed primarily to consumers . “ Commercial ” – products marketed primarily to professional users .

Top-selling commercial trimmer Stihl HL 94 – Stihl markets this as a feature-packed

Stihl HL 94 pro-level trimmer that ’ s light enough for non-pro users . But at $ 600 , this tool seems too costly for residential trimming needs . The company brands this with its “ Caring for Nature ” seal , claiming it uses a low-exhaust engine that is cleaner than EPA and / or CARB exhaust emission standards .

Top-selling residential-model trimmer

Stihl HS 45 – This tool uses an 18-in . blade , and is powered by a 27cc gas engine . It weighs about 10 pounds , so it ’ s light enough for casual homeowner use . The second-best selling model here is the Echo HC2020 , a gas-powered , 20-in . trimmer . The price and specs are similar to the Stihl , though it uses a smaller engine but a larger fuel tank .

Top battery-powered trimmer

Stihl HSA 26 – This multi-purpose trimmer retails for $ 129 and uses Stihl ’ s 10.8V AS battery . It ’ s a small homeowner-size unit that provides users with a lot of versatility .

Hedge trimmer analysis , opportunity and obstacles

Commercial users need to own a few hedge trimmers , from long-reach models to regular pruning tools in a couple different bar lengths . This data shows commercial users are willing to pay $ 500 on average . And while gas still dominates this marketplace , both Stihl and Echo – the two sales leaders here – introduced several battery-powered trimmers in the last year . The percentage of e-trimmers and battery-powered convertible powerheads will increase this season .

While the range of price points might present an opportunity , the volume of trimmers below $ 100 is best left to the national chain stores . Many of these products are most likely purchased as sales bargains while consumers are out buying for other weekend projects . Instead , dealers should make sure they can provide – in-store or through e- commerce – a range or product types and sizes , from small handheld shears to pole-type pruners . Make it about a variety of solutions instead of low price points .

12 OPE + May 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com