Pride Family Brands' Sponsored Casual Living-HGTV Survey Confirms Popularity of Outdoor Living Products Growing Despite Economic Challenges

Online, June 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The popularity of outdoor living products continues to make gains despite current economic conditions according to a national survey conducted by Casual Living magazine, the Home and Garden Television Network (HGTV) and outdoor furniture manufacturer, Pride Family Brands released recently.

The latest Casual Living/HGTV outdoor living index shows that more than sixty percent of Americans say they will make a purchase of either an outdoor dining set or an outdoor conversation set during 2010 or 2011. The online survey further qualifies the pending purchases with data defining multiple factors from product styling to purchasing venues.

"Our latest survey shows the continued vibrancy of the outdoor living segment," said Dana French, Director of Research for Casual Living. "Even in the current economic state, the survey received an impressive response rate and positive indications with regard to purchasing and value considerations. The annual survey has become a tool for determination of trends in outdoor living furnishings for consumers, retailers and manufacturers alike. "

An impressive 43% of those surveyed selected the specialty segment as where they would go first for outdoor furnishings. This included specialty pool and patio retailers. Also, sixty-two percent of Americans may research on line, but subsequently plan to purchase within a local store. Among the features indicated that would entice the buyer to pay more for outdoor furniture were comfort, greater durability of cushions and ease of maintenance; again, a durability consideration.

Other key findings of the Casual Living-HGTV Survey:
• Style: Casual lifestyle was the favorite style receiving a 57% interest rating over Contemporary styling at 17% and Traditional at 16%
• Color: Not much color is indicated with browns (34%) and neutrals (31%) being selected as tops for cushions and brown and black were the primary choices for furniture frames.
• Importance: Being able to take the furnishing home the day of purchase was rated as very important (46%) to the respondents along with a retailer's reputation in the community (52% very important) and the availability of good customer service (62% very important). (Scale rated" not important at all" to "very important")

Ft. Lauderdale based, Pride Family Brands is in its second year as the survey's sponsor. "We are happy to be a part of bringing this important research to consumers as well as those in our industry," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO of Pride Family Brands. "With all the news out there of the challenges for anyone in retailing, the availability of quality research and the resulting positive indicators creates a much needed stimulus for growth throughout the casual furniture segment."

As research publication sponsor, Pride Family Brands will make the complete results of the survey available in an in-depth format for the casual furniture industry in Casual Living magazine's August, September and October issues.

For more information about the survey visit, www.casualliving.com or Pride Family Brands, visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.