When the Weather Cools Off, People Like to Sit Outside

Coping with the weather
What customers want changes with the weather. And here in Siouxland, that happens a lot. From extreme temperature swings to flooding followed by drought, one can never be too prepared.

Don't let unpredictable weather get the best of you. Make the most of whatever Mother Nature dishes out with a few useful items to have around the house.

Two product pros shared their expertise on popular weather-related goods stocked in Sioux City stores. Every homeowner needs a good hose to keep the oppressive heat under control.

Landon Olson, department head of garden at Home Depot, pointed out an aisle brimming with watering supplies. The "As Seen on TV" Pocket Hose claimed his personal accolade. He called it the "item of the year."

The 50-foot "hose that grows" was a new arrival at stores across the country. Its flexible, lightweight design boasts of being kink- and tangle-proof.

The growing green hose was a hit at Home Depot, 415 Cunningham Drive. "I've probably sold 1,000 of these this year," Olson said. "I actually ran completely out for a week."

Out of that many, he said maybe two dozen came back with consumer complaints. Homes with higher water pressure seemed to have more problems when using the product. Good thing there are plenty of other options available.

Olson said customers tend to buy a light-duty hose due to its lower cost, but it might be worth spending a few extra bucks for an upgraded version. A medium-duty hose is less likely to kink and it's outfitted with better connectors.

The soaker hose is another unique product with a porous design, which allows water to seep from the full length of it. If someone plans on planting trees in the fall, Olson recommended using a soaker hose to keep them watered with ease.

Another hot item has been the magnifying rain gauge. "People really wanted to know how much rain we got this year," Olson said.

The easy-to-read rain gauge sells for under $4. Olson was a little puzzled about this year's high demand for such a basic item. He speculated, "People must have been excited about the rain after the drought last year."

The family owned operation takes pride in restocking the store according to season. In the spring, greenhouses are filled with garden-ready varieties of flowers and vegetables, along with shrubs and young trees. Outdoor grills and patio furniture take over a good portion of the floor space.

Once the heat sets in, customers can find kiddie pools, lawn sprinklers, garden hoses, large box fans and air conditioners.

To keep them out, Olson suggested getting a jug of insect killer called Ortho Home Defense. It can be applied inside and outside the house for maximum pest protection.

People can have an air of minty freshness and a bug-free home with an insecticide made by EcoSmart. The blend of plant oils is safe to use around pets and children. Not to mention, the liquid smells and tastes like peppermint.

Olson did a taste test to find its flavor and prove the product's safety. "Yep, peppermint," he said. While the bugs want to go inside, people want to head out.

Colder nights bring in customers looking for fire pits, and again, they usually pick one of the cheaper ones on the shelf in the $30-$60 range.

"When the weather cools off, people like to sit outside more often," Olson said. They can enjoy the glow of a fire or the ambiance of some artful solar lights, which come in a wide range of shapes and colors.

For trendy outdoor decor, look no further than the solar mason jar. The energy-saving light quickly became a favorite among customers.

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