As temperatures warm and people head outdoors, grills that may have been in storage or barely used during the winter months are suddenly in high demand. And even if your customers already have a grill, helping them maintain and update it can lead to sales.
“Spring grill maintenance isn’t just a routine for consumers — it’s a key opportunity for retailers to reconnect with customers coming out of the winter season,” said Garry Scott, vice president of marketing at grill maker Napoleon. “By promoting cleaning tools, replacement parts and accessories, retailers can position themselves as a one-stop shop to help customers get grill-ready, while also driving valuable early-season foot traffic.”
Offering grill maintenance advice on social media and through other marketing outreach not only serves as a means of driving store traffic, but it also positions retailers as experts customers can rely on.
“Retailers play an important role in helping customers start the grilling season off right,” Scott said. “Offering guidance on proper maintenance, alongside the right tools and replacement parts, not only builds trust but positions retailers as experts that customers can rely on throughout the season.”
Scott suggested a few tips to share with customers via social media and other outlets:
- Clean the cooking grids and searing plates: Soak them in warm, soapy water to remove grease and food residue. While they soak, clean the heat shields and use a barbecue brush to remove buildup from the burners.
- Empty and clean the grease tray: Grease and leftover food accumulate over time. Scrape thoroughly with a spatula or putty knife to ensure the tray is completely clean.
- Check for leaks and damage: Inspect all hoses and feed tubes for cracks, punctures or other damage. Replace any compromised parts immediately. Conduct a leak test using warm, soapy water — bubbles indicate a gas leak that must be repaired before use.
- Inspect the ignition system: Confirm the ignition system is working properly and replace the batteries if needed.
- Polish the exterior: Wipe down lids, side shelves and control panels with a stainless-steel or exterior cleaner for a clean, polished look.
- Use the right tools: A durable grill brush is more effective than cedar scrapers for removing tough residue and grease.
Scott said when customers receive this kind of advice from a retailer, it builds trust and positions the store as the source for everything they need to keep their grill cooking perfectly all season long.
“This time of year is ideal for retailers to engage customers with practical solutions that enhance their grilling experience,” he said. “From grill brushes and cleaners to upgraded cooking grids and accessories, maintenance naturally opens the door for add-on purchases that build basket size and long-term customer loyalty.”
