Price Drop for Camping & Cookouts Ahead of Memorial Day

Camping Gear, Grills & Groceries See Inflation Reduction YoY 

Consumers looking to celebrate Memorial Day this year will be happy to learn that prices for many of the most popular camping gear, grilling equipment, and groceries have seen a decrease in price year over year. And that doesn’t even account for additional price cuts thanks to upcoming Memorial Day sales events. This, according to new data from ecommerce accelerator, Pattern. 

Why it matters: Inflation worries continue to be a top concern for many Americans, with an average inflation rate of 3.5% according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. But as shoppers prepare for the upcoming holiday, they can rest easy knowing their celebrations won’t cost them a fortune. 

‍What we’re seeing: Memorial Day is one of the biggest weekends for camping and outdoor activities. Our data analysis experts evaluated pricing data for the most popular camping gear on Amazon for every day of 2023 and 2024 so far to better understand what consumers can expect. Our analysis showed significant price decreases for the following items year over year:

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• Canoes decreased in price by 7% from 2023 – 2024
• Outdoor Survival Kits -7% 
• Camping Tents -4% 
• Tackle Boxes -3% 
• Camping Tables -3% 
• Backpacks -2%

‍Yes, but: There are still a few items that campers might want to avoid if they want to save money. The following items have seen pricing increases above the 3.5% average inflation rate: 

• Fishing Rods increased in price by 9% from 2023 – 2024
• Hiking Boots +4% 
• Camping Stoves +4% 
• Kayaks +4% 

‍Groceries still going up: Despite decreased pricing on camping gear, shoppers will still need to exercise caution at checkout for many of the most popular Memorial Day groceries with the average cost of a typical basket of groceries increasing by 3% year over year. While that’s 0.5% below the average inflation rate, several items have seen more significant price increases:

• Mustard increased in price by 12% from 2023 – 2024
• Hot Dogs +8%
• Onions +7% 
• Hamburger Meat +7% 
• Relish +4% 

‍Savings still possible: Even though most groceries have seen a price increase, there are few items that have escaped the sting of inflation year over year. The following items saw inflation reversal since January 2023: 

• Tomatoes decreased in price by 7% from 2023 – 2024
• Lettuce -5% 
• Hamburger Buns -1% 

‍Good news for grillers: Those planning to upgrade their grilling equipment ahead of the holiday will find great savings on the most popular grills and grilling accessories, even without factoring in upcoming Memorial Day specials. Here’s how grills and grilling accessories faired in terms of pricing year over year:

• Grill Covers decreased in price by 9% from 2023 – 2024
• Charcoal -8% 
• Grill Mats -6% 
• Grill Thermometers -6% 
• Grill Pans -4% 
• Gas Grills -2% 
• Grills -1% 

‍Don’t get burned: While many grills and grilling accessories have skirted the sting of inflation, there are a few items that could cost more for consumers. Our analysis showed price increases year over year for the following grilling goods: 

• Smokers increased in price by 7% from 2023 – 2024
• Pellet Grills +3% 
• Electric Grills +3% 
• Charcoal Grills +3% 
• Grill Tools +1% 
• Grill Brushes +1% 

‍The takeaway: Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a camping adventure or cookout this Memorial Day will enjoy decreased pricing on some of the most commonly purchased items. With all the savings on camping and grilling gear, shoppers will have more to set aside for the rising cost of groceries.

Pattern’s data analysis team evaluated pricing data for the most commonly purchased camping gear, grilling goods, and groceries to better understand what consumers can expect during Memorial Day shopping this year. If you’d like to use insights like these to drive your ecommerce strategy forward, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information.