The outdoor category is one that’s chock full of opportunity for independent retailers. And Nationwide Marketing Group has partnered with two new vendors to help its dealers further capitalize on this market’s potential.

New to Nationwide’s expanding outdoor product portfolio are Vision Grills, which brings its innovative convertible ceramic grills to the mix, and Croix Valley Foods, which adds a plethora of sauces, spices and other barbecue accessories. Both will make their debut to Nationwide dealers at PrimeTime in Phoenix, February 5-8.

“We are thrilled to add two new vendor partners to our ever-growing outdoor category,” says John Laing, director of appliances and outdoor for Nationwide Marketing Group. “Vision Grills brings a wealth of features and benefits incorporated into a Kamado-style grill that competes extremely well in its category, while Croix Valley’s consumables fill a critical need, considering a consumer needing outdoor seasonings will shop every four to six weeks. In short, they both offer exciting opportunities for our members.”

Introduced in 2007, Vision Grills’ ceramic Kamado-style grills come in a variety of styles, colors and price points. But what sets their product apart is the company’s patented Quickchange® Gas Insert, which allows the user to convert the grill from a charcoal-based smoker to a traditional gas-powered grill in a matter of moments. The insert slides into the same slot as the removable ash drawer — a design feature that also makes for easy cleanup of coal ashes.

“In this category, it’s all about knowledge and sell-ability,” says Scott Walters, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Vision Grills. “And that’s what makes this partnership a perfect marriage. Our product has a feature set that makes it sellable, and Nationwide’s network of independent retailers are the knowledge experts, especially when it comes to their advertising prowess, being able to drive foot traffic and ability to sell.”

While grills are the initial big-ticket purchase, grilling accessories are what help retailers drive regular and repeat traffic into their stores. From marinades and sauces to spices and rubs, Croix Valley Foods’ extensive portfolio will provide Nationwide dealers and their customers with plenty of options and flavors to customize and complement their grilling experience.

“From fruit-based sauces to regional favorites and timeless classics, the Croix Valley product line comes from 10-plus years of competitive cooking all around the country,” says Damon Holter, president of Croix Valley Foods. “No one knows flavor like we do, and we’re so excited to share it with Nationwide dealers. We make it ourselves, and we pride ourselves on our one-on-one approach to every dealer we work with.”

The Croix Valley origin story is also one that every independent retailer can relate to. Holter’s family founded a small restaurant in northern Wisconsin, where they served their homemade steak sauce on the side of every meal. After a decade of requests by locals to bottle and sell the sauce, they brought it to market in 2009 and quickly expanded into other categories, including sauces, rubs, spices, marinades and more. And now, they’re bringing that collection to Nationwide family of independent retailers.

Nationwide dealers hoping to get up close with the Vision Grills and Croix Valley Foods products will have the opportunity to do so at PrimeTime in Phoenix. Both brands will be participating in the PrimeTime Backyard showcase, which will include plenty of food samples, beverages, education and more from Nationwide’s outdoor vendor partners.

To learn more or register for PrimeTime, visit www.nationwideprimetime.com.