Wedding Gifts Groomed for Guys
By George Anderson
The traditional American wedding shower involves the bride-to-be receiving
gifts, often kitchen appliances or home decor items, from family and friends.
According to The Chicago Tribune, traditions are changing. “Tired of
towels and sheets, china patterns and kitchenware, grooms have started to take
a wrecking ball to the traditionally female-dominated gift and registry process.
Their involvement is well beyond having a say on stemware. These days, if the
groom isn’t having his own party, a couple’s registry is replete with power
tools and garage gadgets.”
Retailers such as Sears and DIY retailer Home Depot see this new tradition
as an opportunity to capture share of the $19 billion wedding registry business.
Home Depot’s Mandy Holton said, “The wedding is not just about the bride. Grooms
are playing an even more important role in the wedding.”
Moderator’s Comment: How are the changes in the nature
of committed relationships affecting shopping behavior and goods purchased?
Mandy Holton told the Trib, “Oftentimes couples wait to
get married and they may already have a condo or an established residence and
they may have all the tabletop items, but they may not have the lawn equipment,
the gas grill, power tools or ceiling fans.” [George
Anderson – Moderator]