With the country opening up, consumers are going big on celebrations with Father’s Day get-togethers on tap around the nation. And that often means spending a few shekels on the perfect gift to honor the dad in your life for all he does. This Father’s Day should represent somewhat of a return to normalcy as consumers and retailers look to move past the events of 2020. The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects Father’s Day gift spending to exceed $20.1 billion, a substantial jump from last year’s $17 billion total.
The NRF predicts that the average person will spend $174 per paternal present, roughly $26 more than last year. With the pater familias in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the brands with robust “Dad Appeal.”
Most men have fantasized about the wind whipping through their hair (or what’s left of it) while riding a hog down the highway. It represents freedom, a rebellious nature and the quintessential bad-boy image. However, most dads ended up in a business suit rather than a biker’s leathers, and a minivan took the place of the chopper. Still, fear not, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (Tii:HOG) offers not only motorcycles, branded parts and accessories but also fan merchandise and a full apparel line. The company’s retail locations are also set up as social destinations, making for a fun Father’s Day trip. So, while Dad may be more Sons of Arthritis than Sons of Anarchy, he can still pull off the cool Harley-Davidson look.
If the dad in your life is more of a weekend warrior who engages in physical activities to keep the old ticker running smoothly, consider a gift of sporting goods. Sure, there’s little chance the New York Yankees will look to sign him to the roster, but he will still enjoy many of the items for sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (Tii:DKS). With 850 locations throughout the United States, Dick’s is the country’s largest retail sporting goods store and carries the accessories and equipment needed for virtually every indoor and outdoor activity. If you’re not sure what to buy him, consider a gift card or an e-card so he can shop at his leisure.
It’s a scientifically proven fact that most dads love a good steak. While Doc may recommend limiting red meat intake, surely that doesn’t include Father’s Day. With more than 1,450 restaurants that include Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Bloomin’ Brands Inc. (Tii:BLMN) can surely provide the perfect stick-to-the-ribs meal that will sate any dad’s appetite. And because you only live once, he can wash it all down with one of the many fine American beer brands brewed by The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (Tii:SAM), Molson Coors Beverage Company (Tii:TAP) or Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (Tii:BUD).
Is Dad a do-it-yourselfer? Does he refuse to call a mechanic, carpenter, plumber or electrician when a problem arises (even when he should) because Mr. Fix-it has his work belt and tool chest always ready for action? If the garage is his Batcave and father dispenses justice to wrong-doing pipes, wiring, vehicles or appliances using his utility belt, consider shopping with Snap-on Incorporated (Tii:SNA). A manufacturer and marketer of high-end tools and equipment, Snap-on’s website is a smorgasbord of everything a handy dad needs and even allows him to create and save a wish list, so you’ll know what to get him next year.
Finally, consider the Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset by Facebook Technologies, LLC if your dad is a gadget geek. Manufactured by a subsidiary of Facebook, Inc. (Tii:FB), the Oculus touts its cinematic 3D positional audio, and a variety of games and fitness apps to create a fully immersive experience. If his love for gadgets includes health monitoring and step counting, consider one of the many smartwatches offered by Apple Inc. (Tii:AAPL) and Fitbit, the latter of which was acquired this year by Alphabet Inc. (Tii:GOOG) for $2.1 billion.
However you plan to spend Father’s Day, don’t forget to include some of the brands that Dad loves.