BKST Brookstone (MM)

Brookstone Survey: Dad Wants to Be King of the Grill for Father's Day NASHUA, N.H., June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The home may no longer be a man's castle, but dad still reigns supreme over outdoor cooking and wants barbecue accessories for Father's Day, according to a survey of customers by store managers at Brookstone, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKST), a product development and specialty retail company. Brookstone surveyed its managers at all 275 stores around the country and asked what types of products -- whether or not carried by Brookstone -- their customers say dads want for Father's Day this year. By far, grilling accessories were the No. 1 response. Following are the top 10 gifts customers say dads want for Father's Day this year: 1. BBQ Accessories 2. Audio Systems 3. Power Tools 4. Golf Equipment 5. Automobile Accessories 6. Tickets for Sporting Events 7. Grooming Accessories 8. Computer Equipment 9. Digital Cameras 10. Plasma or LCD Television George Rosenbaum, chairman of Leo J. Shaprio, a public opinion firm, has studied men's and women's attitudes toward cooking and has reached similar conclusions. "The grill has been a major arena of innovation because women like their man to do the cooking on occasion and in a controlled setting," Rosenbaum said. "Men -- the hunters -- like delivering meat to the table, and the art of barbeque enables them to put their own stamp and persona on the meal." Father's Day is Brookstone's second busiest time of the year, next to the Holiday season. "Before Father's Day, Brookstone stores are filled with people searching for the perfect gift for dad," said Brookstone Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Anthony. "We constantly interact with our customers, whose insight helps us to develop and introduce products that they find relevant and that will enhance their lives." About Brookstone, Inc. Brookstone, Inc. is a product development and multi-channel retail company that operates 275 Brookstone Brand stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates three stores under the Gardeners Eden Brand, and a direct marketing business that consists of three catalogs titles -- Brookstone, Hard-to-Find Tools and Gardeners Eden -- as well as e-commerce web sites at http://www.brookstone.com/ and http://www.gardenerseden.com/. Contact: Robert Padgett (603) 577-8097 DATASOURCE: Brookstone, Inc. CONTACT: Robert Padgett of Brookstone, Inc., +1-603-577-8097, Web site: http://www.brookstone.com/

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