The Spring & Seasonal General Merchandise Program took place April 20-21, where we hosted live, one-on-one virtual meetings where buyers reviewed products based on the latest trends in outdoor activities. We saw so much innovation in lawn & garden, insect and pest control, coolers, BBQ accessories, pool & beach accessories, and spring & summer apparel. During the session, participating buyers were able to visit the Buyers Choice Awards section of the ECRM Connect platform and cast a digital vote on their favorite product based on innovation and product packaging. We are pleased to announce the winners: 

First Place: CasusGrill, Biodegradable Barbecue

The inspiration for CasusGrill was born with Carsten and Susanne Broegger, who’s first names make up the CaSus in CasusGrill. During a hike in the mountains, trash was found everywhere at campsites, mostly disposable aluminium grills, and single use propane bottles. Carsten and Susanne decided that they must try to do something, to provide a better alternative, and reduce waste. Over many years, investing their life savings, and with many people thinking they were a little crazy, CasusGrill was born. 
CasusGrill is embraced by food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and people around the world, with distribution in over 40 countries.

A key member of CasusGrill for North America is Don Read, who has over 30 years helping develop disruptive sustainability products, including land-based aquaculture and additive manufacturing. Don was responsible for presentations at the ECRM sessions and shares an equal passion for all things CasusGrill.

CasusGrill is a portable, lightweight, clean, and convenient barbecue.  For camping, picnic, or the balcony, CasusGrill is ready anytime, simple to use, and no mess to clean up. CasusGrill takes only 5 minutes to get grilling but provides over 1 hour of cook time.  CasusGrill provides a high even temperature that ensures your food gets properly grilled, with a delicious crispy barbecue finish.

Made with three products, bamboo, cardboard, and lava stones, CasusGrill is biodegradable, carbon neutral, and quickly returns to the earth as soil, to help grow more trees. CasusGrill makes it easy to grill in the great outdoors, while reducing impact on the environment.

Second Place: Dig It Apparel, SPOTMYUV

Dig It Inc began in 2008 with a pair of gloves over a family BBQ. There was a need for quality products for women to protect themselves while being active outdoors. The flagship product, Dig It Handwear, is a unique utility glove with an industrial design patented pillow-top protector embedded in each fingertip. Designed by women for women to protect their nails and hands from debris, these gloves uniquely fit a woman's hands and allow women the "Freedom to Dig Deep". After striking a deal with Kevin O'Leary on CBC's Dragons' Den, also of NBC's Shark Tank fame, Dig It gained exposure to international attention and coverage in numerous media outlets - including Kevin O'Leary's bestseller book The Cold Hard Truth as the "perfect pitch". Fast forward to late 2020, CEO Claudia Harvey and Dig It purchased SPOTMYUV in the acquisition of the startup Suncayr. A Canadian invention and made in the United States, SPOTMYUV revolutionizes the sun care industry with the world's first clinically proven UV Detection Sticker that gives you a clear view of your sun protection.

SPOTMYUV is the world's first clinically proven UV Detection Sticker that gives you a personalized reminder of when it's time to reapply your sunscreen. As you run, swim, sweat, and play, SPOTMYUV's patented Dermatrue skin mimicking technology interacts with sunscreen like your skin, giving you a clear view of your sun protection in real time. Each time you cover your SPOTMYUV sticker with sunscreen, your SPOT will turn clear, showing you that you're protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. When your sunscreen wears off, SPOTMYUV turns purple again to remind you to reapply your sunscreen. Each SPOT lasts one day, 12 hours.

Congratulations to our Buyer’s Choice Award Winners!
Next year’s Spring & Summer Seasonal GM Program will take place April 26-27, 2022.