(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Great outdoors

Retailers in P.A. working hard to keep up with the demand for outdoor equipment

May 30, 2021 | 9:33 AM

An increase in interest from Prince Albert residents in outdoor activities has retailers working hard to keep up with the demand.

One unfortunate thing that retailers such as Walmart and Canadian Tire are experiencing is a delay in shipment of outdoor equipment this month. That’s due to a shipping container being stuck in the Suez Canal earlier this year. Both are expecting this delay to be rectified in June.

Although there has been a delay in some shipments, both retailers have been experiencing an increase in foot traffic with more people looking for new equipment for their backyards.

Chris Doucette, manager of Walmart in Prince Albert says sales of outdoor equipment have been high this year.

“BBQ sales have been fantastic this year, patio sales as well have been very strong for us,” Doucette said.

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Planting in gardens is a new hobby for many people. Walmart is seeing an increase in customers purchasing equipment for that activity.

“A lot of people are staying home and enjoying time outdoors. Our garden center is fully open and stocked with plants and soils,” Doucette said.

Malcolm Jenkins, owner of Canadian Tire says his store expected the increase in foot traffic.

“We took a bit of a risk, and bought a ton more BBQ’s than we did last year, so we are in a good position on BBQ’s,” Jenkins said.

With an increase in people spending more time at home this year, retailers are selling out of outdoor equipment quicker than past summers.

“Basically if you see something, you buy it,” Jenkins said. “Because it won’t be there a month from now.”

One thing that has been apparent, is more people taking a deeper interest in caring for their lawn.

“Gardening has been huge. People are spending a lot of time fixing up their yards because their spending a lot more time looking at their yards, rather than going out to the lake,” Jenkins said.

Equipment like trampolines and outdoor above-ground pools have been delayed at both locations due to the container ship being stuck in the canal.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8