Image Credit: Pixabay
July 04, 2020 - 3:52 PM
As COVID-19 restrictions have eased in B.C., Kamloops and Okanagan RV companies are reporting an increase in sales, with some months beating out last year's numbers.
In Penticton, Midtown RV has been so busy that they haven’t had time to get the sales numbers yet, said general manager George Stayberg.
“We’re definitely busier than we were last year, it’s the whole industry. The issue is going to be a lack of supply. Our orders right now instead of being four months, they’re six to eight months, so that’s going to be the big issue for us,” he said.
Across Canada and in the U.S. RV companies have reported an increase in sales as North Americans want to get outside.
READ MORE: Despite pandemic, Indiana's RV industry sees demand surge
In May, B.C.’s online booking website for provincial campgrounds crashed due to the high volume of customers.
READ MORE: B.C. government says sorry as camping reservation system overwhelmed
Len Bourjeault, general manager with South Thompson Motors & RV in Kamloops, says it's been a strange year.
“It’s really refreshing that our service department is really busy and the sales is kind of like a seasonal normal. Usually, we’re going crazy this time of year but if you throw the pandemic on it, it is a surprise that we are so busy,” he said.
In June, the dealership saw a 20 per cent increase in sales compared to June 2019, he said.
But when averaging numbers from March and April with fewer sales, that means the business is just back on track for the year, he said.
With more people travelling less via plane, British Columbians are exploring the outdoors near their homes, he said.
“There are some new clients that aren’t just upgrading that are buying a trailer for the first time and heading out,” he said. “The biggest message I’m hearing from customers right now is that there’s not enough campgrounds.”
To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2020