Since Phase two of the Province's Re-Open plan began on May 19, sporting goods stores have enjoyed steady business. (Submitted photo/Freedom Skate & Snow)

By Josh Ryan

Business is Steady

Sporting goods stores enjoying positive reopening

Jun 2, 2020 | 5:36 PM

Despite the widespread cancellation of athletic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sporting goods stores are seeing enough business come through to manage current economic strife.

After retail establishments opened as part of Phase two of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan on May 19, there’s been a steady influx of customers. Alanna Tucker, owner of Freedom Skate & Snow in North Battleford, had some trepidation about opening and enforcing precautionary measures. However, she was put at ease quickly.

“It was the perfect opening week,” she said. “It stayed steady all day and we didn’t have crowds in the store.”

Tucker said she’s had steady business since, with many customers eager to get out of the house, as well as avoid delays in online shopping.

“With shipping times being so unpredictable, I think people have come out to check out shops in town and see what we have.”

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As the province continues to slowly reopen, anticipation could heighten between gyms and fitness centres opening in limited capacity for Phase three on June 8 and indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in Phase four, which currently has no announced date.

“Kids getting back into their sports and being able to practice and play,” Tucker said. “That’s going to be huge.”

Youth sports coming back would have a significant impact on businesses like Snipe and Celly Pro Shop in Meadow Lake. Manager Clay DeBray said large sales from groups and organizations made prior to the pandemic, have helped the store stay afloat.

“400 hoodies for an organization, 300 hats for another,” DeBray said “That got us through.”

Since Phase two, Snipe and Celly has also seen a steady flow of customers and orders. Despite no organized competitions going on, baseball gloves and bats, golf clubs, rollerblades and many other forms of sports equipment are selling. DeBray said golf courses opening and families wanting to find ways to keep their kids active are likely a major reason for the uptick.

“Our golf sales have had a huge impact lately,” he said. “It’s been very positive.”

Despite no organized sports taking place, Snipe and Celly Pro Shop in Meadow Lake continue to sell equipment, especially golf gear. (Submitted photo/Snipe and Celly Pro Shop)

When the province decides to announce the start of Phase four will signal another wave of customers. DeBray said he hopes they can open arenas soon to allow controlled numbers of kids for skills camps, which he runs out of Pineridge Ford Place Arena.

“We need to look after the mental and physical wellbeing of our kids,” he said. “And if we can provide these kinds of programs that would be great.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports