Sports retailers are relying on an increased interest in cross-country skiiing and other actitivies for sales during this winter season.  (Submitted photo/Leisure TIme Sports Excellence)

By Josh Ryan

Winter leisure

Outdoor sports, team orders critical for retailers

Nov 25, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Restrictions brought on from Public Health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic have kept Saskatchewan citizens from participating in many athletic pursuits in 2020, promoting other winter past times to newcomers.

Several retailers across the province who sell winter sports equipment have seen a surge in sales in skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor sports. Mark Buziak, manager at Leisure Time Sports Excellence North Battleford, said the increased interest has been huge for the store.

“Cross Country Skiing has definitely been going strong this fall and winter season,” he said.

Buziak said they’re getting a real mix of regulars, people looking to buy skis for the first time and some needing their old stock.

‘Some newcomers are wanting to take up cross country skiing and skeet and snow shooting,” he said. “We also have repeat customers from years back who started taking winter vacations and now want new stuff.”

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One of the issues stores will face is running low on equipment for cross-country skiing. Buziak said they are hoping for Table Mountain to open, as they can provide selection for downhill snowboarding and skiing.

“It’s a seasonal market,” he said. “Everything on our end is spoken for months ahead of time, so suppliers couldn’t even react in time.”

However, not every store has been able to find profits in outdoor sports. Glen Winkler, owner of Atomic Source for Sports in Meadow Lake, said they have struggled since having to shut down in the spring and are still having trouble with inventory.

“What we do sell we can’t get back on the rack in order and some of our orders were late coming in, so restocking the shelves is a challenge,” he said.

Making an investment in cross-country skiing is something Winkler has considered with increased interest, with so many people who normally go south for the winter staying here. However, because of the lack of knowledge and experience with the sport and its gear, the store won’t be able to do that currently.

“We’ve got great opportunities in the area,” Winkler said. “I’m not sure we can do that this season, but we’re looking at that in the future.”

The biggest saving graces is team orders and masks. Winkler said the staff is doing an excellent job of maintaining volume and selling to groups.

“We have two embroidery machines and a heat press machine and they stay busy,” he said. “So that’s a big part of the business now with hockey slowing down.”

Winkler said he hopes the demand for masks will decrease down the road as the pandemic, as they look for new ideas amid the evolving situation. He also thanked residents who’ve supported the businesses, saying COVID-19’s effect on retail businesses has brought the importance of shopping local front and center.

“Giving some thought to giving local [business owners] an opportunity to match the price is what the bricks and mortar people need.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports