Snowmobile dealers find plenty of white revs up sales
December's snow has equated to brisk sales at area snowmobile dealers.
Retailers, especially those closer to the Wisconsin border, are reporting hikes in snowmobile sales. This comes after slower sales following several winters where we've seen lower than average snowfalls.
"December's snow is keeping us busy. We're definitely busier than last year," said John Covell at Lake County Power Sports in Waukegan. He expects snowmobile sales are up about 15 percent this season over last year.
"Having all this snow gets the enthusiasts' blood pumping," Covell said.
It's not just sleds. Helmets, clothing, accessories and parts to repair used snowmobiles are flying out the door, he added.
Weather and snow are the driving factors in snowmobile sales, agrees Ted Nielsen, owner of Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa.
"It's busier this year. It's all dictated by the weather," Nielsen said. He added that he has run out of certain models of snowmobiles. The average price for a snowmobile is between $7,000 and $8,000, he said.
Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, said he has found that several dealers are coming up short with merchandise.
"The dealers have to play catch-up," Klim said.
His organization, which tracks snowmobile sales, is seeing anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent increases in sales of snowmobiles and related products.
"It's too early to know the exact numbers," he said.
Smaller versions of the snowmobiles designed for young children to ride in their yards are also popular. The Ski Doo Mini-Z, designed for children ages 6 and older, sells for $2,249 at Lake County Power Sports.
Area dealers are also seeing a spike in ATV sales. The all-terrain vehicles can be used year-round. Right now shoppers are buying plows to attach to their ATVs to clear driveways and sidewalks.
Meanwhile, there are four major manufacturers of snowmobiles: Arctic Cat and Polaris Industries, both based in Minnesota; Quebec, Canada-based BRP; and Cypress, Calif.-based Yamaha Motor Corp.. The manufacturers association lists 1,840 dealers in the U.S.
The average age of a snowmobile owner is 42 with an average annual household income of $72,000, according to the manufacturers association
Cleaning the kitchen: Williams-Sonoma at Woodfield Shopping Center is closing Jan. 13.
Details were not released as to why the store will no longer operate at the Schaumburg mall. The company said it does not comment on real estate transactions.
Store employees said the store is holding liquidation sales of some display items. Electric appliances are 30 percent off, and some cookware and knives are marked 50 percent off.
Other area Williams-Sonoma stores are found at Deer Park Town Center, Wheaton Town Square, Oakbrook Center, Algonquin Commons, Geneva Commons, Old Orchard Center in Skokie, and in Naperville and Chicago.