'More snow always helps': Lack of snow means lull in sales for some
Laura Meader | CBC News | Posted: January 30, 2017 10:00 PM | Last Updated: January 30, 2017
Retailers hoping for snow to boost sales of winter products
The ground is bare, with only a trace of snow after a warmer and rainy January — leading to a lull for some retailers who sell snow-related wares.
- 'A lot of rain': Island deals with wet weather following storm
- The right gear can help you stay upright in icy conditions
At Home Hardware in Charlottetown, shelves are loaded with shovels, sleds, and other wintery products.
"People do wait until the weather comes to buy them," said assistant manager Tammy Clory.
She said salt is selling well, but not much else.
"The weather dictates what our customers buy."
More rain leaves ground bare
There is less snow than usual this year, said CBC meteorologist Kalin Mitchell.
He said data from the Charlottetown Airport shows 61.2 cm of snow has fallen this January. The 30 year climate normal is 73.3 cm.
- Where ice is nice: Skating on frozen ponds, outdoor rinks a winter tradition
- Let it snow! P.E.I. farmers say crops need shelter from winter weather
He said last January saw a similar amount of snow — 61.6 cm — and a similar mean temperature, however there was significantly less rain, leaving more snow on the ground.
"Warmer temperatures and more rain have resulted in low amounts of snow on the ground across the Maritimes," he said.
'Plenty of time for snow to come'
Sporting goods stores are also feeling the change in weather.
"It slows it down a little bit, but there's still plenty of time for snow to come," said Ben Instone, a manager at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown.
"More snow always helps," he said.
It isn't essential, however.
Wayne Ellis was picking up a pair of skis for his 4-year-old granddaughter. He said his family usually travels to other locations to ski.
"The fact that we don't have a whole lot of snow right now, doesn't really affect much."
Local festival making snow
The annual Jack Frost Children's Winterfest doesn't start until Feb. 24, but organizers are already making snow for the attraction.
Organizers said at this point there is no overall effect on the festival, and temperatures are cold enough to keep the snow from melting.
"Obviously the conditions aren't optimal," said Laurel Lea, a board member with the festival.
Lea said they aren't overly concerned at this point, and that ticket sales are going well.
"We'll just keep hoping that some snow makes its way to Charlottetown in the near future,"
Mitchell said light snow and flurries are expected Wednesday into Thursday with about 5 to 10 cms.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Let's hear it for the boys: More boys than girls born on P.E.I. in 2016
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | 'Opening the barn doors': 360-degree tour of P.E.I. dairy farm