Recent snowfall helps local retailer

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Despite the current economy, it seems people are still spending money when it comes to one area of retail: Snow blowers.

Lafayette Home Depot's Assistant Store Manager, Tobi Opiola, said the snow blowers have been popular with consumers.

"Snow blowers have been really popular especially with the greater snowfall amounts. We'll have more snow blower sales and especially more snow shovel sales as well as salt sales. Snow blowers, with the increased capabilities now-a-days, now they're self propelled. They'll handle more snow, they'll get the job quicker for you, so the customer is really interested in the ease of use of them now-a-days," said Opiola.

He said snow blowers would be better for older people because of their ease of use.

"Obviously the more needier people that can't use a snow shovel as much are much more inclined to buy a snow blower because of the ease of use. It's going to throw the snow by the engine, reducing the stress, especially for older people. The strain on the heart is much greater than with a snow blower," said Opiola.

Opiola pointed out not only are sales of the snow blowers up at the Home Depot Store in Lafayette, but they're up regionally as well.

"Our whole northern division is doing excellent with the crazy amounts of snowfall we've gotten this fall, or this winter I should say. Much more expected, this early. Sometimes we don't get the snow until late January or February but this year has been very strong," said Opiola.

He said he's not surprised sales are up.

"Not suprised. Again, it's something that makes it much easier. Anything that has to do with the home, making it easier has always been a good seller. The higher ticketed ones may not sell as much because they will get by with what they can on a limited budget," said Opiola.

Opiola said he's fortunate that sales have been up this year over last, however, there is always the unknown.

"Unfortunately snow blower sales are unpredictable. We've been lucky, there's been an increase every year but it all depends on the snowfall," said Opiola.

Considering you have up to 6 hours after a snowfall to shovel your sidewalk or face a possible 50 dollar fine, investing in a snowblower might be the way to go.