Winter Equipment Sales | Video

Alex Hagan | 12/28/2012

Last year was a mild winter, at least for North Dakota standards. Some businesses that sell winter equipment didn`t enjoy it all that much, but this year has been a different story.

Tony Gross has already found himself clearing his driveway and sidewalks quite a bit this year. Today was the fifth time in the past two months he`s brought out the snow blower. "As far as last year, I think I probably used the snow blower more this year than I did all of last year."

Mark Wagner was out shopping for the best deal on a new snow blower. His new home has a three car driveway and it`s a lot bigger than his previous one. "We`re finally having a typical winter and we`re getting more and more snow and I`m finding that my older snow blower hasn`t been keeping up with what we`ve got."

Bismarck has already received more snow this year than last, and sales for stores like Lowes is much better. Snow blowers, along with shovels and scrapers, are flying off the shelves. "Once people saw that we we`re going to get snow. That`s kind of initiated a lot of the sales this year," said department manager Alan Stumpf.

While this winter hasn`t been as brutal as some in the past, Lowes employees say they have had a steady influx of customers.

"I like these normal winters. This is a lot more relaxing year. Actually get to talk to the customers about the products," Stumpf said.

Planet Powersportz is a popular destination for snowmobile buyers. Surprisingly, sales haven`t been as good this year, more customers came out last year.

"Sales last year were great up until Thanksgiving. Expecting a crazy winter again," said manager Jason Bouman.

Much of their business has come from service. Those who brought snowmobiles last year have come in to have them fixed for this winter.

"A lot of tune-ups since we didn`t get to ride last year, a lot of people are bring their sleds in getting ready for this year. Hopefully we get a little more snow," Bouman said.

If there is more snow, Wagner hopes to be ready for it. "For me, a bigger snow blower with a wider cut is going to help clear that driveway a little faster and get it off there."

As long as the snow sticks around, winter equipment will remain a popular purchase.

Lowes employees have also noticed customers buying more leaf blowers because so far, the snow has been light and powdery.

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