Winnipeg Free Press
Manitobans flock to great outdoors amid lockdown, creating boon for shops specializing in winter fun
Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press
Olympia Cycle and Ski owner Brian Burke says he has seen a massive surge in ski sales as Manitobans have been taking to the outdoors amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
COVID-19 may have closed gymnasiums and stopped snowbirds from driving across the border to warmer climes, but there is one sector booming during this pandemic: sales in winter sports and recreation equipment.
COVID-19 may have closed gymnasiums and stopped snowbirds from driving across the border to warmer climes, but there is one sector booming during this pandemic: sales in winter sports and recreation equipment.
WINNIPEG With the pandemic restrictions cancelling all indoor sports in the province, Manitobans are turning to the outdoors for some fresh air. At Sampson s Sporting Life, the phone has been ringing off the hook. Dean Sampson, the owner of the store, said with it being open for curbside pickup - business has been booming. The hottest ticket item is cross-country skis, said Sampson. You just can t keep them in stock. On a hunch that winter sports would be popular amid the pandemic, Sampson ordered five times the amount of stock he usually does back in April. It s a gamble he said is paying off.