MONCTON – Business owners in Moncton are feeling the impact of the snow at their cash registers. Some are cashing in, while others are suffering.
Jim Goguen at Consolvo Bikes says sales of winter sports gear are up by at least 30 per cent.
“The walls are fairly empty,” he said. “We’ve had fantastic winter sales for sure.”
On the other hand, pre-spring sales of bicycles have been flat. Last year at this time Goguen says he couldn’t keep bicycle gear in stock.
“Last year by comparison we were going on our outdoor road bike rides next week. I don’t see that coming,” he said. “So thank goodness for winter business for us.”
Meanwhile some retailers along Moncton’s downtown say the weather has been bad for business. Retail stores and restaurants say foot traffic is down and they’ve had to close several times this year because of storms.
Customers are also complaining about the lack of parking. Chuck Bates says getting downtown this year has not been convenient at all.
“I circled at least two or three times looking for a spot and I seen all the coverings on the metres that say no parking,” he said.
There have been so many storms, parking metres are often buried.
Katie Foran says the lack of parking and deep snow have been big deterrents for her customers at C’est La Vie, the coffee shop where she works.
“It’s less busy all around,” she said. “Having no parking out front and in the nearest areas, it’s a little bit dead here.”
Retailer Steve Clerk says his sales have not been impacted by the snow and that the city is doing the best job it can clearing snow.
“The city workers are working hard, doing a really good job,” he said. “Our sidewalks are nice and clear.”
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