Atlantic Chapter UpdateThe Atlantic Chapter will hold a sales training course in the upcoming year and plans to hold another Golf Tournament in May (or Texas Hold'em if the weather doesn't cooperate). Atlantic Chapter Survey ResultsHearthAfter hearing about the incredibly busy season hearth is experiencing this year we decided to do an informal survey of members across each region to find out how their season is going. We surveyed eleven randomly selected retailers from around the Atlantic region and found the following: Overall dealers have found this season to be busier than last year with an average increase of 25% in store traffic. 36.5% found store traffic to be far heavier compared with the 2004 season Wood appliance sales increased an estimated average of 21% increase with the highest increase reported at 40% and the lowest at 0%. Wait times for installation of a wood appliance averaged 2.7 weeks with the highest reported at 6 weeks and the lowest at 1 week. Pellet appliance sales increased an average of 61%. All eleven of the dealers we contacted sell pellet appliances. Two dealers reported they ran out of stock and were unable to get more at that time. Wait time for installation was an average of 2.7 weeks. Gas appliances were reported to have increased approximately 4% while propane was down 7%. Only four dealers surveyed carried gas appliances and the results varied dramatically by province with one Nova Scotia dealer reporting a 50% increase and another reporting similar sales to 2004. In New Brunswick gas appliance sales were down 15% - 20%. Wait time for installation averaged 2.5 weeks. Electric fireplace sales were down 7%. Oil appliances were down 17%. We also asked if pellet fuel was readily available in the dealer's area because of rumours that pellets were in short supply. 73% of dealers reported pellets were available in their area and 27% reported they were not available. We asked for comments from the participating dealers and received the following: Can't get enough pellet stoves Have pellet fuel stock now but supply is very limited - people are panicking and buying far more than normal. Could have sold far more pellet stoves but ran out of stock quickly and can't get anymore. BarbecueThe HPBAC Communication Committee was interested in knowing how many dealers sell barbecues year-round so we asked our sample of retailers some questions relating to barbecues as well. 90% of dealers surveyed sell barbecues Thank you to all retailers who participated in our survey. We appreciate your help, especially during this busy season.
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