Prairie Chapter UpdatePrairie 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 eight 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 13% in store traffic. 25% found store traffic to be far heavier compared with the 2004 season Wood appliance sales increased an estimated average of 24% with the highest increase reported at 50% and the lowest at 5%. Wait times for installation of a wood appliance averaged 2.6 weeks with the highest reported at 4 weeks and the lowest at 2 days. Pellet appliance sales increased an average of 76%. Four of the dealers we contacted sell pellet appliances. One dealer reported their pellet sales would have been higher if they'd been able to get more stock. Wait time for installation was an average of 2.6 weeks. Gas appliances were reported to have decreased approximately 2%. Wait time for installation averaged 2 weeks. Electric fireplace sales were down 1%. We also asked if pellet fuel was readily available in the dealer's area because of rumours that pellets were in short supply. 33% of dealers reported pellets were available in their area and 66% reported they were not available or it was difficult to find. We asked for comments from the participating dealers and received the following: Busier in different months this season. 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. 7 out of 8 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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