How Manitoba RV and boat dealers are coping with inflation
RV and boat supply shortages during the pandemic made getting the vehicles tough to obtain, but with stock back to pre-pandemic levels, other challenges are now on buyers' minds.
Nikki Spence is looking to buy an RV and boat for her family to use this summer.
"Being able to take up residence at a place that's different than in the city and just being out on the water and being outside. Just having that easily accessible," she said when asked why she wanted one.
Spence was among the attendees at the Mid Canada RV & Marine Show on Sunday.
Derek Roth, a presenter at the event, says COVID-19 sparked many to look into buying boats and RVs.
"The pandemic did many things, and one of the greatest to come out of it is that many people rediscovered the areas they live already," said Roth. "You don't have to travel great distances to enjoy the places we have here in Manitoba."
Roth said as demand increased during the pandemic, supply chain issues greatly hampered the availability of products.
"It's not just the manufacturers saying we can't provide more product. It's their manufacturers that can't provide the product. You've heard of microchips in the vehicle industry; well, there are all kinds of things."
Roth says a lot of the supply issues have been resolved, but there are still lingering challenges.
Dave Amey, a sales advisor at Transcona Trailer Sales, says his company's stock has returned to normal, but prices are still higher than before.
"We've seen a stabilization now, finally. Due to lots of reasons, as we all know, lettuce, butter, everything has gone up. Right now, we are sort of seeing a stabilization."
Another issue driving up prices is interest rates.
"It's certainly a talking point," said Amey. "They affect all of us whether you're making a purchase or it's your mortgage. You need to factor that into your budget for sure."
The Bank of Canada's key interest rate now sits at 4.25 per cent, the highest it's been since 2008.
A factor that gives potential buyers some pause.
"It certainly would influence our decision, definitely more than it would in the past," said Spence.
"They kind of suck now, but prices have gone up considerably. It's not affordable to everyone now," said Aaron Arnason, who was also at the show.
Roth said the price challenges aren't deterring buyers set to spend their summer outdoors.
"Yes, it's an increase, but if I were to calculate what it is in the difference, it's not enough to say, 'okay, we aren't going to pursue this purchase,'" he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.