Economy not affecting sales of outdoor gear
What recession? The country's economic downturn has actually seemed to help increase business in the outdoor gear industry, according to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).
According to National Public Radio (NPR), the outdoor gear industry reported that sales dipped only 2 percent last year and are up more than 8 percent this year, topping overall retail sales.
OIA president Frank Hugelmeyer told NPR that the recession seems to have inspired more people to get away from it all.
"People go back to outdoor activities, they go to close-to-home recreation, they go to affordable family vacations, and that's our industry," Hugelmeyer told the news provider.
According to a 2008 survey done by international travel and tourism research firm PKF Consulting, a typical family can save anywhere from 27 percent to 61 percent by taking an RV vacation compared to other types of vacations.
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) agrees, saying that many people claim that the affordability of outdoor vacations is a big draw, especially in tough economic times.
"RV travel continues to appeal to people looking to save money and cut costs," said RVIA president Richard Coon. "RVers get a bigger bang for their buck than they get from other types of vacations."
