Camping gear sales late

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 9

Camping gear sales late

Holiday makers seem in no hurry to buy camping gear this summer, and some shops are bracing themselves for a possible last-minute rush. The biggest campinggear shop in Christchurch, John McEwing, Ltd, is turning away about eight people a day who want caravan awnings. The manager (Mr R. M. Webb) said the shop could not make any more before Christmas. "It has happened with awnings, and the same thing is going to happen with tents,” he said. Mr Webb said he was certain that the firm's supply of trailer campers would well out before Christmas — but. different

models were available in I other shops. Another awning manu- ■ facturer, Sollitt and 1 Selkeld, Ltd, said it was I not turning people away, j but its ability to satisfy I demand was limited be- • cause an awning took up to three days to make. Other camping suppliers spoken to had only moderate sales, and most blamed the bad weather at the beginning of summer for a ; slow start. People seem to be get- ■ ting in early to hire tents. < Mr Webb said that all ! his firm’s ,12ft by 12ft I tents were booked for the j holidays, and that only a | few 9ft by 9ft tents re- I mained. It had other tents j available.