Pool and trampoline retailers see sales increase while outdoor venues remain closed

School is out, summer is approaching, but some family vacations are canceled and public pools are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The search for fun at-home activities has begun, and many are searching for something to do.

Dennis White, president of Family Leisure, said the uptick in sales was something they were already expecting due to the growing economy before the coronavirus hit. The store’s late spring and early summer sales have jumped more than expected despite the overall drop in retail sales across the country.

“We were actually planning on a really big summer because of the fact that the economy was going so well, and with good weather, we knew that there would be a high demand,” White said. “The demand obviously increased with the closing of all the public pools and people trying to figure out what they are going to do with their family this summer.”

According to USA Facts, furniture and home furnishings stores saw a 26.8% decrease in sales from February to March. For Family Leisure, 10440 S. Ridgeview Road in Olathe, as April’s warm weather continued, the number of customers wanting to buy pools increased.

“Really over the last six weeks, we’ve done more in sales than we have in past summers — the whole summer of 12-16 week periods,” White said.

AQUA Magazine, a source for retailers, builders and other service professionals in the pool and spa industry, published an article stating the applications for one company’s home improvement loans had increased by almost 100% from the first of the year to April.

The demand for above-ground pools isn’t the only thing that’s increased. White said sales for all of Family Leisure’s products have grown.

“Family Leisure, the name kind of says what we do and people are trying to find family time and things to do,” White said. “So, consequently, playgrounds have seen a spike. Hot tubs have seen a spike. We do everything that you will do in your backyard or your basement. That is where people are having family time.”

Rainbow of the Heartland, 307 N. Burch St. in Olathe, focuses on outdoor play equipment for kids. Owner Tom Armstrong said he’s seen a “definite uptick” in sales this year. Rainbow of the Heartland has two locations — the other is in Iowa — and Armstrong said trampolines are the hottest ticket across the country right now.

“We get calls from California, New York and New Jersey in both of my stores on a daily basis for people looking for trampolines,” Armstrong said. “We are a 14-week wait time right now (for trampolines). That is not unique to me. That is across the country.”

White said Family Leisure has sold out of some pool designs but the company should be able keep a stock available through the end of July. He’s more concerned about the number of installation crews they currently have available.

“It’s really our capacity to be able to put in the pools is where we’re struggling the most,” White said. “While we are selling out of several pools and several sizes, we still do have enough pools to make it through.”

Armstrong said the same thing. When The Star first reached out for comment from Rainbow of the Heartland, all managers were out of the store doing installations.

“I’ve got a couple sales people in the store, but for the most part, anybody that I’ve got is out doing installs right now,” Armstrong said.

White and Armstrong said they had to adjust how they approach customer service. With the increase of masks worn in public, White said it’s hard to read the facial cues of his customers.

“It’s been a real challenge because when we wear it’s hard for people to hear us a lot of times,” White said. “When people are wearing masks, a lot of times when you’re doing sales, you’re reading facial cues from people and what their reaction is. And now, their eyes get big and we don’t know if their eyes get big because they’re excited or get big because they’re shocked by delivery time or something like that.”

Still, he’s happy to be providing customers with alternatives because the coronavirus pandemic has already affected so much of everyday life.

“Most people are coming here because they’re trying to find a way around it and trying to find something fun to do. That’s why they’re coming to us,” White said.