The following report is from Victor Calderon of public radio station KAWC in Yuma, Ariz.
While many locally owned businesses have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, one industry doing surprisingly well in Yuma is sales of RVs – up more than 35 percent from last year, according to some analysts.
KAWC visited a local RV dealer to find out more about RV life and what people are buying. Meanwhile, local tourism officials see an opportunity in new domestic travelers.
RV World is one of Yuma’s largest locally owned businesses for sales of campers, travel trailers and other recreational vehicles. While some retailers have had to reduce hours and staff during the pandemic, or even close for good, RV World owner Mike Green says sales have been surprisingly steady all year.
“We’re fortunate the RV business for us has been brisk,” Green told KAWC. “The RV lifestyle is good for families because there are not a lot of options for people to get out of their house.”
Green says summer sales were higher than expected. He says business is still brisk now and many customers are new.
“There are more first-time buyers than I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been in the business for about 30 years,” Green said.
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