SAULT STE. MARIE -- While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a hit on the entire economy, several Sault Ste. Marie bike stores say it's keeping them extra busy.
Right now, bike sales are booming right across the country, a trend that's no different in the Sault.
"I think it's awesome that people are picking up this new hobby, getting outdoors instead of being stuck inside," said Jan Roubel, owner of Velorution. "We're certainly seeing that just in the month of May, with it being crazy here!"
Roubel says sales at his store throughout the month of May have increased in comparison to last year.
"We're seeing a lot of newcomers around the shop, not just those in need of tune-ups or repairs," he added.
The same can be said for the Duke of Windsor Sports Shop, with sales remaining steady.
In fact, the store is doing so well, that it's beginning to reopen on the weekends to meet the demand.
"Which is awesome, you know. So, I think it's always been a good thing. I think now, even more so, because of what we're going through, it's even better," said Tracey Theriault, co-owner of the sports shop.
Theriault says she believes restrictions on how businesses can operate during the pandemic also plays into the stores' favour.
"Since we closed the showroom and starting taking appointments only, there's really not much browsing going on," Theriault said. "The customers come in knowing exactly what bike they want, making sales really quick and easy."
