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everything at the
goods, a check with five local dealers indicates.
Santa will be having to make his way down the chimney
wearing a backpack and carrying a sleeping bag. And a pair
of skis or a tennis racket might be hard to fit in the typical
stocking.
Yet, these items and winter clothing are expected to sell
well during the holidays.
Backpacking interest
Spokesmen for Bivouac, Sports Corner, and the Surplus
Center report that increased interest in backpacking and
other outdoor activities has increased sales.
Tennis rackets and equipment have been booming at
Lawlor's and Ken Harding, spokesmen said.
'The basic thing we've been selling has been goose-down
coats," said Dave Bubes, manager of Bivouac.
He said he hopes to be selling a lot of cross country
skiing equipment this fall also.
"It's one of the fastest growing sports because it's so
cheap and you can still get the fun of skiing," Bubes said.
One can participate in the sport for less than $100 and
not have to worry about transportation to downhill skiing
areas, ski lift tickets or other tolls, he said.
Bivouac also sells a full line of backpacking equipment.
Alternative to hotels
"Because it costs so much to stay at a hotel, many are
thinking about alternative ways to enjoy themselves,"
Bubes said. "The way is to get off by themselves."
He reported that backpacking is growing faster now than
bicycling was at its peak.
Bivouac also carries Raichle and Fabian hiking boots for
between $30 and $80, woolen blankets made by the Amana
religious colony in Iowa for between $15 and $20, flannel
shirts, sweaters and similar clothing items, Bubes said.
Tennis rackets and accessories are expected to be the
biggest selling items at Kep Harding's Sporting Goods,
according to spokesman Cliff Squires.
He said the store apparently has had no letdown in
tennis sales since summer.
Golf and soccer
Golf equipment also has "caught on pretty big among
kids," and soccer sales have increased, according to Squires.
Lawlor's boasts two complete ski shops in its two stores.
according to Rae Lugan, administrative assistant to store
coowner Mike Lawlor.
Besides sales, the shops offer services such as sharpening,
mounting, engraving and hot wax, Lugan said.
She said Lawlors has, and is expecting to sell, tennis
rackets, ski clothing (jackets, gloves, sweaters and caps),
backpacks and light camping gear.
Exercise equipment
"Exercise equipment like weight sets, benches and slant
boards are popular at this time of year also," Lugan said.
She said she believes people are now looking for better
quality things that will last "in these days when things are
so expensive.
"It makes a lot of sense to get a lot of value for the
dollars you spend because even the so-called cheaper item is
going to cost you a lot of dollars," she said .
Sports Corner manager Mike Holthaus said his store sells
"basically everything," but he expects more practical items
like gloves to sell as gifts.
Gift certificates
Sports Corner sells many gift certificates during the holi
day season, which can be obtained for any amount and can
be used to buy anything, according to Holthaus.
He said they sell Hanson ski boots among others.
Vasque hiking boots also have sold well at Sports
Corner, he said.
Sports Corner deals in ski sweaters and clothing and
rents as well as sells skiing equipment, Holthaus said.
Down jackets
The Surplus Center is anticipating holiday sales from its
line of down jackets, manager Jan Perrin said.
Perrin said Surplus Center sticks with basic stock during
the holidays.
"We don't buy special gift trinkets for sale at Christmas
time," he said. "I hope people become more realistic at
Christmas (in their gift buying). When a person has to go
out looking and they get some gimcrack item as a gift, then
I think it's time to quit."
Surplus Center offers a full line of camping equipment,
hiking boots and clothing, Perrin said.
They also have fishing equipment and sell "quite a few
guns" at this time of year, he said.
"
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We're sure you'll find what you're looking
pottery and macrame hangers
quilts and stuffed pillows
Christmas decorations
purses and jewelry
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fine clothing
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