Estimates by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute for Model Year 2003, ending in February, indicate that snow thrower shipments slipped by 31.1 percent from the 2002 level.
The 2002 Model Year, which runs March 2002 through February 2003, indicated that shipments for snow throwers were 565,397 compared to 820,200 for the preview year. However, optimism within the industry remains. As demonstrated by recent history, the short snow thrower shipment season has always been subject to large swings in retail inventory.
Great shipment figures were posted for 2002, but retail inventory accumulated because the season was so dry and mild. This slowed snow thrower shipments during the 2003 Model Year. The recent winter season was harsh, greatly reducing the level of product inventory. And, according to the OPEI, such circumstances bode well for shipments in the current model year.
OPEI is an international trade association representing the manufacturers and their suppliers for consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment.