Reginans stock up on snow blowers ahead of first snow fall

If the weather forecast is correct–which it always is–Saskatchewan is primed to get its first real sniff of winter with Environment Canada calling for snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

Many people in Regina aren’t waiting for the flakes to fly to get prepared. Co-op Home Centre manager Jim Anderson is certainly seeing high sales of snow blowers.

“The push is on this year already. We’ve probably sold about five times more than we usually sell this time of year,” he said.

Over the last three weeks, Anderson says customers have been actively trying to get out ahead of winter, possibly using past years as a reminder.

“I think it stems back to a few years ago with all the snow. We ran out of snow blowers. A lot of the places in the city ran out of snow blowers. People are jumping the gun getting ready.”

While the snow clearing devices seem to be rolling out quickly, Anderson said shovels and other winter accessories like ice melt aren’t seeing the same interest. He figures they’ll start to move of the shelves once the snow actually hits.

Richard Garnsey and his wife Antonia Rosic were shopping inside the store Tuesday afternoon and despite being in the snow blower aisle, the pair insist they’re ready.

“I just accept it when it comes, that’s all,” said Garnsey. “I’m used to it because I’ve been here, what, 77 years. I was born here. So you get used to what to do and that.”

“I love winter. It’s very long but it kills all the germs,” added Rosic.

The couple said besides immigrants and others new to Saskatchewan’s winters, there should be no excuses for not being ready and prepared for the snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures.