Some businesses experience an uptick during COVID-19 pandemic

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Credit: WINK News.

While COVID-19 has disrupted some businesses, others are experiencing an uptick.

At Fishtale Boats in south Fort Myers, sales have doubled in April, May and June.

“Typically, on our property, we have about 160 boats,” general manager Ray Jahn said. “Right now, we’re in the mid-twenties if we’re lucky.”

Jahn added they’re seeing a lot of first-time buyers with money to spend.

“They’re not out traveling or spending the money at places like Disney World or things like that. It’s more family togetherness,” Jahn said.

Brittany and Brandon Steinberger of Estero said they recently purchased a boat because their online business is seeing more traffic. They own Carve Craftworks, which sells 3-D optical illusion lamps.

“Once this whole [COVID-19] thing started and people started being at home, our sales actually increased,” Brandon said.

MarineMax, a different boat retailer, told WINK News over the phone it’s seeing an uptick in sales as well.

Gary Matern, part owner of O’Brien Auto Park, said his team was prepared for the worst. They adjusted their inventory levels, keeping cars from coming in.

“The sales people were nervous in the beginning, but they are overwhelmed now,” Matern said.

That’s because drivers are coming in and taking advantage of financing deals like 0% interest for up to 84 months.

A chain furniture store in Fort Myers told WINK over the phone that their May is up 25% from last year.

Matern says he’s been in the industry for more than 35 years, never before seeing offers like these.

“The month of May was up 21% year over year, so we were amazed but very thankful,” Matern said, “June so far is tracking at about 12% ahead of last year.”

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