The demand for patio heaters has risen so much that retailers have been struggling to keep them in stock, according to the Retail Council Canada.
The council's vice-president of public affairs,
“We want to be able to extend that enjoyment through the fall and into the winter if we can, and I know we’re not gonna be comfortable doing that inside,” said
She said she looked for a patio heater at several retailers but took some time finding one.
"A lot of the smaller and electrical models that I looked at and were not as expensive were sold out at a lot of places,"
One of those retailers, Home Depot Canada, told
Communications manager
Haw said Home Depot saw the most significant increase back in May or June, when COVID-19 lockdowns had just started, and again in September, “as customers look to extend the season and remain outdoors.”
But the demand for patio heaters is not just coming from homeowners. There is also a big demand for them for commercial spaces such as bars and restaurants, according to Littler.
"Anything they can do to lengthen the (patio) season in which they can be open is a big deal," said Littler.
The
“Every little bit helps.... (I'm) glad that they’re keeping the program going.”
This report by
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