ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With more than 100 vendors the Green Bay RV and Camping Expo has something for just about everyone, but getting outdoors may bring some challenges too — like supply chain issues and the economy.
From bright yellow kayaks to the latest in camp chairs, Zak Aubert tells FOX 11 Wind Rose North Outfitters provides a customized outdoors experience.
“It’s exciting to get people out doing what they love to do, and getting them well-equipped to do that.”
Aubert says there are some challenges running his shop in Menominee, Michigan.
“Safety shoes are kind of tough to get. I could be with one vendor, we’re out 30 days before we even see it, if we ordered today. There’s a couple hiccups in the supply chain. Kayaks are starting to get better, although the Old Town AutoPilots are still facing a chip shortage. They’re still able to push out some boats but not the volume that they otherwise would. Is it frustrating? It can be.”
Aubert is a vendor at the Green Bay RV and Camping Expo at the Resch Expo.
Inside the hall, Scott Struebing says Van Boxtel RV has 14 campers and travel trailers ready for the show.
“One good thing is it no longer takes eight months to a year to get a camper if you order it. We can now get it in four to eight weeks. So, that’s really great for the customer.”
Struebing says inflation and prices are starting to stabilize.
“That’s actually settled down, for campers anyway. Inflation — there’s no longer inflation. The prices are definitely coming down. So, that helps.”
But Aubert says his costs are still going up.
“The inflation numbers that the media’s telling us, sorry about that, they’re saying it’s lower, but it’s significantly high. I’ve seen 20 to 30% increases, and then you couple that with our utility bills. Our utility bill went up 30% at the store.”
He says he makes adjustments where he can.
“But I think at the end of the day, we’re all Americans, and we know that getting out and supporting each other’s businesses is very important,” said Aubert.
The Green Bay RV and Camping Expo runs through Sunday.
