news-record.com

HIGH POINT (MCT) — The hottest items on the shelves this summer are the ones that are keeping shoppers cool in the unusually high temperatures, local retailers said.

While the heat has lowered foot traffic in some stores during what is usually the slowest season of the year for retail, it's also boosted sales for the chilliest of items like refrigerators and air conditioning units, said John Capes, store manager at Sears at Oak Hollow Mall.

''This is the time of year when you see a lot of new (appliance) lines come out," Capes said. "Our air conditioning unit sales have definitely trended upward, more so than last year. Summer items in general have done well."

Patio furniture, grilling accessories and freezers also have been a big hit this year, a sign that people may be continuing the trend of entertaining at their homes instead of vacationing or going out, Capes said. But, realistically, he also said they're continuing to limit their spending.

''People are still being very mindful of their dollars," he said. "We see people come in and shop around and then tell us they'll be back."

While new, energy-efficient appliance lines have helped sales at the store, other best-selling items from summers past have lost their steam in recent years.

New pool construction, for example, has seen declines in the United States since 2005, according to The Associated Press.

The trend can be seen at local pool shops like B&H Pool and Patio Shop on W. Market Center Drive in High Point, where pool service calls and maintenance have seen steady business but construction has taken a dive.

''The people that already have pools are still buying stuff, but as far as new construction, it has definitely slowed," said Verna Harris, president of the company. "In the retail store (where supplies are sold), we're doing pretty good. We have a charcoal grill that we sell, and sales have been up on that. But (pool) construction has slowed in the last two years."

Last summer, an assistant manager at City Lake swimming pool reported a nearly $10,000 increase in revenue from pool memberships. While sales haven't increased this year, they've stayed on track with last year, according to another manager.