While seasonal weather patterns in 2014 have had a larger-than-normal impact on the lawn and garden industry, GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance business, a leading provider of financing to the lawn and garden industry, says the industry today is healthy, with dealer financing volume up 9% year to date in the United States and 12% in Canada.  

“The long winter and late spring this year contributed to strong snow-products sales but a slow start for lawncare products,” said Mike Horak, president of CDF’s outdoor products group. “I expect robust ordering of snow products for next year to replenish depleted inventories.  And, since mower sales stabilized after that slow start, our outdoor products dealers are in good shape as we head into the end of the year.”

CDF outdoor products dealer portfolio data shows U.S. inventory turnover running at a strong annual rate of over 2X, and inventory-aging rates, reflecting inventory over 18 months old, also healthy at only 7%. The Canadian market is seeing stronger signs, as inventory turnover is 3X, and inventory-aging rates are 5%. Generally improving macroeconomic drivers like consumer spending and housing starts are also giving dealers more confidence.