Festool must be doing well

[HowardH]

This is purely an anecdotal observation but both the Rockler and Woodcraft stores in my area were completely wiped out of almost all their Festool inventory, primarily sanders over the Christmas holidays.  Including the display models.  I haven't ever seen them so low on inventory. I spoke to the Woodcraft manager and he said 2020, pandemic and all, was the best year ever for their Festool sales.  They were way up. Looks like a lot of folks have caught the green bug. 

 

[shed9]

I suspect there will be a multitude of reasons for the sale of pro tools.

I'm aware of a few people being made redundant over here in the UK due to COVID who are using their redundancy cash to reinvent themselves as carpenters and kitchen fitters, etc. These are people with little to no experience within that professional environment.

That said, it's all relevant in that the world has changed.

 

[kevinculle]

In addition to the stay at home boost to the DIY market the housing construction industry is having a record year.

 

[mkasdin]

In addition to the stay at home boost to the DIY market the housing construction industry is having a record year.

Work From Home turned into Fix Home. So things got fixed and replaced. Interiors got painted, cabinet makeovers, bathrooms, swimming pools, divorces. Yep, people started watching YT videos and figured they could DIY their house.  Festool was on the receiving end. The local dealers in LA recently got their Festool back orders in from October/November. Sanders, Dominos, Drills, etc

 

[Bertotti]

The biggest part of the problem in my neck of the prairie is it is incredibly hard to get replacement stock. It took almost 2 months to get my RO150. My local Festool dealer is having big problems getting their orders in. Over here we figured it was because the areas Festool produces in are shut down but no one really knows. I know they have orders in, but they just aren't receiving them.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Festool production is way down due to corona lockdown, I don't see how that is "doing well". Of course your stores look empty, once something is sold, it isn't replaced.

 

[DeformedTree]

Lack of product to sell from production shortages and lack of product to buy due to extreme sales look the same from a customer point of view.

 

[jimbo51]

I saw a note from the Systainer Store that Tanos is selling a large number of insulated units because they work well for local delivery of Covid19 vaccines.

 

[Spandex]

Festool production is way down due to corona lockdown, I don't see how that is "doing well". Of course your stores look empty, once something is sold, it isn't replaced.

To be fair, the OP said the store manager confirmed their Festool sales were up in 2020, so it’s not just a case of low stock.

I suspect it will be a mixture of the two in reality - higher than usual sales clearing the shelves, and Covid issues affecting production, meaning Festool can’t keep up with the increased demand.