We are edging ever closer to the end of the year and as it approaches, we here at CMS have been reflecting over a difficult year but one that fills us full of optimism moving forward. We all have faced many challenges, not just in the Motorhome or Caravan industry, but in the day to day infrastructure across many industries, However, very much like some of the biggest sectors we are starting to see a resurgence.
We are getting some tremendous feedback from Dealers nationwide that are seeing a steady footfall of customers and patrons returning in full force. Let’s look at things that have started to contribute to this:
Domestic Travel:
Statistics show that a lot of UK residents are increasingly turning to domestic tourism due to uncertainty around foreign travel. It is a trend that has breathed new life into the motorhome and caravan industry as we are providing a flexible and safe way to explore everything that the UK has to offer and more. We are seeing this also with the investment in infrastructure that has been committed to by the current government. If current plans proceed, we will see investment in camping infrastructure, which will provide more camping sites, better facilities and hopefully an increase in convenience to help with the overall experience for all members of the leisure industry.
A change in Demographic:
We no longer live in a world where Motorhoming or Caravaning is seen as purely for the older clientele. We are seeing more and more of the younger generation now joining the industry and with this an increase in new mindsets wanting to do more unique and flexible experiences. Unique, flexible experiences are a match made in heaven with the leisure industry and so a massive new segment opens up in the market causing an increase in popularity of Compact and sub 3.5 tonne motorhomes.
A digital world:
We live in a world where everything is no further away than a finger tip with devices like phones and tablets becoming part of our everyday lives. This has revolutionised the Motor industry as a whole. Whether it’s a car or a motorhome, an option to one click buy is never far away, leading to a new, more diverse audience of people who find themselves impulsively pulled into the leisure industry. From a business point of view it helps massively change business models to allow for virtual tours, online consultations and direct sales mean a broader reach to the audience, something that has been so important this year.
A renewed sense of community:
The motorhome community has always had a strong sense of belonging and always helps to reinvigorate a struggling market. We are still seeing the same people on forecourts coming back year after year because they value the experience that all of you guys provide. This renewed sense of community has been heightened by the rise in popularity of forums and manufacturer groups as they share experiences and work together to ensure everyone has the right information for a potential purchase.
As we approach the new year, it’s important to harness positive trends and capitalise on innovative practises to help boost engagement strategies for customers. Together, we can strengthen our market presence and capture the demand for Motorhomes and Caravans Nationwide. Together we can buck the trend of the uncertainty of the economy and help find the sweet spot for stock lists to ensure that the right stock is in the right place at the right time. We are here to help with that.
There are so many positives to take into the new year, with dealers boasting record sales in October and a very strong start to December. So let’s hope that the weather at the beginning of the year starts off sunny & mild so that we see the forecourts full of potential deals.
Thank you all for your continued support and your continued partnership.
Together we can make 2025 profitable and sustainable for all of us.
