By George Anderson
By most accounts, gasoline stations have not prospered along with the rise to record prices at the pump. Many other retailers that don't depend on motor fuel as their primary source of business are also concerned consumers will shift dollars away from their stores to keep their gas tanks full.
Doug Day, owner of Scooter Centrale and Vespa Hartford in Plainville, Conn. has no such worries. Mr. Day's business, along with others who sell motor scooters, has never been better. Sales at Mr. Day's shops were up nearly 200 percent last year and business has continued to climb along with gas prices.
"As people start driving them, they start finding more reasons to use them," Mr. Day told The Associated Press. "They're practical, easy to park and get great gas mileage. I put $5 worth of gas into mine when it's totally empty, compared to $50 in my SUV."
Moderator's Comment: What can retailers concerned about high gas prices do to generate revenue in new categories or under-developed areas of their present business? Are there other consumer products and/or retail businesses primed for growth based on record oil prices? - George Anderson - Moderator