Vendors at Husker Lawn and Leisure Show report slow start to spring sales

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Customers flooded the aisles of the Sandhills Global Event Center on Friday night for the start of the annual Husker Lawn and Leisure Show.

Hundreds of local businesses were putting their products on display, hoping to make a sale.

“I’d just like to pick up some customers and explain how our process works and land a job,” said Terry Howell, the general manager of Merritt Concrete.

But this show comes at a time when the U.S. economy is in question. Businesses say it could affect customer spending and prices could rise.

“Every industry is feeling the hurt right now,” said Todd Hedlund with Star City Heating and Cooling. “People are more conservative, and we’re sensitive to that.”

Hedlund added that his company has seen customers be more cautious with their spending.

So, they’re forced to offer some special discounts.

“Talking to some people in the last couple of months at different events and stuff, it seems like this season has got off to a really slow start,” Hedlund said.

And with tariffs rising, he’s staying alert.

“I want to trust the government,” Hedlund said. “And the country and the economy and things will change. We’ll get through this. We believe in Lincoln and the economy, and things will get better.”

The Husker Lawn and Leisure Show continues Saturday and Sunday.