COLUMBUS, Ohio - Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced North American HVACR median distributor sales for the month of September 2010 were up over 10 percent from last year.

In its monthly Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (TRENDS) report, HARDI noted that September marked the seventh consecutive month in which overall distributor sales were up from the previous year. Running 12-month sales were up for the second consecutive month. Seven of HARDI’s U.S. regions outperformed the same month last year, and five regions experienced double digit growth compared to last September. Canada continued its strong run and maintains the highest running 12-month growth among all HARDI regions.

While September sales were strong for all but one HARDI region, distributor sales per employee weakened, marking the first such decline since HARDI began reporting sales per employee in June.

“Though we’re certainly glad to see our 2010 sales consistently outpace 2009, we cannot escape the conclusion that this year has underperformed most recovery projections. Hopefully this growing momentum will carry into 2011, but at this time we still believe next year will reserve growth primarily for those distributors with the best inventory forecasts and most advanced and aggressive sales processes,” said Donald L. Frendberg, HARDI executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Publication date: 12/06/2010