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Planalytics United Kingdom WeatherCall Report: Early Spring Shopping Off to a Slow Start for Retailers |
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3 April 2008
Planalytics Inc., the global leader in Business Weather Intelligence®, released its March WeatherCallSM report detailing differences in weather patterns between March 2007 & March 2008 and the impact on consumers. The persistence of winter-like weather this year likely kept shoppers indoors with DVDs and books, as opposed to venturing out to the high streets to purchase spring-tailored items like t-shirts and sandals.
As a whole, March 2008 temperatures were barely below normal; however, the presence of snow in the middle of the month certainly fooled consumers into thinking otherwise. As a result, clothing and footwear retailers suffered as did DIY retailers and garden centres. Outdoor living products such as barbecues did not move quite as quickly as they had last spring. Consequently, indoor products experienced an increase in sales, as did cold weather items like knitwear and boots, which both netted a 15% gain in weather driven demand compared to last year.
“Easter weekend was a big disappointment for retailers,” noted Tim Morris, Managing Director for Planalytics Europe. “A mix of cold temperatures and snow showers heavily reduced store foot traffic, keeping consumers from investing in the upcoming spring fashions,” commented Morris.
Planalytics WeatherCall Report showed year-on-year weather driven demand indices for the following product categories: Hot Breakfast Cereals (+5%), Short Sleeve Tops (-12%) and Lawn & Garden Care (-25%).
For more information, contact Planalytics Europe at +44 (0) 20 7321 3715.
About Planalytics Inc.
Planalytics Inc. (www.planalytics.com) is the singular global source of Business Weather Intelligence – the actionable information companies need to understand and optimize the impact of weather on their business. Weather is the most volatile of all external factors affecting business performance and Planalytics helps companies proactively manage this risk. Powered by an unparalleled database of weather’s financial and volumetric impacts, proprietary modeling technologies and market-specific expertise, Planalytics’ Business Weather Intelligence is essential to any company, in any industry, looking to effectively shape strategies, pinpoint opportunities and make more profitable decisions.
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