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Planalytics U.S. WeatherCall Report: A Cool and Wet March Posed Challenges to Retailers |
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April 8, 2008
Planalytics Inc., the global leader in Business Weather Intelligence®, released its March WeatherCallSM report indicating colder and wetter conditions compared to March 2007. As a result, home centers, restaurants and softlines retailers all showed negative year-on-year indices due to unfavorable weather conditions. Examples of companies that were negatively impacted include: Zumiez (ZUMZ), Nordstrom (JWN), Stage Stores (SSI), and Target (TGT).
On the temperature front, North America was the 4th coolest in the past 10 years. The coolest regions were the Pacific Northwest as well as the Upper Midwest to Texas and the Western Gulf Coast. There were major extremes in precipitation bringing snow as far south as Dallas, while heavy rains fell in the Northeast. This put a significant damper on shopping activity as consumers stayed with their winter wardrobe a little longer this year.
“Even with the earliest Easter in 95 years, the weather kept spring purchasing depressed to last year” noted Fred Fox, Planalytics President & CEO. “In addition to seasonal demand being down to last year, overall foot traffic was negatively impacted by significant precipitation and snow events. Thankfully, March is over, and with April comes opportunity.” noted Fox.
Planalytics WeatherCall Report showed positive year-on-year weather driven demand indices for the following product categories on a national level: Long Sleeved Shirts (+28%), Firelogs (+23%). Negative year-on-year indices were calculated for Allergy Medications (-4%), Sandals (-6%), and Lawn Mowers (-8%) product categories.
About Planalytics
Planalytics Inc. (www.planalytics.com) is the singular global source of Business Weather Intelligence® – the actionable information retail, manufacturing, life sciences and energy 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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