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Planalytics U.S. WeatherCall Report: A Warmer and Drier April Proved to be Favorable for Retailers |
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May 7, 2008
Planalytics Inc., the global leader in Business Weather Intelligence®, released its April WeatherCallSM report projecting improved comparisons to April 2007 for many retailers. While April 2008, on a national level, may have been an “average” month in terms of temperature - the weather helped unleash pent up demand, improving sales in the Northeast, Midwest and the Ohio Valley. Home Centers, restaurants and softline retailers all showed positive year-on-year gains. The largest comparisons were seen at The Bon Ton (BONT), The Dress Barn (DBRN), Family Dollar Stores (FDO), and Lowe’s (LOW).
Year-on-year precipitation comparisons shaded to the drier side; however, there were strong regional differences. Out west, Los Angeles received 0.03 inches of rain, while Sacramento and San Diego did not even crack rain gauges for the month. In the east, New York City and Philadelphia averaged slightly lower than normal precipitation, but this was significantly drier than 2007, which was the wettest on record. Conversely, it was a different story in the Upper Midwest, as cities such as Des Moines and Minneapolis experienced heavy precipitation.
All and all, many of the major markets enjoyed favorable weather conditions, sending consumers into stores looking for spring/summer merchandise.
“While the economy remains sluggish, the weather has certainly done its part this month to improve business’ fortunes”, said Scott Bernhardt, Planalytics Chief Operating Officer.
Planalytics WeatherCall Report showed positive year-on-year weather driven demand indices for the following product categories on a national level: Fans (+19%), Lawn & Garden (+10%), Barbeques (+10%), Shorts (+8%), Sandals (+6%), Allergy (+5%).
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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