WAYNE, PA, May 6, 2009 - Planalytics Inc., the global leader in Business Weather Intelligence®, released its monthly WeatherCallSM report detailing weather’s impact on consumers and business for April 2009. In terms of spring purchasing (T-shirts, shorts, outdoor furniture, etc.), April got off to a very slow start as temperatures were cool across many locations in North America. However, a summer temperature surge mid-month unleashed consumer demand for those warm weather items. Precipitation was abundant in April (wettest April in four years), and it drove demand for items such as raincoats and umbrellas. All in all, the weather in April 2009 was more favorable for spring purchasing than in April 2008.
"After a cool start to the month, consumers were thrust into a Spring mindset during the last half of April. Temperatures were much warmer than typical particularly over the weekend, boosting traffic on key shopping days. The warm temperatures and dry conditions helped drive sales of spring product that may have lagged earlier in the month," said Fred Fox, President & CEO of Planalytics.
In Planalytics’ tracking of publicly traded companies, 64% of the businesses showed positive weather favorability compared to April 2008. The largest year-on-year gains were seen at Cabela’s (CAB), Dillard’s (DDS), and Brown Shoe (BWS).
Planalytics reported positive year-on-year weather-driven demand indices for the following product categories: Automotive Wipers (+7%), Fans (+5%), Sandals (+3%), Allergy Relief (+2%) and Lawn & Garden items (+1%).
For more information, contact Planalytics Inc. at 1-800-882-5881.
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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