April 25, 2014

Weather Trends International expects May to trend the coldest in three years and drier than last year.  On the West Coast, it will be cooler than last year, but still above normal, while the South trends warmer than last year and normal.  There is a good chance that a large portion of the North will trend cooler than last year and normal.  There will be a band of severe weather potential extending from the lower Mississippi Valley northeast to eastern Ohio which will set the stage for increased demand for clean-up categories.  The nation’s mid-section should see a warmer start to the month, while much colder year-on-year trends consume the Pacific Northwest and New England.  Favorable weather in the run-up to Mother’s Day weekend will be a positive for apparel and gift categories.  Cooler trends after Mother’s Day will be a challenge for many retailers to maintain sales momentum.  Memorial Day is setting up to be much stronger across the Northeast and Northwest as conditions trend much warmer and drier than last year, which should benefit products like charcoal, sun care, beverages and outdoor leisure items.

 

Source: Retailing Today, Weather Trends International