Shop Talk

Retailers looking to sell seasonal merchandise got a helping hand from the weather last week — at least in some parts of the country.

According to weather tracking firm Planalytics, the week ending June 7 marked the first time in 7 weeks that the temperature average across North America was warmer than the same week the prior year.

It was only the 8th week this year where temperatures across North America were warmer compared to last year, Planalytics said.

The higher temperatures in the East and Mid-Western North America sent consumers to the stores in search of air conditioners, shorts, sandals, and cold beverages. 

“For those areas that experienced severe storms, demand for emergency items such as generators, batteries, and canned foods surged,” Planalytics said.

But in Western portions of North America, cooler temperatures and occasional periods of rain kept seasonal demand levels muted, it said.

(Photo: Reuters)