Winter Fashion Retail Gets Snowjobbed

Go buy cozy clothes and warm boots because we're in for some snowy months ahead. Weather Trends International, which works with retailers on global weather forecasting, says we'll have more snow than normal this winter, including the week of Christmas. What does this mean? Less shopping! The company forecasts a gloomy outlook for retailers in November and December. Great timing, I know. Just more wood for the fire of our imploding retail economy. But wait, there's more (or rather, less).

According to WTI’s Bill Kirk, cold weather usually means good news for retailers, since consumers are picking up gear suitable for winter. But snow, apparently, is another matter—it makes shopping that much more difficult. “If a month is 1 degree colder, we get a 1.1% lift, so let’s say it’s 4 degrees colder, you get a 4% lift in comps,” said Kirk, adding that heavy snow is expected in November, and in the final shopping days before Christmas. “In this economy, it’s very much need-driven.” But cheer up, mopey, there’s good news on the horizon! This spring promises to be beautiful. “Spring 2009 will be one of the hottest in seven or eight years,” Mr. Kirk said. “It should be a golden opportunity.” Of course, by then we’ll be rocking potato-sack couture.