article-9251.xml

SHOPPING OUTLOOK

The week prior to the start of the National Football League (Sept. 2 to Sept. 8) season will bring the first taste of fall (cool and wet) to parts of the northern tier of the nation with demand shifting from summer seasonal items to jeans, lightweight outerwear and rain gear. Further south, summer will still be in full swing, and for places like Texas, summer has finally arrived after a rainy June, July and August. Demand for typical summer holiday weekend categories will be strong, including beverages, ice cream and picnic supplies. This week will be another great opportunity for retailers to clear out any remaining warm season merchandise, especially across the south.

Hurricane season will be nearing its peak this week (historically Sept. 12), and a tropical storm or hurricane is possible along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. If a storm strikes, demand for bottled water, batteries and other storm-related merchandise will be strong in the area.

The following forecasts from Weather Trends International are based on a statistical methodology using 110 years of weather records. Weather Trends forecasts are created 11 months in advance and are intended to identify weather trends. The forecast accuracy averages 75% or better by week and by market. For more information, contact Jack Grum (610) 807-3586 or visit www.wxtrends.com.