Planalytics: Cold temperatures to drive winter clearance sales, limit demand for spring categories

New York -- On Valentine’s Day weekend and continuing into the following week, cold temperatures will hold a grip on virtually all markets from the Rockies to the East Coast of North America, with most markets trending much below normal, according to business weather intelligence firm Planalytics. The cold will drive winter clearance sales while limiting demand for spring seasonal categories.



In addition to the cold temperatures, there is the threat of an expansive winter storm that will begin in the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and Tennessee Valley. Beginning Sunday and continuing through mid-week, hubs such as Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Richmond will have the potential to see freezing rain, sleet, and snow.



The affected areas will see a spike in demand for need-based snow and ice removal categories as well as wiper blades and windshield washer fluid, Planalytics advised. Demand for winter apparel, hot food and drinks, and other warming categories will also spike. The Southern Plains, Deep South, and Southeast can also expect to see rain and scattered thunderstorms.



This storm track is expected to make its way to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions by mid-week. The threat of more snow and ice, particularly in New England, will have weather weary consumers stocking up on need based commodities such as snow removal items and consumables.



Opportunities for early spring demand will be focused from the Rockies to the West Coast of North America. Warmest temperatures to last year will be in the Pacific Northwest.