Unprecedentedly warm weather has resulted in low sales of winter outdoor clothing, said Fred Fox, CEO of Planalytics, a Pennsylvania-based company which is into conducting research work on how weather affects North American businesses. The firm states that sales of winter boots have dived 16 per cent and 8 per cent in the months of November and December last year compared to the corresponding period of 2014, while winter wear was off 11 per cent and 3 per cent.
Apparel retailers like Next, Macy’s among others have already reported weak sales during the holiday season and now a report has come up that department stores such as Hudson’s Bay is having roof-touching winter wear stock. The company is mulling over stocking some at its warehouse for next season or may even go to flash those at discount stores. Hudson’s Bay acknowledged that short-term factors like weather had some impact on winter wear sales.
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However, late arrival of winter season has created buzz in the fashion industry as retailers are expecting winter wear sales to be back on track. Mark Pascal, Vice-President of Kombi – winter clothing accessories manufacturer – said he welcomed a deep freeze that gripped the city this week as it will help increase sales for retailers. “It’s hard to catch up on a December that’s one of the mildest in history,” he adds.
