Spring into early April sales

-- Casual Living, 4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Last year, the month of April started out with very cold temperatures spreading southward. Freezing temperatures were common as far south as northern Florida, and snow was flying across the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic region and parts of the Northeast. To make matters worse, the month turned out to be very wet as well. Retail sales were abysmal as the combined cold weather and Easter holiday date shift produced one of the worst April sales results in at least 37 years.

Following a challenging month of March, this year's early to mid-April period will be an extremely important time frame to focus on. From April 4-19, expect to see consumers return with strong pent-up demand for spring items, such as patio furniture and outdoor living accessories. This April period will be the best time to take advantage of favorable weather for a stronger finish to what would otherwise be a very weak first quarter. Beyond this period, there is more risk for unfavorable weather in late April and early May.



April Temperature Outlook

Annual Temperature Averages for April


April Precipitation Outlook

April Annual Average Precipitation

  Source

jgrum@survdata.com
www.wxtrends.com

Weather Trends International
Jack Grum, vice president
610-807-3586
jgrum@wxtrends.com
www.wxtrends.com