Weather: September promises better end to season than last year

-- Casual Living, 9/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Last year's summer ended seven weeks early after a cooling trend began in the middle of August 2006 and intensifed through September 2006. Temperatures then trended colder than normal across 70% of the nation and were 3.9 degrees cooler than the year prior, resulting in the second largest year-over-year change to cooler weather in 112 years. The late summer cool-down was a big negative for ourtdoor living categories, which needed aggressive price reductions to move remaining summer stock.

This month will be great when compared to last year, as numerous opportunities to clear out summer inventory will be the norm.

The Labor Day holiday weekend looks particularly strong nationally as temperatures will be nearly three degrees warmer than last year with much of the warmth focused in the more heavily populated, Great Lakes and Northeast areas.

Patio furniture, deck accessories and other high-margin items will require fewer incentives to keep sales on pace with last year as the lingering summer heat keeps consumers outdoors enjoying their deck, patio or pool.


National Sept. Temperature Index:


National Sept. Precipitation Index:

  Source

jgrum@survdata.com
www.wxtrends.com