July will be hot and dry across most of the nation

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 7/26/2010 10:50:03 AM

Last July, 70% of the nation trended colder than in July 2008 - making it the coldest retail July in more than 17 years. Precipitation trended similar to the year prior, but this was still the wettest July in five years.

Cool and wet conditions created a very challenging month, especially for the outdoor living product categories. While cooler temperatures blanketed much of the nation, Texas and the Northwest saw some of the hottest weather ever. Although outdoor living categories had more opportunities in these regions, extremely hot temperatures tempered sales.

This month will be warmer and drier than last year, presenting a positive for outdoor furniture, grilling and garden decor. While temperatures will trend warmer, it will actually be closer to average for the nation as a whole. The Western region and southern Texas will see cooler temperatures, which will subdue demand for summer merchandise, but may actually help outdoor categories in places that were scorching hot in July last year. The Southwest and Rockies will trend much wetter than last year, which will put a damper on outdoor merchandise sales.