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Summer Weather Swings Drive Retail Demand Shifts

From heatwaves to hurricanes, retailers are adapting to extreme weather. Tools like Retail WeatherIQ™ help them stay ahead of shifting demand.

The picture is clicked on the street of a city. In the foreground of the picture there are...
The picture is clicked on the street of a city. In the foreground of the picture there are vehicles, poles, plants, sign boards, street lights, on the road. In the center of the picture there are buildings, cars, doors, windows and tree. Sky is little bit cloudy and it is sunny.

Summer Weather Swings Drive Retail Demand Shifts

Retailers across the US are grappling with varied weather conditions this summer, with the South and West experiencing heat, and the Midwest and East dealing with persistent rain. This has led to fluctuating demand for products like pool chemicals and swimwear.

The National Retail Federation and Planalytics' Retail WeatherIQ™ tool has been instrumental in helping retailers navigate these challenges. It provides weekly weather impact outlooks, allowing businesses to stay informed and prepared.

In May 2025, cooler and rainier weather than usual disrupted the start of the outdoor season, leading to decreased demand for products like lawn mowers and sandals. However, June brought a heatwave to the South and West, driving up demand for cooling products and swimwear.

Early July has seen cooler conditions along the coasts and rising temperatures inland, causing shifts in demand for air conditioners and swimwear. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season, forecasted to be above average, is expected to cause sudden spikes in demand for emergency items like bottled water and generators.

Weather continues to significantly influence shopper behavior, affecting retail performance in real time. Tools like Retail WeatherIQ™ are crucial for retailers to understand and respond to these weather-driven changes in consumer behavior.

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