Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
As spring brings in temperature changes, product demand shifts for retailers as well. According to research from the National Retail Federation and Planalytics, weather impacted consumer demand for certain products in Q1 2025.
February saw the coldest temperatures since 2022 and the most snowfall since 2021, increasing demand for winter products. Demand for ice melt, heaters and boots in February 2025 were all up from last year’s sales, at 48%, 17% and 16% respectively.
This March brought in the warmest temperatures since 2016 and particularly dry conditions. These conditions drove demand for home improvement products like fans, lawn care items and apparel like shorts and sunglasses.
April brought and May is expected to bring even warmer weather in some parts of the U.S., with cooler temperatures in the Eastern half of the country. This means retailers should keep transitional products available to customers a little longer than normal, but also cater to the weather each region is experiencing. Stocking outdoor living and garden products, as well as emergency preparedness products for severe weather conditions, is recommended.
“Whether it’s snowstorms in February or a warm, dry March, understanding how weather affects your customer’s mindset is your secret weapon,” says Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships at Planalytics. “For retailers, the ability to anticipate and respond to these patterns is becoming a critical part of inventory planning, merchandising and customer engagement strategies.”
