Dive Brief:

• The arctic temperatures that have blown away the unseasonably warm autumn in much of the U.S. could boost retail sales of seasonal items, experts say.

• Retailers hope the falling temperatures but absence of ice and snow will bring people in with a desire for new jackets and hats selling at full price.

• According to experts. if the warm weather had continued too long, consumers would be looking at discounted merchandise by the time they felt the need to bundle up.

Dive Insight:

Retail earnings reports early this year were full of the weather — how the extended winter storms kept people indoors and unwilling to think about spring weather or spring clothes. In fact, retail analytics firm ShopperTrak says it measured a 14.6% decrease in traffic due to the extended winter weather last season last year. Based on recent reports, the colder temperatures may do retailers good this winter, especially during the crucial holiday season.