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Planalytics North American WeatherCall Report: Warmer, Drier February Helped Most Retail and Restaurant Chains

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 March 2009, 14:55 CST

WAYNE, Pa., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Planalytics Inc., the global leader in Business Weather Intelligence(R), released its monthly WeatherCall report which showed more favorable weather conditions for North American retail and restaurant chains in February 2009 versus the same period a year ago. As a whole, it was the 4th driest and 13th warmest February in 50 years. This was particularly true in Central and Eastern regions, helping to increase store traffic and generate some early season demand for spring/summer items. Out West early season demand was muted by frequent storms and cooler year-on-year temperatures.

In Planalytics' tracking of publicly traded companies, 82% of the businesses showed positive weather favorability compared to February 2008. Some of the largest year-on-year gains were seen at Retail Ventures (RVI), Christopher & Banks (CBK) and Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG).

"Even with the persistence of negative economic conditions, the warm and dry weather helped increase traffic to businesses and quick service restaurants. Additionally, many consumers began to look for warm-weather goods as they hoped for an early spring, helping improve retailers' margins," said Fred Fox, President & CEO of Planalytics.

Planalytics reported positive year-on-year weather-driven demand indices for the following product categories: Sandals (+13%), Light Jackets (+9%) and Lawn & Garden (+4%).

For more information, contact Planalytics Inc. at 1-800-882-5881.

About Planalytics

Planalytics Inc. (www.planalytics.com) is the singular global source of Business Weather Intelligence(R) -- the actionable information retail, manufacturing, life sciences and energy companies need to understand and optimize the impact of weather on their business. Weather is the most volatile of all external factors affecting business performance and Planalytics helps companies proactively manage this risk. Powered by an unparalleled database of weather's financial and volumetric impacts, proprietary modeling technologies and market-specific expertise, Planalytics' Business Weather Intelligence is essential to any company, in any industry, looking to effectively shape strategies, pinpoint opportunities and make more profitable decisions.

SOURCE Planalytics Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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