Warmer winter weather could prompt slow cold season

NEW YORK — The short-term forecast for cold weather items, including cold medicines, is that demand could be down as much as 15% without Jack Frost biting at everyone’s nose, according to analysis from Deutsche Bank published Monday.



Weather Trends International estimates temperatures will be up 2 to 5 degrees warmer year-over-year, on average, over the balance of the year across the United States.

“Typically, a rise of about 3 degrees nationally from last year, will translate into a 10% to 15% decline in demand for heavy outerwear, sweaters and cold medicine,” Deutsche retail analyst Charles Grom said. With warmer weather, more people are outdoors, leaving their winter coats, sweaters and exposure to sick people indoors.

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