Unseasonably cold temperatures have been drawing customers to clothing stores specializing in outdoor apparel during the recent cold snaps, and have brought an unexpected boost to area business, said Steve Gilbert at Dodge City Ski Shop off East Brainerd Road.
"Only us, the gas company, and the power board love cold weather," said Mr. Gilbert, whose business jumped 10 percent in the last few weeks.
Bruce Baird, owner of clothing store Bruce Baird & Co. on Broad Street, reported that scarves were the hottest item during the rush.
"We were selling a lot of hats, scarves, gloves and overcoats," Mr. Baird said recently. "We sold out of hats, we sold out of scarves, almost sold out out of gloves, and sold out of overcoats."
Along with many clothing retailers, most of Mr. Baird's items were discounted following the Christmas season. He doesn't expect to get more cold weather stock until next Fall.
Bob Weaver, who manages Leisure Time Dive and Ski Center on Brainerd Road, said he won't run out of winter clothes because he sells them year-round.
"I think what has triggered (increased sales) more than just the cold is the snow. People see the snow and get excited about the prospects of skiing," Mr. Weaver said.
According to Mr. Weaver, the 15 ski areas in the Southeast have enjoyed more snow this season than they have in years past, and consumers are reacting predictably.
"I would say the waterproof pants and the undergarments have sold the best," said Mr. Weaver. "This is a boom season."
Manager Wes Napier said that although Rock/Creek Outfitters profited from a surge of customers during the deep freeze in early January, rising temperatures have brought business levels back to normal.
"We actually sold more hats and gloves than we normally do, and all of our hooded down jackets," said Mr. Napier, who identified toboggans as the hottest item.
Dick's Sporting Goods on Gunbarrel Road turned into a "circus" when temperatures dropped, according to employee Nicole Bacon.
"People came in specifically looking for ski wear coats, and some people came looking for sleds," Ms. Bacon said recently.
She reported that as soon as temperatures returned to normal, so did customer levels.
Cole Locke, assistant manager at Jos. A. Bank, was also hit hard by customers seeking a way to stay warm.
"Really, the marino top coats and the leather coats were the most popular," said Mr. Locke. "We completely sold out of gloves for a good week and a half right there."