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.