Super Saturday Weather Means Super Shopping
Friday, 17 December 2010
Super Saturday (the last Saturday before Christmas) is a major event on the retail calendar each year. What happens when a historic snow storm cripples the Northeast on Super Saturday? The retail industry loses about $2B in sales. This nightmare scenario occurred this time last year. Will any U.S. regions be faced with the same dilemma during the 2010 holiday season?
Planalytics, the Global Leader in Business Weather Intelligence, stated that weather conditions across most of the nation will be very favorable for holiday shopping as we approach Christmas.
“Cold temperatures and dry conditions are the perfect combination for holiday shopping,” commented Joe DeRugeriis, Senior Marketing Manager for Planalytics. “There will be a few exceptions, notably in population areas of the West Coast facing periods of rain. We’re even looking at a possible snow event for the East on Sunday leading into Monday, but nothing comparable to last year’s ‘Snowmaggedon’ that was such a detriment to businesses on this critical weekend.”
Last year, USM, the national leader in managed facilities maintenance services, performed snow removal services at over 4,000 retail sites just on Super Saturday alone. “We provide our clients with the tools to ensure that all of their sites are prepared for those heavy shopping days during the snowy months,” said Shaun Levenson, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Development for USM. “We help them keep their doors open. If their employees and customers can’t get in, it impacts their bottom line.”
Last year, Super Saturday was expected to close more than $15 billion in sales, but because more than a quarter of that falls in the northeast, sales fell well below expectations. USM suggests retailers confirm that their snow provider is prepared for the upcoming season with adequate equipment and materials, that they ensure the lot is properly staked to avoid property damage and help shoppers navigate the lot, and that they have de-icer available at the store for application between snow plow visits.
The good news is that retailers will not need to worry about a major weather event prior to Christmas, but the winter season has only just begun.
About Planalytics Inc.
Planalytics Inc. is the singular global source of Business Weather Intelligence – the actionable information companies need to understand and optimize the impact of weather on their business. Powered by an unparalleled database of weather’s financial and volumetric impacts, proprietary forecasting 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. For more information, visit www.planalytics.com.
About USM
USM, part of the Transfield Services Group, specializes in providing non-core, mission critical facilities maintenance and management services to large organizations with geographically dispersed properties in various industries such as retail, restaurants, banking, telecommunications and others with multi-location business operations. Regardless of the type of service - whether it’s electrical, HVAC, Repair and Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow & Ice Management, or Janitorial and Floor Care - USM takes a unique, total supply chain management approach to delivering the outcomes that their clients desire. The company has more than 25 years of experience with over 200 national clients, servicing more than 80,000 properties. For more information, visit www.usmservices.com.
Planalytics Media Enquiries
David Frieberg
Ph (610) 407-2905
dfrieberg@planalytics.com
Media Enquiries
Deb Yorkman
Director, Marketing and Communications
Ph (610) 313-2839
comms@usmservices.com
USM specializes in providing non-core, mission critical facilities maintenance and management services to large organizations with geographically dispersed properties in various industries such as retail, restaurants, banking, telecommunications and others with multi-location business operations.
Regardless of the type of service - whether it’s electrical, HVAC, Repair and Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow & Ice Management, or Janitorial and Floor Care - USM takes a unique, total supply chain management approach to delivering the outcomes that their clients desire.