Dive Summary:

• Colder temperatures across the U.S. combined with record March snows have impacted sales of springtime goods and apparel, according to major retailers.
• Consumers are spending quite differently than this time in 2012, when record high temperatures swept through the nation. The delay in spring temperatures has proven challenging for clothing and home improvement merchants.
• Conversely, fourth quarter results have been stronger than usual for drug stores, dollar stores, and home and office furniture sales.

From the article:

"According to Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. analyst Richard Jaffe, the retail apparel sector was flattered by warm weather over the past several years in March, but this season it faced challenges in selling spring items with the colder temperatures. This might lead to overstock, markdowns and smaller margins this year, he said."...