By George Anderson
Blame it on the weather. How often have sales been off at a particular retailer's stores and bad weather is one of the reasons listed for the disappointing results?
With many retailers posting better than expected numbers for June and others predicting a strong July, weather, this time the good kind, is being given credit for getting customers into the stores to shop.
Consumers, reports the National Retail Federation (NRF), still remain somewhat hesitant about "splurging."
Still, retail executives are optimistic about the near-term prospects.
NRF president and CEO Tracy Mullin said in a released statement, "Warm weather and Father's Day spending brought consumers into the stores last month and retailers are hopeful that early back-to-school promotions will keep them coming back for the remainder of the summer."
Moderator's Comment: Discuss the weather factor in retailing. Many take issue with companies that blame poor performance on the weather. Are you among those? - George Anderson - Moderator