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Warmer winter didn't hurt all retailers, reveals new survey

The warmer than usual winter temperatures has hurt more than a few retailers' bottom lines, but not every retail segment felt a pinch.

March 14, 2016

The warmer than usual winter temperatures has hurt more than a few retailers' bottom lines, but not every retail segment felt a pinch.

The outdoors and camping sectors actually benefitted from the unusual climate with sales of camping equipment spiking 13 percent, according to NPD Group data. The growth figure hits 36 percent for hammocks, tents and accessories, for both Q4 of 2015 and the full year, according to the data.

In the clothing sector, while sales of heavy coats and other winter gear dipped, consumers were still buying items such as lightweight jackets and sweaters.

"Despite the atypical weather, there is still a shift taking place when it comes to consumer preference for outerwear, which is altering the category landscape," Matt Powell, VP and sports industry analyst at The NPD Group, told CNBC. "Driven by the millennials, consumers are choosing lightweight puffy jackets and multiple layers that incorporate new technologies as opposed to traditional, heavy winter coats."