Beach-goers and pinickers aren't the only ones happy with the warm weather. An early spring and improving economy have lifted demand for merchandise such as clothing, whose sales heavily depend on the weather and disposable income.
The International Council of Shopping Centers estimates a 3 percent to 5 percent increase in March retail sales, compared to last year's gain of 2 percent.
Retailers like Target, Macy's and the Limited Brands are all expected to see jumps in sales for the month.
Discount stores are also seeing better sales on account of the weather and spring holidays.
Both St. Patrick's Day and Easter are expected to boost those buying spring items such as gardening tools. Sales for discount tools have already risen 3.9 percent for the month, compared to a 3.8 percent estimate by the retail research service Johnson Redbook.
