Heat Wave Spikes Sales

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Forget new policies and stimulus packages, apparently all it takes to increase retail sales in New York is some record-setting, ridiculously oppressive heat and humidity. Today's WWD reports that over this past July 4th weekend, shops all over the Tri-State area excitedly experienced high traffic and sales volume; some like Scoop hit "high double digit increases". Even the very recent bedbug debacle at the Soho Hollister could not keep hoards of air-conditioning seeking and six-pack ogling shoppers at bay on Saturday. Sadly for the New York retail economy, sales are expected to go back to normal tomorrow when the temp finally drops to a breezy 88. [WWD, subscription req'd; Previously]