Department stores specializing in climate-appropriate merchandise - why wasn't it ever attempted here? (Phoenix: for sale)

[Pink Jazz]

I was wondering, why don't we have any department store chains that cater specifically to the Phoenix lifestyle and climate?

In Florida you have Bealls, which built a successful business model by catering to the Florida market by mostly selling climate-appropriate merchandise with its own private labels and stocking as much spring/summer inventory by some regionally popular national brands as possible (I think possibly even buying some unsold spring/summer inventory that the major department stores couldn't sell). While we have Bealls Outlet here in Arizona (as well as in Georgia and other Southern states where they go by the name Burkes Outlet), we don't have actual Bealls department stores here.

While it is probably too late for any new upstart companies due to the proliferation of online shopping, why hasn't anyone ever attempted a similar business model for the Phoenix area? Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney mostly give us the same fall/winter clothes that other colder areas get (perhaps except the really heavy items), which makes stores such as Ross and Goodwill popular here to find spring/summer inventory year-round. I wonder why nobody has ever attempted a store chain similar to Bealls here by selling climate-appropriate merchandise from regionally popular brands.

[gemstone1]

Good question....one I have laughed about for years. I remember going into a Walmart in Bullhead City in February, looking for flip flops...only to be told by the clerk that they had been removed from the shelves...because it was winter....even tho' the average high temp. in February is about 70 degrees.

Regards
Gemstone1

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by gemstone1

Good question....one I have laughed about for years. I remember going into a Walmart in Bullhead City in February, looking for flip flops...only to be told by the clerk that they had been removed from the shelves...because it was winter....even tho' the average high temp. in February is about 70 degrees.

Regards
Gemstone1

I'm surprised you wouldn't find them in February though, because remember that fashion seasons don't normally correspond to actual seasons. The standard spring/summer selling season is February-June, while the standard fall/winter selling season is August-December. The normal changeover months are January and July.

[xz2y]

I remember visiting St Pete in FL a few years ago during the winter, and all the area dept stores in the malls were stocking light weight "summer" clothing, beach towels, bathing suits, etc, in January. Didn't have any problem finding what we needed for a month's stay. Maybe catering to the snowbirds and tourists?

[Bummer]

Regardless of "What Makes Sense" . . .

I have a feeling most shops stock the items that sell.

Possibly the Winter Stuff is directed towards those planning to travel to Northern Arizona and/or the Winter Weather States.

[yukon]

Winter clothing in warm tourist areas is directed towards snowbirds and visitors.

[Returning2USA]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

I was wondering, why don't we have any department store chains that cater specifically to the Phoenix lifestyle and climate?

In Florida you have Bealls, which built a successful business model by catering to the Florida market by mostly selling climate-appropriate merchandise with its own private labels and stocking as much spring/summer inventory by some regionally popular national brands as possible (I think possibly even buying some unsold spring/summer inventory that the major department stores couldn't sell). While we have Bealls Outlet here in Arizona (as well as in Georgia and other Southern states where they go by the name Burkes Outlet), we don't have actual Bealls department stores here.

While it is probably too late for any new upstart companies due to the proliferation of online shopping, why hasn't anyone ever attempted a similar business model for the Phoenix area? Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney mostly give us the same fall/winter clothes that other colder areas get (perhaps except the really heavy items), which makes stores such as Ross and Goodwill popular here to find spring/summer inventory year-round. I wonder why nobody has ever attempted a store chain similar to Bealls here by selling climate-appropriate merchandise from regionally popular brands.

In Phoenix,

I'm not sure if this fits your OP, but I could not find shorts sleeve shirts anywhere in December.

Malls, Wal-Mart, etc.

They only sold long sleeve.


In Phoenix.....


???????

[Ponderosa]

Florida is warm in winter. Phoenix is not the same at all. It is cold here - upper 60s in the day and 30s at night, frost in the morning - and unless one is a tourist from the tunda, cold weather clothing is worn. I wear sweats, jeans, and long sleeve shirts in winter as does just about everyone who actually live here year round.

[phetaroi]

I was quite surprised to see mums for sale yesterday. Hardly an ideal climate for them here.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Florida is warm in winter. Phoenix is not the same at all. It is cold here - upper 60s in the day and 30s at night, frost in the morning - and unless one is a tourist from the tunda, cold weather clothing is worn. I wear sweats, jeans, and long sleeve shirts in winter as does just about everyone who actually live here year round.

It really depends on what part of Florida. South Florida/Miami, for sure. Tampa is generally only slightly warmer than Phoenix in the winter, and North Florida/Jacksonville is often cooler than Phoenix.