1.   Bad weather also hurt a company dependent on seasonal merchandise.

2.   Conversely, hard-goods retailers may benefit from sales of seasonal merchandise should the sun ever come out for good.

3.   Department stores, under pressure to compete with discounters and outlet malls, have increasingly been offering shoppers deep discounts on seasonal merchandise.

4.   Discounters generally outperformed department stores, in part on sales of outdoor seasonal merchandise, like plants and gardening tools, according to the report.

5.   Discount chains are expected to be hurt somewhat by sluggishness in seasonal merchandise such as lawn tools and plants because of cold weather in many regions.

6.   In past recessions, retailers have reduced orders for seasonal merchandise, so smart consumers shop early, before selection gets thin.

7.   Sales last week were weaker at discounters on lower-than-expected demand for seasonal merchandise such as gardening equipment.

8.   So far this year, however, the weather has been awful, and seasonal merchandise has languished on store shelves.

9.   The risk of oversupply is also lessened since Kroger is selling seasonal merchandise.

10.   The same rule applies to seasonal merchandise.