Planalytics' Evan Gold on winter weather's economic impact: We buy at the 'point of need'

Summary

Evan Gold of Planalytics joins Power Lunch to discuss the economic impact of a major winter storm bringing snow, ice, and cold to the South Central, Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest. He explains that consumers are already making need-based purchases like ice melt, heaters, boots, and groceries, and that retailers have prepared supply chains for the event. Gold warns of potential widespread power outages in the South and says last-minute generator purchases are difficult. The segment frames the storm as a large consumer-impacting event with mixed winners and losers among retailers and storm-exposed companies.

• Major winter storm expected to hit South Central, Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest.
• Consumers are making need-based purchases before the storm.
• Sales of ice melt, heaters, and boots are up sharply in affected areas.
• Retailers have planned supply chains and stocked goods to meet demand.
• Storm-impacted companies may see pre-storm lift, traffic drops, and post-storm replenishment.
• Potential for 100,000+ power outages in icy Southern areas.
• Last-minute generator purchases are difficult, especially whole-house natural gas models.