Summary
This technical report analyzes the economic impact of Winter Storm Fern, which occurred from January 23 to January 26, 2026, across various cities in the United States. The report details how consumer behavior shifted in response to the storm, particularly in grocery and retail sectors. It outlines significant spikes in grocery sales as households prepared for the storm, with notable increases in cities like Nashville, Dallas, and Baltimore. Conversely, restaurant activity saw a dramatic decline during the storm, especially in Southern markets affected by ice and power outages. The report highlights the geographic disparities in consumer response, indicating that areas accustomed to winter weather fared better than those less experienced with such conditions. The analysis is based on year-over-year changes in sales, transactions, and business operations, providing insights into the storm's immediate effects on small businesses and consumer spending patterns. Overall, the report serves as a comprehensive examination of the economic ramifications of Winter Storm Fern.
