Global Warming Christmas?

Some of the scare about global warming and ecological collapse can be couched in terms that the average consumer will understand: climate change will cut into annual sales of fur coats.

This seems to be the biggest worry for many US retailers as the East Coast is continuing to experience unusually high temperatures for winter. This has of course an opposite effect as customers who previously might have purchased a winter coat are left with extra money on their hands, preferring to buy electronic gadgets instead. However, the most incredible line is this NY Times article is:

Even if temperatures remain unusually warm, the season is unlikely to become a total washout for retailers. Michael Fink, head of women’s fashion at Saks, said that even in warm seasons like this one, “The key fashion coats sell no matter what.”

“It’s not about warmth,” he said, “it’s about want.”

Indeed, Mr. Fink, it is all about want.