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The effect of weather on consumer spending

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  • Murray, Kyle B.
  • Di Muro, Fabrizio
  • Finn, Adam
  • Popkowski Leszczyc, Peter

Abstract

There has been a great deal of anecdotal evidence to suggest that weather affects consumer decision making. In this paper, we provide empirical evidence to explain how the weather affects consumer spending and we detail the psychological mechanism that underlies this phenomenon. Specifically, we propose that the effect of weather – and, in particular, sunlight – on consumer spending is mediated by negative affect. That is, as exposure to sunlight increases, negative affect decreases and consumer spending tends to increase. We find strong support for this prediction across a series of three mixed methods studies in both the lab and the field.

Suggested Citation

  • Murray, Kyle B. & Di Muro, Fabrizio & Finn, Adam & Popkowski Leszczyc, Peter, 2010. "The effect of weather on consumer spending," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 17(6), pages 512-520.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:17:y:2010:i:6:p:512-520
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2010.08.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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