While cold weather encouraged the sale of electric heaters, sales of spring and summer clothing were poor.

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One group within the retail sector that stands to benefit from the quest for summer clothing is department stores.

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The company behind the Uniqlo chain of stores added to Tuesday's 5.5% rise, after the firm's discount apparel chain "GU" said it would expand its line of clothing for spring and summer.

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Lawrence, 34, best known for his starring role in the FOX television series "Martin, " was jogging in the summer heat while wearing multiple layers of clothing.

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With warmer weather knocking on the door, it's time to cast off the heavy winter clothing and begin shopping for the hottest summer trends.

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Neil Saunders, managing director of retail analysts Conlumino, said promotions and store refurbishments had helped Debenhams to "buck the market this summer and gain market share across a number of clothing categories".

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Specialty clothing line Paper Crown, set to debut this summer, has already been courted by the likes of Fred Segal, Planet Blue and Nordstrom.

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In 2003, the Federal Aviation Administration raised its assumption of what the average air passenger weighs, including clothing and personal items, to 195 pounds in winter and to 190 pounds in summer.

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