Core Insights - A massive winter storm is expected to impact a large part of the southern U.S. and the Northeast, leading to significant disruptions in consumer activity and retail sales [4][5][9] Retail Sector - Retailers, particularly grocery stores, are experiencing inventory shortages as consumers stock up ahead of the storm, with reports of empty shelves in some areas [8] - Home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's may see a pre-storm surge in sales, but will also face shutdowns during the storm, potentially balancing out their gains [6][7] - The storm is anticipated to take a significant bite out of retail sales for Q4, with potential negative surprises in earnings reports expected next month [9][15] Restaurant Sector - The restaurant industry is expected to be heavily impacted by the storm, with closures likely affecting sales and operations [5][9] Weather Impact on Business - The storm's severity, described as a "winter hurricane" due to expected ice accumulation, will lead to a substantial freeze across the affected regions, further complicating business operations [3][4] - The overall weather conditions, including a cold snap following the storm, will contribute to a challenging environment for businesses in the coming week [5][15]