FirstData Corp. reported that January's harsh weather significantlylowered consumer spending from the previous month.

The firm's monthly SpendTrend Reportdocumented a dollar volume growth of 2.5%, down from December's3.4% growth, as severe winter weather pummeled the Midwest andeastern half of the country and curbed consumers’ ability to shopand visit stores. Overall transaction growth of 2.1% in Januaryalso slowed from December's growth of 3.1%, the report said.

But while some retailers saw lower spending, others sawincreases. Food and beverage stores, general merchandise stores andbuilding material and supply dealers saw robust growth at 3.7%,2.1% and 4.5% respectively, as consumers stocked up on necessitiesand winter related items, the processor reported.