Everyone wants woollies

Tauranga folk are finally hanging up their jandals.

It may not be snowing here but winter woollies are flying off the shelves at clothing stores as the sudden cold snap that has swept the country makes its presence felt in the sunny Bay of Plenty.

Sue Bryant, who manages Caroline Eve's Tauranga store, said merino clothing, coats and scarves had been particularly popular in the past couple of days.

"High necks and warm," she said. "I think they have held off until now. Probably because it's been so mild we're feeling it more."

Postie area manager Gloria Rako said there had been a flurry on thermals.

"There has been quite an increase in customers coming in for that, since the cold snap," she said. Parents were also stocking up on warmer school uniform items, such as polar fleeces.

"It has come on as a bit of a shock and they are definitely flying out the door much faster," she said.

Layering was recommended by Michelle Mau, of Davidsons Womenswear, Tauranga, where knitwear and coats were in high demand.

"You can peel layers off as you get warmer. That's the joy of fine, pure merino. You can have something really nice on top as long as you've got wool against your skin," she said.

"Wool's definitely what everyone's scrabbling for."

At Mount Maunganui's I love Merino, socks, gloves and zip-up possum and merino cardigans were the order of the day.

"It's been really busy," said Debbie Davis.

However things look set to warm up in time for the long weekend.

"Overall it will be much milder. Pretty good for outdoor activities," said MetService forecaster Daniel Corbett.

A high of 16C was expected today, with a low of 8C overnight.