"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.