Hawaii retailers specializing in winter gear and formal wear have been enjoying sizzling sales as inauguration-bound isle residents stock up for frigid temperatures and tony galas in Washington, D.C., next week.

Mauka to Makai Outdoor Gear Hawaii, at 940 Auahi St. near Ward Warehouse, has experienced a 35 percent increase in customers over last January - even on top of the surge of University of Hawaii football fans who flocked to the store ahead of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Owner Teo Clemens said that in the last few days people have been streaming into the store as they hear forecasts of snow and single-digit wind-chill factors in the nation's capital.

Thermal wear, pocket hand warmers and socks have been the top-selling items among parents of students in the Punahou Band, which will perform Tuesday in the Presidential Inaugural Parade.

Many parents have been to the store more than once, Clemens said.

“;We didn't anticipate a rush like this,”; he said, adding that gloves are also selling out. More winter gear shipments recently arrived to accommodate last-minute shoppers.

Retail department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy's, meanwhile, have been selling dozens of Uggs, a popular brand of women's sheepskin-lined boots.

At Celebrity Tuxedos, men who will attend formal inaugural balls in Washington took advantage of the chain store's $44 special for tuxedos. Some of the Hawaii-related formal events include the Aloha Inaugural Ball, Hawaii State Society Ball and the Home States Ball, which Barack Obama is expected to attend.

Sales associate Siliaga Lemafa said he has seen a 50 percent increase in customers this month at the Ala Moana Center store, compared with the normally slow January.

The $44 figure reflects the fact that the Hawaii-born Obama will be sworn in as the 44th U.S. president on Tuesday, said Lemafa.