When you say "transplanting" I am not sure if you mean taking an existing tree that was growing in your yard and moving it, or buying one from the nursery and just plopping it out of the pot and into the ground.

Regardless, there is severe winter damage on your conifer. If there truly isn't any new growth on the top 5 feet of the plant, that part is likely dead. Cedars sort of work that way. If they come through winter green and healthy, great. If the branches have brown foliage mixed with green, the plant will likely repair itself. If totally brown it's not as likely. I'd be tempted to wait a few more weeks to see if new growth comes, but if the branch ends are dry and crumbling it's not likely. But, seeing as time is of the essence (stores are running out of nursery stock) it's really up to you.

If the top five feet of the plant is dead it could regrow from the live part near the base (the first foot), but may take quite a bit of time to make up the height again. They grow approximately a foot tall per year.

Plus, there's no guarantee that the plant will be the same nice shape it once was.

Glen