Stores are seeing a sharp rise in demand for cooling products, chilled drinks, BBQ essentials and summer lifestyle items as the country experiences record-breaking temperatures.
The UK recorded a provisional all-time meteorological spring temperature record of 35C this week, following a “tropical night” on Monday (May 25) when temperatures failed to cool significantly overnight. The soaring heat has triggered major shifts in shopper behaviour, with consumers rushing to stay cool and make the most of the warm weather.
Supermarkets have already reported dramatic sales spikes. Tesco said sales of ice cubes tripled during the heatwave compared with the previous week, while sunscreen sales increased almost sixfold.
Shoppers are increasingly seeking globally inspired summer food and drink options. Ocado reported smash burger sales up 63 per cent, while searches for spicy margaritas rose 81 per cent. Pimm’s sales also climbed significantly during the latest heatwave.
Ready-to-drink alcohol formats are proving particularly popular. Marks & Spencer said searches for canned alcoholic drinks, or “tinnies”, surged 133 per cent week-on-week ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
The retailer predicted sales of more than 350,000 canned drinks over the long weekend. The classic G&T remains the UK’s favourite canned cocktail overall, it said. Northern regions are leading the spritz boom, the retailer said, noting that piña coladas were more popular in Essex and south Wales, The Guardian reported.
Demand for electric fans surged more than 30-fold as households searched for quick cooling solutions. Retailers say the trend highlights growing consumer concern around increasingly frequent heatwaves and uncomfortable indoor living conditions, particularly in older UK homes built to retain heat.
For convenience stores, the heatwave presents a strong opportunity to maximise sales across key seasonal categories including soft drinks, ice, beer, RTDs, BBQ foods, frozen treats and impulse cooling products.
Barbecue-related sales continue to perform strongly across retail channels. Klarna data showed BBQ sales rose 49 per cent month-on-month from March to April, alongside rising demand for cool boxes, picnic tables, folding chairs and meat thermometers.