Sales of fans soar as households struggle to cope with heatwave

Sales of fans and air purifiers are soaring as householders seek to keep their cool in the prolonged heatwave.

John Lewis said sales of electrical cooling products were up 315% week-on-week as weather forecasts showed no relief from the high temperatures for at least a fortnight.

Lighter low tog duvets are up 39% on last year, while sales of dresses at the department store chain are up 40% since the beginning of the month, and charcoal barbecue sales are up 116% on last year.

Halfords has seen a surge in spending on heat-related products, with sales of car sunblinds up 280% compared with last year and barbecue sales up by 723% on last week.

Pharmacy chain Superdrug said it had reordered stocks of its mini fans after they sold out.

It also reported that sales of tanning and bronzing products were up 26% alongside a 112% increase on sunscreen compared with last year.

Simon Comins, Superdrug commercial director, said: “Sun protection is selling out across the country, but it’s not just sun care that customers are rushing to stores for.

“We’ve seen a rush on tanning and bronzing, as well as deodorants and anti-perspirants.”

Amazon.co.uk said it had seen a 2,100% month-on-month increase in sales of air cooling items such as fans and a 650% month-on-month rise on some swimming pools.

The myvouchercodes.co.uk site said it had seen a 733% increase in Google searches for paddling pools since the start of the heatwave, while searches for fans were up 400% and mini fridges up 92%.

Myvouchercodes spokesman Anders Nilsson said: “While we may enjoy the long nights, barbecues and beach days, without air-conditioned homes most of us just aren’t equipped for these temperatures, particularly across such a prolonged period.

“Try purchasing a cool pillow, some extra ice packs and an electric fan. While an electric fan will help to cool down a room, placing a frozen bottle in front of it will also help to distribute icy air while you sleep.”