Barely bought, Lidl air conditioners resold at 'exorbitant prices' on second-hand platforms

Air conditioners recently purchased from Lidl for 179 euros are now appearing on online resale platforms at significantly inflated prices, with some sellers asking up to 600 euros. This surge in resale prices follows a special sale by the German discount supermarket chain on July 2, where it offered 200,000 air conditioners and fans across France at reduced prices.

Dozens of similar listings have emerged on platforms like Leboncoin and Facebook Marketplace, capitalizing on the current heatwave and stock shortages at specialized retailers. While Météo France predicts rising temperatures this week, many stores are facing depleted inventories of cooling appliances, creating an opportunity for resellers to profit.

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The price takes into account the current rarity of the product. Please do not send unrealistic offers.

The situation has drawn criticism, with Génération Écologie lawmaker Delphine Batho announcing she has filed a complaint with consumer fraud authorities against Lidl. Batho accuses the supermarket of misleading advertising, claiming the air conditioner was presented as a promotion despite potentially being sold at a lower price previously. Lidl France president John Paul Scally has called for public responsibility and civility, rejecting accusations of profiteering and stating the company is not responsible for "people's madness."

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Lidl is not responsible for people's madness.