Sales of fans, ice cubes and sunscreen surge during May UK heatwave

Record-breaking temperatures in the UK have triggered a significant surge in sales for cooling products, with retailers reporting unprecedented demand. Fans are reportedly selling at a rate of three units per minute, while ice cube sales have tripled compared to the previous week. Sunscreen sales have also seen a dramatic increase, rising nearly sixfold.

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selling at a rate of three units per minute

The UK experienced a "tropical night" as temperatures soared, hitting a provisional all-time spring record of 34.8C (94.6F) on Monday, and breaking it again on Tuesday with readings of 35C (95F). This intense heatwave has prompted consumers to invest heavily in ways to stay comfortable, with sales of electric fans reportedly exceeding expectations by a large margin.

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While we anticipated strong interest following the launch in April, the speed and scale of demand has well exceeded our initial forecasts.

British homes, often designed to retain heat, are proving particularly challenging during these high temperatures. Consequently, an estimated 4 million homes now possess air conditioning units, doubling the figure from just three years ago. This trend is attributed to more people working from home and the increasing frequency and intensity of summer heatwaves, exacerbated by the climate crisis. Retailers are also seeing increased interest in blackout blinds, parasols, and outdoor furnishings as people adapt their homes and lifestyles to warmer weather.

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Consumers are becoming increasingly proactive about preparing their homes for hotter temperatures, and we’re seeing more people invest in practical cooling solutions earlier in the season.