The UK is currently basking in one of the hottest starts to July on record, and the rising temperatures are having a noticeable impact on consumer behaviour, particularly in retail. With highs pushing past 30°C in many areas, shoppers are shifting their focus toward seasonal essentials, while other categories take a backseat.
Sales Snapshot
· Sainsbury’s reported a 4.7% like-for-like sales rise (16 weeks to June 21), driven by demand for fans, paddling pools, BBQs, ice cream, and rosé wine.
· Argos (via Sainsbury’s) grew 4.4%, thanks to strong sales of portable cooling products.
· Aldi saw one-day ice-cream sales jump 35%, expecting over 12 million ice creams sold in a single day.
· Waitrose recorded a 150% spike in rosé wine sales once temperatures hit 20 °C, with English rosé up 47% year-to-date.
· Circana data shows UK ice-cream sales hit £1.6 billion over the 12 months to May, up 3% year-on-year.
Hot Categories
· Ice Cream & Frozen Treats – Up 35–42% at Aldi; national sales total £1.6 billion annually.
· Fans & Cooling Products – Fan searches rose 245% on Argos; stock turnover surged for portable AC units.
· BBQ & Outdoor Food – Tesco’s paddling pool sales multiplied 14×; inflatable sprinklers rose over 1,500%.
· Summer Drinks – Waitrose’s rosé up 150%, as outdoor dining and garden parties returned.
· Garden & Patio – Patio furniture, BBQ tools, and water toys saw increased demand at major retailers.
While product sales soared, in-store footfall dropped about 11% week-on-week in urban centres. In contrast, coastal towns saw footfall rise 11.4% as shoppers and tourists escaped to cooler, seaside locations.
Vertex View
The heatwave is reshaping consumer demand in real time:
· Winners: Ice creams, fans, summer drinks, and garden goods.
· Retailer Strategy: Pivoting promotions, realigning stock, and emphasising seasonal marketing.
· Caution Ahead: Analysts warn this spike may not sustain as temperatures fall or economic pressures return.
