UK emergency advice triggers surge in torch, tinned food and radio sales
Maplin, Iceland and Ocado report higher demand for torches, tinned goods and wind-up radios after the government urged households to stock 72 hours of supplies.
The story in focus
The Guardian reports UK retailers saw sharp sales rises after the government's Be Ready campaign urged households to hold 72 hours of supplies. Maplin's torch sales almost quadrupled, Iceland's tinned product sales rose 40% over the weekend, and the British Retail Consortium said food availability remains strong.
- Maplin said torch sales almost quadrupled and power bank and radio sales doubled
- Iceland reported tinned product sales up 40% over the weekend
- The British Retail Consortium said food availability remains strong and retailers are well stocked
- Ocado said it would work with suppliers to maintain stock as customers add items gradually
What retailers reported
The Guardian reported that Maplin saw torch sales almost quadruple, power bank and radio sales double and home security camera sales rise 130%. The specialist technology retailer said sales would have been higher but it was low on stock, particularly power banks, after a summer of heatwaves and the fallout from the Iran war. One brand of emergency wind-up radio sold out on Friday.
Iceland said tinned product sales were up 40% over the weekend and bottled water also sold strongly. Ocado said demand for some products was up and it would continue working with suppliers so customers could gradually add items.
Supply picture and specialist sellers
Several major supermarkets told The Guardian they had seen no material change in tinned goods demand, attributing likely demand to cooler, stormy weather. Jim Bligh, food policy director at the British Retail Consortium, said some retailers saw a small uptick while food availability remained strong and retailers stayed well stocked with essential products.
Survival kit seller EvaQ8 sold about 300 radios over the weekend against a usual 15, and Sgt Prepper reported business 10 to 15 times busier than usual, according to The Guardian. Industry insiders said supermarkets were well prepared for a surge in long-life groceries.
How much did sales rise at the retailers named?
Maplin said torch sales almost quadrupled and power bank and radio sales doubled. Iceland reported tinned product sales up 40% over the weekend. The British Retail Consortium said food availability remains strong.
Sources & further reading
- Bottled water and tinned food sales surge after UK government issues emergency stockpile advice ↗The Guardian
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