Heatwave boosted retail sales

The fine weather this summer saw sales soar for items like suncream, ice cream and water

BBQs, deodorants and ice cream sales all increased due to fine weather

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New figures from market analysts Nielsen reveal that the hot weather had a dramatic impact on what consumers bought this summer. BBQs, deodorants and ice creams all flew off the shelves during this year’s heatwave. Grocery sales rose by more than 8% in the first two weeks of July compared with the same time last year.

Convenience stores fared the best – as shoppers chose the quickest, easiest place to stock up on their summer essentials. "While the heatwave in the first two weeks of July may not have been good for the high street, grocery retailers have benefited, particularly convenience outlets," said Nielsen analyst Ruth Lloyd-Evans.

Al fresco eating was clearly in vogue as sales of bread rolls and baps doubled, while ham and cold meat sales rose by up to 23%. Retailers saw salad sales double in convenience stores, while the sales of crisps rose by 14%. Consumers spent €1 million more than usual on suncream as supermarket sales surged by 450%. Hair removal cream sales rose by 12% and shoppers purchased 13% more deodorant. Unsurprisingly, ice cream sales surged, with convenience stores selling twice as many individual ice creams and lollies as last year.

Mineral water was also in demand in the heat, with consumers buying close to 50% more than normal. That was despite the fact that prices for mineral water soared by 5% during the heatwave, according to the latest Central Statistics Office figures show.

The inflation figures also show we paid more for beer and ice cream amid heightened demand. Juices, fizzy drinks and cordial sales also spiked. BBQ season saw sales of BBQ fuel and equipment surge by 500% compared to the same time last year. The heatwave also put the horsemeat scandal to the back of consumers’ minds. Even though they’ve been off the menu for many consumers all year, barbecue season put frozen burgers back on, with sales soaring by up to 62% compared to last year.

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