Supermarkets prepare for bumper weekend during UK heatwave
Supermarkets are preparing for bumper sales this weekend as shoppers stock up on rose wine, sun cream and barbecue food, with temperatures expected to soar during a UK heatwave.
Londoners could bask in temperatures of up to 32 degrees tomorrow following a soggy start to the summer.
Read more: Cold weather dampens May retail sales
The Met Office said Saturday is expected to be “very hot…with long periods of unbroken sunshine throughout the day”.
Waitrose said it is anticipating a “rush on rose” with sales expected to double following a surge in searches for the wine.
Traditional hot weather drink Pimms has seen a 47 per cent increase in searches while the number of people seeking out other summer tipples such as Aperol increased by 62 per cent.
Asda is expecting to sell 160 per cent more ice cream as customers attempt to cool off during the mini UK heatwave.
As barbeque season officially begins supermarkets expect shoppers to load up on burgers and sausages in preparation for Saturday.
Sainsbury’s said burger sales are forecast to lift 68 per cent and Waitrose said searches for barbecue meats have soared by 70 per cent.
Read more: Dunelm raises profit forecast after weather helps boost sales
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is anticipating a 150 per cent increase in sun care products as sensible sunbathers protect themselves from the rays.
Paul Mills-Hicks, food commercial director at Sainsbury’s, said: “With a weekend of hot weather ahead we know our customers will be stocking up on everything from sausages to strawberries and they can find great products for fantastic value at Sainsbury’s.”