Thermal pants sales double! Warming products are hot in the UK

In recent years, the UK retail market has been experiencing a cold winter due to the intensification of the cost of living crisis, weak consumer spending and difficult trading conditions for retailers. However, in September this year, as winter approaches, heating products ushered in a sales frenzy, and UK retail rebounded from the bottom.

According to data from the British Retail Consortium ( BRC) and KPMG's Retail Sales Monitor, retail sales in the UK rose 1.8% year-on-year in September, up from 0.6% in August 2021.

But we should not be blindly optimistic. Although UK retail sales increased in September, due to high inflation, sales of goods other than heating goods and necessities have declined . In addition, the cost of retailers' supply chain has increased, the weak pound, rising interest rates, and the tight labor market have pushed up recruitment costs. All these factors indicate that product prices will increase due to rising costs. This will inevitably bring additional price pressure to British consumers.

As winter approaches, Europe's energy crisis intensifies, demand for natural gas rises sharply, and energy prices soar. Soaring energy prices and record food price inflation have made consumers complain , so people will consider more when shopping online and pay more attention to cost performance .

The survey showed that more than half of consumers said they planned to cut unnecessary spending, avoid buying durable large items such as new computers, TVs and furniture , and start stockpiling warm and energy-saving products such as blankets, warm clothing and energy-saving appliances to cope with the surge in natural gas and electricity prices and prepare for the coming cold winter.

John Lewis reported that blankets and hoodies were the best-selling items. Data showed that sales of dressing gowns have increased by 76% compared with last year , especially men's dressing gowns , which have seen strong sales growth . Sales of women's winter thermal trousers have increased by 117% . Hot packs and other heating products have soared in popularity, with sales tripling from last year. Demand for duvets and electric blankets has increased by 8%, and candle sales have increased by 9% .

In addition, jumpsuits used to be gifts given to family and friends at Christmas, but because of their better warmth retention, they have become a weapon for consumers to resist the cold this year. Sales of air dryers and air fryers have also increased significantly .

Compared with previous years, this year is indeed a challenging period. Consumer morale is low and sellers' sales are not satisfactory. However, due to energy shortage in Europe, consumers are increasing their spending on warm products, which is indeed a rare opportunity for sellers. Some sellers can seize the opportunity during this period and perhaps usher in a new turnaround and achieve a comeback.

U.K.

Heating Products