Key facts
- Iceland reported a 40% increase in sales of tinned products.
- Maplin saw a 284% increase in torch sales and a 106% increase in power bank sales.
- Robert Dyas reported a 160% increase in radio sales.
Retailers in the UK have experienced a sharp rise in sales of essential goods following a government campaign urging citizens to prepare for potential crises. Supermarket chain Iceland reported a 40% increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend, with strong sales of bottled water also noted. Electronics retailers also saw significant upticks: Robert Dyas reported a 160% increase in radio sales, while Maplin saw sales of torches jump by 284% and power banks by 106% since the government's 'Be Ready' announcement. Independent retailers also noted a surge, with Sgt Prepper's online store experiencing a tenfold increase in sales and Preppers Shop UK reporting a 650% rise.