Sharp rise in sales of essential goods after government says to stock up

Following the government’s recent call for citizens to prepare for potential emergencies, several retailers have reported significant surges in the sales of essential items. According to data obtained by Newsnight, Iceland supermarkets observed a 40% rise in the purchase of tinned goods over the weekend, suggesting that consumers have responded proactively to official advice. This uptick in demand notably includes staple products such as canned oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

The increased buying activity took place shortly after Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urged the public to stockpile supplies to be ready for possible crises, including cyber attacks or severe weather incidents. Retailers specializing in emergency and survival equipment also reflected this trend. Robert Dyas noted a 160% jump in radio sales compared with the previous week. Meanwhile, Maplin recorded rises of 92% in radio sales, 284% in torch purchases, and 106% in power bank acquisitions following the government’s announcement last week.

Ollie Marshall, managing director at Maplin, highlighted how quickly consumer behavior shifted after the “Be Ready” campaign began. He said, “Within hours of the Be Ready announcement we saw people reach for the basics – a torch, a wind-up radio, a power bank. Torch sales nearly quadrupled and radio sales almost doubled in three days.” Marshall added, “These are simple, affordable products that keep a household connected and informed when the power goes out, and it’s encouraging to see people taking the advice seriously.”

On October 22, Streeting specifically recommended that households keep a minimum of three litres of water per person per day, alongside tinned food, baby food, battery-powered torches, and mobile phone charging packs. Many of these items have been identified as the ones experiencing sharp sales growth. The Defence Secretary commented to Newsnight, “It’s encouraging that people are taking practical steps to be ready. Having a few everyday essentials at home, from tinned food to torches, helps households prepare for disruption, whether that’s flooding, power cuts or burst pipes. We can all play our part in making Britain more resilient.” An Iceland spokesperson confirmed the increased consumer response, stating that they have seen strong sales of bottled water as well, but assured that supplies remain steady.

Independent retailers also reported remarkable increases. Josh Pringle from Sgt Prepper’s online store described a tenfold rise in orders after the “Be Ready” campaign launch, with many customers specifically buying wind-up radios. Lincoln Miles of Preppers Shop UK noted an even more dramatic 650% boost in sales, emphasizing that current demand is focused on products suitable for “off grid” use. These reports collectively highlight how the government’s advisory has influenced both shopping patterns and preparedness awareness among the public

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