Debenhams reported a sharp rise in demand for fans, air-conditioning products and outdoor living ranges, as prolonged warm weather changed how shoppers spend over the summer.

Sales across Debenhams’ cooling category surged 232 per cent year on year between 19 June and 20 July, with portable neck fans and tower fans among the strongest-performing products.

Customer searches for “air con” rocketed 4,442 per cent compared with the same period last year, while searches for “fan” jumped 1,165 per cent.

The figures unsurprisingly follow the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer and suggest shoppers are perpetually seeking both immediate relief from high temperatures and products that could be used during warmer summers in future, throughout the summer months.

The hot weather has also driven demand for outdoor entertaining and leisure products.

Picnicware sales climbed 240 per cent year on year, while swimming pool sales rose 133 per cent. Sales of barbecues and outdoor cooking products increased 44 per cent.

Searches for gazebos were up 264 per cent, while searches for sun loungers rose 268 per cent as consumers looked to make greater use of their gardens.

Garden furniture sales also increased 24 per cent during the period.

A Debenhams Group spokesperson said weather remained one of the biggest influences on shopping behaviour, with consumers seeking products that helped them stay cool while also making the most of the sunshine.

“Alongside fans and air conditioning, this summer we’re seeing exceptional demand for everything from BBQs and garden furniture to picnic essentials and entertaining accessories, as more people embrace outdoor living and host friends and family at home,” the spokesperson said.

Debenhams Group, which also owns Karen Millen, Boohoo, BoohooMan and PrettyLittleThing, said the figures showed how extended periods of hot weather were increasingly shaping purchasing decisions across home and outdoor categories.

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