Retailers across the United Kingdom have reported a significant increase in demand for emergency supplies following the government’s call for households to prepare for potential crises, including cyberattacks, severe weather and power outages.
Figures obtained by BBC Newsnight show that sales of essential items such as canned food, portable radios, torches and power banks have risen sharply since the government launched its preparedness campaign.
Supermarket chain Iceland recorded a 40 per cent increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend, while sales of bottled water also remained strong. The company said its supplies were sufficient to meet consumer demand.
Electronics and household goods retailers also reported substantial growth. Robert Dyas recorded a 160 per cent rise in radio sales compared with the previous week, while Maplin reported increases of 92 per cent for radios, 284 per cent for torches and 106 per cent for power banks.
According to Maplin’s managing director, Ollie Marshall, the company experienced a sharp increase in orders within hours of the government’s announcement. He said customers were particularly interested in wind-up radios, torches and portable charging devices designed to remain useful during electricity disruptions.
Independent businesses specialising in emergency preparedness have also experienced a surge in demand. Josh Pringle of Sgt Prepper said his store’s sales had increased tenfold following the campaign, with wind-up radios accounting for much of the interest.
Similarly, Lincoln Miles, founder of Preppers Shop UK, reported a 650 per cent increase in sales after the announcement, adding that products designed for living without conventional power supplies were attracting considerable attention.
The government’s advice followed a statement by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting on October 22, urging residents to keep basic emergency supplies at home. These include three litres of water per person per day, canned food, baby food, battery-powered torches and mobile phone charging packs.
Streeting told Newsnight that maintaining a small collection of everyday necessities could help families cope with disruptions caused by flooding, power cuts, burst pipes and other emergencies. He described household preparedness as part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s resilience.
The increase in purchases suggests that the government’s message has prompted many consumers to review their emergency arrangements. However, officials have not indicated that a specific disaster is imminent, with the guidance intended to help households manage a range of possible disruptions.
