Do heatwaves help or hurt retailers? It often depends on how prepared a particular store is, what they sell and whether they have the right retail maintenance partner to help in an emergency.
In 2025, when there were three heatwaves in less than a month during the summer, Business Matters reported that several companies were suffering as a result, as the hot weather compelled people to stay inside.
However, what can be a detriment to some can be a bonanza for others, as long as you have a plan in place for keeping your store open during especially hot weather, with contingencies in place in case of a breakdown.
With that in mind, here are the three most common challenges and how you can get around them.
What Can You Do If The Air Conditioning Breaks Down?
On bakingly hot summer days, one of the big selling points for many high street retailers is being a shelter from the intense heat and the potential threats it poses to people’s health.
This makes a functioning and effective air conditioning system not only a legal requirement in order to maintain a reasonable temperature, but potentially a way to draw customers in.
This means that you need a plan in place in case it breaks down or fails to work efficiently.
For most retailers, the best option is to have a call-out number to hand to help fix the AC, along with information they need, to ensure it gets fixed as quickly as possible.
If the problem is more complex, make sure you have a set of spare fans on hand that you can strategically place to improve airflow and customer comfort.
How Can You Prevent Product Damage During A Heatwave?
Sunlight and intense heat can cause certain products to fade, melt, or even burn, so you may need to design your product layout around not only the types of goods that appeal to customers but their practical storage needs.
For example, do not have freezers and refrigerators close to a south-facing window, as they are forced to work harder due to the weather and could potentially malfunction.
How Should You React To A Heatwave Warning?
There is a two-pronged approach every store should take against a heatwave warning.
The first is to ensure that your cooling systems are working and you have access to contingencies such as additional fans.
The other part is to explore potential opportunities. Much like how many stores will stock umbrellas in case there is a storm, stock sunscreen, fans, cold drinks and ice cream to maximise your sales opportunities.