Thriving French Summer Market Focuses on Refreshing Products
Heatwave Boosts Sales of Cooling Products in France
France has experienced a significant surge in sales of heat-fighting products this year, with air conditioners (ACs) and portable fans leading the way. The trend, driven by the increasing temperatures and climate change impacts, has been observed across Europe.
According to retailers, sales of certain product ranges in stores have increased by 33% compared to the summer of 2024. This boom is evident in the Paris store, located in Île-de-France, which offers a variety of items designed to help cope with the heat. These range from fans to bed linens, including the cooling pillowcase, which is priced between 15 and 40 euros.
Air conditioners are the dominant product driving sales increases in France and across Europe. Chinese-made AC units, known for being relatively affordable and easy to install, have seen exports to Europe jump by nearly 60% in July compared to the previous year. This surge in demand during heatwaves suggests that the market favours affordable and practical cooling appliances.
Other cooling solutions benefiting from heatwaves include portable fans and ice cream vendors, indicating a broader category of heat-relief goods increasing in popularity. Retailers across Europe, including France, have reported increased footfall and sales related to cooling products and summer goods, with international online sales booming as well.
While explicit, France-specific 2024 sales data with detailed product prices is not available, the overall trend clearly points to booming cooling product sales during heatwaves. The 2025 heatwaves in France have been among the harshest on record, with temperatures exceeding 42°C, prompting widespread alerts and impacting various sectors economically. Heatwaves have also indirectly affected economic activities such as construction (outdoor work suspensions) while boosting demand for cooling products and services, underlining the structural market shifts caused by climate change.
One customer, who purchased a cooling pillowcase from the Paris store, stated that the product does not absorb heat. This aligns with the trend of favouring affordable and practical cooling solutions during heatwaves. As the heat continues to rise, it seems likely that the demand for such products will remain high.
[1] European AC unit exports surge in July [2] Heatwaves boost sales of cooling products in Europe [3] Online sales of cooling products soar during heatwaves [4] Heatwaves impact agriculture in France [5] 2025 heatwaves in France: the harsh reality
[6] The rise in demand for cooling products is not limited to AC units and portable fans; it includes other categories like fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden products.
[7] As people adjust their lifestyles to cope with extreme temperatures, the environment for environment-friendly fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden products might also benefit from the heatwave trend, as consumers may seek out eco-friendly alternatives to keep cool.
