Summer weather and heatwaves can bring their own challenges to retailers; reduced footfall, hotheaded customers and sudden surges on seasonal products can leave empty spaces on shelves at crucial business trading moments, if stock is not replenished in a timely manner. 

With a mini heatwave hitting Britain this week, it could “feel” as hot as 44C (111F) and this Thursday could see the all-time high temperature for July of 33.9C smashed, which was recorded at Regent’s Park, London in the year 1900. 

Public Health England (PHE) has put out a level 2 “alert and readiness” warning, and urges all older people to stay indoors wherever possible, but we should all keep our eye out for customers on our shop floors who might be suffering ill effects from heat exhaustion. For this reason, it is important to know the symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness/disorientation
  • Nausea
  • Excessive sweating and clamminess
  • Paleness
  • Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
  • Fast breathing and/or pulse
  • Temperature over 38C
  • Excessive thirst[1].

If somebody is taken unwell on your shop floor, the best thing you can do is move them away from the hustle and bustle to a cool(er) place, sit them with their head between their legs or lay them down (if possible, we know that many stores are limited on space) with their feel slightly raised, and try to get them to drink some water.  It may take the person up to half an hour to feel right again, so don’t rush them, and ideally you want a family or friend to come to collect them, or at least be aware of the situation.

To help the rest of us keep our cool in this hardcore heatwave, we’ve put together our hot to stock products from the Kinetic portfolio. 

Sunscreen

The main event when it comes to summer sales, our sun care category offers something for everybody. Whilst JASON has long-standing sales results in the sun care category, the range of sunscreen sprays from Alba Botanica has fast-risen to top seller status. Stores looking for skincare with SPF properties need look no further than Antipodes Immortal Face & Body Moisturiser with SPF15, or Avalon Organics Intense Defense with Vitamin C Sheer Moisture SPF10.

Aftersun Care

JASON 98% Aloe Vera Gel is the perfect after-sun product for all ages and contains 98% Aloe Vera Barbadensis juice along with arginine and allantoin to soften and soothe the skin. This Aloe Vera Barbadensis juice is the gel from the plant, taken from the inner part of the leaf. It is packed full of chemicals essential for human function and is the most nutrient dense part of the plant. It contains 8 essential amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, salicylic acid, sugars, saponins and sterols. The amino acids, enzymes and minerals support the body's metabolism from within, salicylic acid reduces fever and inflammation, whilst when topically applied saponins are cleansing and antiseptic and the sugars are thought to give aloe its healing properties.

Harness the Power of Herbs

It has been shown that when the temperature rises, so do our stress, anger and anxiety levels. Your heart rate and blood pressure rise as your body tries to cool itself down, which results in these feelings being amplified. We believe in the power of herbs and botanicals and some of our favourite Nature’s Answer herbal helpers include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Passionflower and Chamomile. Retailers tend to limit their focus on herbal extracts and supplements to the immunity cold and flu season, but there really are products to focus on all year round. Do not hesitate to get in touch should you require some assistance with these products.

Relax with Lavender

Well regarded for its calming and soothing properties, lavender products can offer some relaxation pre-bedtime. Choose from JASON Calming Lavender Collection for a family customer base or Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Hair and Body Care for more discerning, upscale consumers.

Ener-C for Electrolytes!

When the temperature and humidity rise, your body perspires more which means you lose vital mineral salts and electrolytes through your sweat. We’re always being told to stay hydrated and drink more water, but that isn’t the whole picture. Ener-C Sport Electrolyte Drink Mix can help replenish these lost mineral salts and electrolytes. If you want to encourage sales, place individual sachets for purchase next to your water fridge or by your tills as an introductory offer.

Healthy Snacking

When you are digesting your food, your body temperature rises. For this reason it is better to stay light and eat little and often, and to avoid large meals before bedtime. Organic Food Bar and Nutiva O’Coconut are two healthy snack options which offer nutrient dense foods with not as much sugar as other products on the market. Ideal for on the go nutrition, and the days when it is too hot to even consider cooking.

References

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/