Lucknow: The city is witnessing a significant surge in demand for cooling appliances as temperatures continue to soar. Traders report a sharp increase in sales of air conditioners and coolers over the past 15 days, with retailers noting that AC sales have risen two to three times compared to normal days. Shops that previously sold three to four units daily are now selling 10 to 15 units, while larger outlets are moving up to 20 ACs per day.
Retailers Report Unprecedented Demand
Mohd Sufiyan, owner of an electronics shop in Vikas Nagar, said orders at his store jumped from three to four a day to nearly 10 to 15 daily. Similarly, Sahaj Yadav, an electronics shop owner in Hazratganj, stated, "From two to three orders on alternate days, we are now selling 20 AC units per day." The rising demand has also pushed up the prices of installation materials such as copper wiring, increasing the overall setup cost.
Installation Delays and Cost Increases
Shashank Arora, sales manager at an electronics store in Gomti Nagar, noted that installations of AC units are getting delayed by nearly 48 hours. He added that AC installation costs have increased from around Rs 12,000 to nearly Rs 18,000. The surge in demand has overwhelmed service providers, leading to longer wait times for customers.
Coolers and Fans Also See Increased Sales
Along with ACs, the sale of coolers and fans has also increased by 30%. Saif Sheikh, an electronics store owner in Hussainganj, said, "Small shop owners are opting for coolers and fans because they are more affordable. Prices have remained stable." This trend highlights the diverse needs of consumers, with budget-friendly options gaining popularity among smaller businesses.
Market Outlook and Future Demand
Lucknow Vyapar Mandal general secretary, Pawan Manocha, said sales at bigger outlets have increased by nearly 35%, with demand expected to rise further if the heatwave persists. The current heatwave conditions are driving consumers to invest in cooling solutions, and traders anticipate continued high sales in the coming weeks. The city's residents are urged to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against the heat.
(Inputs from Mariyam Shakeel, Love Agarwal, Ridhima Agarwal, Amritansh Singh)
