- 17:30
Lebanon is sweltering under a powerful heatwave this week, but contrary to popular belief, the soaring temperatures have not sparked a rush to buy fans. Appliance shop owners say sales remain flat compared to last summer, with some even suggesting that last year’s sales were higher despite this week’s intense heat.
In Beirut, from Corniche el-Mazraa to Qasqas and Salim Salam sectors, shopkeepers say the rumor of skyrocketing fan sales simply isn’t true. “It’s the same as last year, maybe even less,” said a shop owner in Corniche el-Mazraa. “Last summer, people were buying more because the heat was strong for longer. This year, people are just getting by with what they already have.”
In Qasqas, another store manager agreed, saying, “We still have plenty of stock. People think fans are selling out, but they’re not. We’ve sold a few here and there, but nothing unusual.” A seller in Salim Salam pointed to his display and shrugged. “Look, they’re all still here. If someone’s old fan breaks, they’ll buy it. Otherwise, they won’t spend. The heat is strong, but wallets are weak.”
In Bourj Hammoud, the situation is similar. One store reported selling only about 10% of its fan inventory so far this season. “We expected more movement because of the heat, but it hasn’t happened,” the owner said. “It’s the same customers as every year, and they’re buying the same way.” Fans on the market range from $15 for basic plug-in models to $75 for rechargeable types that can run during power cuts. While rechargeable fans offer more convenience, most buyers still choose standard electric models. “People ask about the rechargeable ones, but when they hear the price, they go for the cheaper option,” the Bourj Hammoud shopkeeper added.
Shopkeepers in both Beirut and Bourj Hammoud believe Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis is the main reason sales have not risen alongside the temperature. “People are thinking twice before spending money,” said the Corniche el-Mazraa retailer. “If they already have a fan at home, they won’t buy another unless it’s broken beyond repair.”
The current heatwave has pushed inland temperatures about 10 °C above seasonal norms, while high humidity along the coast has made conditions feel even more stifling. Meteorologists say the heat will linger through Friday, with only a slight chance of rain clouds forming over the east due to convection. Conditions are expected to ease on Friday and subside more noticeably by Saturday.
This extreme heat is part of a broader wave affecting parts of Europe, including Spain, Italy and Greece. Experts warn that such prolonged and intense hot spells are becoming more frequent across the Mediterranean due to climate change, straining public health systems, agriculture and infrastructure.
Despite the forecasted drop in temperatures, retailers are not expecting a sudden rush of last-minute buyers. As the Salim Salam seller put it, “If this heatwave hasn’t moved the fans, nothing will.”
Comments