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Tue, 27 Oct 2026

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 Rise in sales of radios and tinned foods, say retailers, after call to stock up

Figures obtained by BBC Newsnight show large spikes in sales of torches, radios and power banks.

* Iceland supermarket chain saw a 40% increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend.
* Robert Dyas reported a 160% increase in sales of radios compared with last week.
* Maplin reported: + 92% increase in sales of radios + 284% increase in sales of torches + 106% increase in sales of power banks
* Independent retailers also reported significant increases in sales, including: + Sgt Prepper's online store saw a 10-fold increase in sales after the government announcement. + Preppers Shop UK saw a 650% increase in sales.