Heatwave Drives 150% Surge in Demand for Portable Cooling Products in Israel

As a severe heatwave approaches Israel this weekend, consumers are rushing to buy immediate cooling solutions, causing a 150% spike in sales of portable cooling devices. Retail chains report that products such as fans, portable air conditioners, and evaporative coolers are rapidly selling out, while fixed air conditioner sales remain steady due to installation delays.

Data from the Mahsanei Hashmal chain shows that since stores opened, a cooling product is sold every eight minutes on average. Portable air conditioners have seen a 20% sales increase over the past three days compared to July averages, and evaporative coolers have risen by 25%, especially larger models. Fans account for about 40% of sales, evaporative coolers 20%, portable AC units 15%, and fixed AC units 25%. Fans have experienced the sharpest rise, with sales quadrupling since morning hours.

Erez Wasner, Mahsanei Hashmal's sales VP, explained that Israeli consumers prefer products they can use immediately rather than waiting for fixed AC installation. The chain prepared high inventory levels, especially in central and southern Israel, where demand is highest. Popular products include an 18-inch Electra tower fan priced at 199 shekels, a portable Elco air conditioner at 699 shekels, and a large digital Sensor evaporative cooler costing 579 shekels.

The heatwave is pushing Israelis to seek quick, plug-and-play cooling options to beat the rising temperatures without installation delays, reflecting a clear consumer trend toward portable solutions during extreme weather events.