Sales of toilet paper and other emergency supplies have surged in the days following government advice urging households to stockpile essential items and prepare a "be ready" kit for potential emergencies. The call came as part of a wider initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to prepare for disruptions caused by possible cyber attacks or severe weather events.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting advised Britons to keep at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand, alongside items such as FM radios, torches, blankets, hygiene products, and first-aid kits. Since the announcement on Thursday, retailers and manufacturers have reported increased demand for a range of household essentials, including toilet paper, batteries, and power banks.
Manufacturers of eco-friendly toilet paper brands noted significant upticks in sales. Cheeky Panda, a producer of bamboo toilet tissue, reported a 43 percent rise in units sold compared to the same period last year. Julie Chen, co-founder of the company, emphasized that while it is prudent to have some extra supplies at home, there is no need to hoard months of products. Similarly, Serious Tissues, which makes recycled loo paper, saw a 36 percent increase in sales over the past five days. Founder Chris Baker described the surge as "substantial," driven by both new and existing customers advancing their purchases. He cautioned against excessive stockpiling, advising customers to maintain reasonable household levels.
Another manufacturer, Bumboo, also observed a 29 percent sales increase between October 22 and 26 compared with the prior month. Its spokesperson urged consumers to remain calm and avoid a repeat of the toilet paper shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting many customers already purchase supplies to last around three months under normal circumstances.
On the retail front, discount chain B&M reported a 19 percent rise in toilet paper sales, along with heightened demand for power banks and flashlights. Argos noted a sharp increase in sales of emergency preparedness products, including a 400 percent week-on-week jump in torch purchases between Thursday and Saturday. Toolstation, a supplier of DIY and trade equipment, recorded a 172 percent surge in generator sales, both electric inverter and petrol-powered models designed for power outages.
The government's campaign, branded the "national resilience conversation," seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of readiness for potential crises caused by hostile cyber activity or severe natural incidents. Housing Secretary Angel Rayner lightheartedly mentioned including unconventional items like wine and mascara in emergency kits during a public discussion, prompting a rebuke from Mayor Andy Burnham, who cautioned against alcohol consumption in disaster scenarios.
Overall, officials and manufacturers advocate balanced preparedness without panic buying, encouraging households to maintain supplies that align with their reasonable needs while ensuring resilience in case of emergencies.