Shoppers desperate to escape the record-breaking heatwave have formed long queues outside Lidl stores across the UK, reminiscent of Covid-era lines, as bargain air conditioning units sold out within minutes. The Tronic-3-in-1 portable cooling system, priced at £149, went on sale today but many stores were quickly emptied, leaving customers angry and disappointed.
Queues form in multiple locations
Long lines were seen outside branches in Hampshire and Warwick as temperatures soared above 30°C in the extreme heat area. At Lidl Hedge End in Hampshire, shoppers waited in the sizzling heat only to be told the items were all gone. Stores in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and Southampton also sold out rapidly, according to reports.
Shoppers vent frustration on social media
Frustrated customers took to social media to complain. One shopper in Portishead alleged: “Well done Lidl, how to piss your customer off. Advertise the air conditioning units for sale from 25/6/26, and put them all out the day before. So many unhappy customers this morning, who got up early especially to buy them.” Another shopper reported that a store in High Wycombe had not received any units, leaving ’50 angry customers.’
Multiple purchases fuel anger
There were also reports of people buying multiple units without being stopped. One person said: “Got there 8:02 headed in and was still in stock HOWEVER people were buying multiple which meant the woman in front of me got the last one. Wasted journey, greed and no policy for one per customer. Back to cooking it is.”
Product details and context
The Tronic-3-in-1 is a portable home cooling system designed to dehumidify and ventilate rooms. Its viral popularity on social media drove demand, but many stores either failed to stock the units or put them out a day early. Metro has approached Lidl for comment but has not yet received a response.
