France's stores scramble for fans as heatwave drives shortages

Across French towns, retailers such as Carrefour, Leclerc, Conforama, Action and other discount and DIY chains have run out of fans, portable air‑coolers and mobile air‑conditioners as temperatures approach 38 °C. Customers report empty shelves and uncertain restock dates, with some stores expecting new deliveries only in October or November. The shortage has sparked long queues and heightened concern among residents facing the ongoing heatwave.

In response, the supermarket chain Lidl announced a massive restock on 2 July 2026, planning to place more than 200,000 cooling devices—ranging from cheap handheld fans to mobile air‑conditioners—across its roughly 1,600 French stores, averaging about 125 units per outlet. Prices start at €3.99 for mini‑fans and go up to €179 for mobile air‑conditioners, with additional discounts for Lidl Plus members. The initiative aims to alleviate the acute demand and prevent further supply panic.