German discount air coolers spark price‑gouging on classifieds

LIDL’s current catalogue features a 3‑in‑1 tower air cooler reduced by 52 % to 119 €, down from 249 €. The offer is available only online, requires pre‑ordering, and stock is limited, leading to fast sell‑outs.

Kaufland is promoting a rotor‑less fan for 69.99 € in stores from 16 July and a mobile Tronic air‑conditioning unit for 179 € on the same date. The unit, rated at 9 000 BTU, is sold in physical outlets; the online price remains around 600 €.

Amid the German heatwave with temperatures reaching 30 °C, sellers on classifieds sites are reselling the same Tronic air‑conditioner for 200‑650 €, using original Lidl product images and offering no warranty. This secondary market exploits high demand and limited supply.

The promotions and subsequent resale activity highlight consumer pressure for affordable cooling solutions during an extended period of extreme summer heat in Germany.