M&S invests in fridges that can cope with weather as hot as 45C
News Source
β’Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:04 GMT
π° What Happened
Marks & Spencer is investing in new refrigeration that can handle temperatures up to 45C. The company admitted it struggled during the recent June heatwave in the UK. CEO Stuart Machin told shareholders the company is assuming it will get hotter. The new fridges include doors that help them stay cool in warm weather. M&S also had to order more ice cream after six product lines ran out due to demand. One supplier hired 10 extra staff just to keep up.
π The Backstory
The UK recorded its hottest June day ever this year with temperatures reaching 37.7C. The all-time UK record of 40.3C was set in 2022. Climate change is driving more frequent and intense heatwaves. A third heatwave of summer 2026 was forecast for the week of this announcement. Other retailers like Sainsbury's have also admitted their fridges struggled in the heat. M&S is the first major retailer to directly link its investment to climate change.
π― Why It Matters
Climate change is already changing how stores operate. This affects food quality, prices, and whether your favorite products stay in stock during heatwaves.
Marks & Spencer is investing in new refrigeration that can handle temperatures up to 45C. The company admitted it struggled during the recent June heatwave in the UK. CEO Stuart Machin told shareholders the company is assuming it will get hotter. The new fridges include doors that help them stay cool in warm weather. M&S also had to order more ice cream after six product lines ran out due to demand. One supplier hired 10 extra staff just to keep up.
The UK recorded its hottest June day ever this year with temperatures reaching 37.7C. The all-time UK record of 40.3C was set in 2022. Climate change is driving more frequent and intense heatwaves. A third heatwave of summer 2026 was forecast for the week of this announcement. Other retailers like Sainsbury's have also admitted their fridges struggled in the heat. M&S is the first major retailer to directly link its investment to climate change.
Climate change is already changing how stores operate. This affects food quality, prices, and whether your favorite products stay in stock during heatwaves.