M&S invests in fridges designed for 45C heat as UK temperatures rise

Marks & Spencer is investing in refrigeration equipment capable of operating in temperatures as high as 45C, as the retailer prepares for hotter UK weather driven by the climate crisis. Chief executive Stuart Machin told shareholders at the group’s annual meeting in London on Tuesday that the company was “assuming it’s going to get hotter” and was investing in kit that could cope with 45C heat, including fridges with doors. Machin noted that M&S had struggled during nine days of recent extreme heat and had to order more ice-cream after six product lines went out of stock, prompting one supplier to hire 10 extra staff. The UK recorded its hottest June day ever last month with provisional highs of 37.7C, nearing the record of 40.3C set in 2022, and a third heatwave of the summer is expected this week. Machin also addressed retail crime concerns, stating M&S had invested millions in increasing security guards through a third party and in systems to tackle petty crime at self-service tills. Additionally, he said the autumn and winter fashion ranges would include items that “cover the tum, tops and bum” to appeal broadly, including to younger shoppers in their 20s and 30s.

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Sources: The Guardian