Big Issue Sales Drop 20% in UK Heatwaves as 37.7C June Record Cuts Vendor Income
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 13
Big Issue Sales Drop 20% in UK Heatwaves as 37.7C June Record Cuts Vendor Income
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 13
Summary
Big Issue sales fell an average 20% year on year during UK heatwave weeks, hitting income for vendors who rely on the magazine for essentials such as rent and food.
37.7C temperatures in the week of 22 June coincided with a 22% sales drop, as lower footfall and fewer people willing to stop in the heat reduced purchases.
West Midlands and Wales were hit hardest during June's record temperatures, with sales down 34% and 33% respectively.
Big Issue said the UK has already had five heatwaves this year, and vendors are sometimes forced to cut shifts short because selling in extreme temperatures is unsafe.
The Met Office has warned this summer is on track to be the UK's hottest on record, suggesting further pressure on vendors' earnings even as Big Issue distributes sunscreen, caps and water.