“There was actually a lady that came in today looking for a wind-up radio,” a shop worker at Lenehan’s told The Journal.
Retailers are reporting an uptick in the sale of battery-powered lamps and wireless radios after the Irish government launched the “Be Emergency Ready” campaign. As part of the initiative, which follows a wider European push for emergency preparedness, 2.2 million households were sent booklets detailing how to prepare for unexpected events such as flooding and power cuts.
Retail Response on Capel Street
Shops on Dublin’s Capel Street have seen a surge in demand over the last few months. A worker at the home improvement shop Lenehan’s described the increase in demand for emergency products as “massive,” noting that the store has since added emergency radios to its window displays. The manager at Lenehan’s further noted that many of these items are being sold online.
Staff at Lenehan’s reported one instance where a customer arrived with the government letter in hand, requiring employees to walk through the entire shop to help the man find the listed items. Similarly, a worker at the Army Bargains Military Shop reported an uptick in customers purchasing battery-powered lights.
Government Checklist Drives Demand for Emergency Supplies
The government checklist provided to households recommends stocking the following items:
- Two to three litres of drinking water per person daily
- Non-perishable food
- A radio and a torch with spare batteries
- Medicines and copies of important documents
Retailers noted that portable gas stoves have also seen increased demand since the circulation of the booklets. In terms of pricing, battery-powered lamps generally cost between €10 and €20, while emergency solar radios—some of which include a power bank and torch—range from €40 to €60.
Reliability Debates
While solar options are available, some retailers suggest alternatives for better reliability. A worker at the Army Bargains Military Shop recommended battery-powered lights over solar-powered versions, citing that battery options do not rely on the sun.
