Shopping frenzy for parties

SHOPPERS are stocking up for barbecue and party fun.

From Monday Brits can enjoy family reunions as coronavirus rules are eased.

And, with a forecast of glorious sunshine, retailers are preparing for a run on barbecue favourites and classic sunshine tipples.

On Monday groups of six people are finally allowed to meet for the first time in months in gardens across England.

And bangers and burgers are flying off the shelves as people prepare for private parties.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We have seen a significant increase in sales of BBQ products this week which we expect to continue into the weekend.

“Sausages are proving particularly popular.”

Holidays

The supermarket giant also revealed that ice cream sales are nearly double what they were this time last year.

A spokesman for Waitrose said barbecue fuel sales are up 161% on this time last year with sales of burgers up 71% and barbecue chicken products up 35%.

She added: “This week, we’ve also reported our largest ever sales for rosé wine as customers look to recreate their European holidays.”

Meanwhile, B&Q is preparing for a shopping frenzy this weekend with people desperate to get their gardens in top shape.

A spokesman for the chain said: “People are taking on bigger garden projects during lockdown so we expect to see customers continuing to buy materials such as outdoor paints, fencing and decking.”

Online data from Event Supplies also shows searches for “cocktail delivery” shot up 5,685% between February and April this year and hunts for “takeaway beer” rose by 2,100%.