AliExpress boosts air conditioner stock as heatwave bites

SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO

News Editor

AliExpress has increased its stock of air conditioners as demand for cooling devices rises during the heatwave. Sales of cooling appliances on the online marketplace have risen 382% year on year.

The move comes as retailers face strong demand for domestic cooling products, with some air conditioning units on rival online platforms listed as sold out or unavailable. AliExpress said it has kept several models in stock while expanding supply.

Among the products highlighted is a Haier air conditioner listed at GBP £298.39, down from GBP £596.78, with delivery expected within one to two weeks.

AliExpress also pointed to a portable 4-in-1 12000BTU air conditioner, which it described as its top-selling air conditioning unit, with more than 100,000 sold globally. The product includes cooling, dehumidifying and air circulation functions.

Interest has not been limited to larger appliances. Fan sales on the platform have risen 60% year on year, according to the company, as households look for smaller, cheaper ways to cool homes and workspaces.

Demand has also grown for portable products such as a XIAOMI Mijia desk fan, which the retailer said had been offered at a reduced price. It added that stock levels in fan categories remained sufficient despite seasonal pressure.

An AliExpress spokesperson highlighted the breadth of products available on the site.

“We have built a robust matrix of products covering multiple consumer scenarios, including handheld, ceiling, standing, and neck fans,” said an AliExpress spokesperson.

AliExpress said its cooling categories had remained available because of deep inventory and competitive pricing. It added that supply levels had allowed it to keep serving consumers as seasonal demand intensified.

“These categories benefit from strong price competitiveness and highly sufficient inventory levels, allowing us to continuously meet consumer demand even during peak seasonal spikes,” the spokesperson said.

Price Pressure

The sales update shows how extreme weather is reshaping short-term buying patterns across UK retail. Heatwaves often trigger sudden demand for fans, portable air conditioners and dehumidifiers, leaving sellers scrambling to replenish stock as consumers seek immediate relief.

For online marketplaces, availability has become as important as price. A product may be listed cheaply, but if it is unavailable, that offers little advantage to buyers looking for equipment that can arrive quickly during very hot weather.

AliExpress said UK delivery now ranges from one to three days for local inventory and from five working days for international cross-border shipping. Those timelines are part of a wider effort to improve fulfilment for British shoppers.

The retailer is also using its Brand+ scheme to compete more directly on trust and pricing. Under the programme, customers buying eligible products can receive an immediate price match or a refund of the difference if they find the same item cheaper on another reputable marketplace within seven days of purchase.

UK Focus

Finch Li, General Manager of AliExpress UK, said the company was seeing stronger demand from British consumers for branded goods at lower prices.

“As AliExpress proudly celebrates its anniversary, we’re seeing more British shoppers turning to the platform as they seek premium items with better deals. Our enhanced Brand+ offering is a direct response to this consumer shift,” Li said.

Brand+ sits alongside broader promises on seller verification, product quality and delivery. AliExpress has been trying to make the marketplace more competitive in categories where shoppers may previously have preferred domestic chains or larger established eCommerce groups.

Li expanded on that position.

“Brand+ guarantees verified sellers, reliable product quality, and highly competitive prices. It also provides a worry-free delivery experience with free and fast shipping. Our promise to deliver trusted brands, unbeatable value, and seamless convenience is a core part of our broader commitment to caring for consumers. As we embark on another year of serving hundreds of millions of consumers, our commitment to reliability remains unwavering,” Li said.