B&M shoppers have been flocking to stores to get their hands on winter warming gadgets that should prove a god-send ahead of the chilly winter months. It comes as Brits face a bump up in their household bills.
The UK’s energy regulator Ofgem put its new energy price cap for October to December into effect from today (October 1). It announced that the average household energy bill will increase by £149 from October but, for households already struggling to make ends meet, this extra expense won’t be welcome news.
The cap, which limits the amount that energy suppliers can charge for each unit of energy and standing charge. It will be reviewed again ahead of the New Year with changes commencing from January 1, 2025.
As a result, almost half of British adults (46%) say they are likely to ration their energy use this winter. People are willing to use less than they should for maintaining comfort and wellbeing, according to a survey by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) and YouGov.
In a bid to avoid paying out for their central heating, people are turning to alternative ways to avoid the wintery freeze that’s predicted to come later this month. There are plenty of new items being stocked in B&M that cover you from head to toe and promise to keep you ‘warm and cosy’ without needing the heating on.
In an Instagram post, B&M shoppers were shown a batch of different personal heating devices. Each was targeted at a different part of the body – offering direct warmth and comfort in areas like your feet, hands, neck and back.
In the post, a B&M spokesperson said: “Everything I’ve ever needed and more! Cosy season, we’re ready for you!”
The pictures showed off a range of products that started from £12 and went up to £20. Several shoppers vouched for ones they’d already snapped up whilst others were already planning their next B&M trip.
The £20 Restore Massaging Foot Warmer seemed to be the biggest hit. One shopper said: “This will be amazing when it’s even colder outside!”
Another added: “It warms and massages?! Take my money!” A third, tagging their friends, wrote: “Let’s go on a B&M hunt! These will be perfect for our cold toes!”
Shoppers can also get a pair of Heated Slippers for £20 by Naeo at B&M. The brand also had other body parts covered, quite literally, with a £12 Neck Wrap and Eye Mask as well as a £12 Soothing Heated Cushion you could ‘snuggle up with anywhere’.
Some shoppers are even finding uses for the thermal products outside of their home and when on the go. One fan said: “Calling all football mums!”
Another wrote: “Not gonna to lie, I’d deffo wear most of these to work as I’m always cold!” Some else with the same idea branded these items as their “office essentials”.
You can find your local B&M store online using the website locator tool. B&M does not allow customers to check stock online meaning customers will have to try their luck visiting a local store or calling them to ask if it might save you a long trip.
