Beating the heating bills

Cash-strapped consumers are beating the bills by wearering clever layers instead of turning the heating up.

Since the energy bill increase was announced earlier this month, savvy Brits have been stocking up on winter warmers such as thick tights, onesies, dressing gowns, slippers and hot water bottles, says Debenhams.

Debenhams has already sold 155% more onesies in October than the whole of September, with more than 100 being snapped up every day last week. Sales of 100 denier tights are selling at double the rate of this time last year.

Big fluffy slippers are doing well with sales increasing by 75% month on month. Slipper boots which are sure to keep you snug on a budget are a strong performer, sales are up 489% on this time last year.

Millions of households will see energy prices rise this winter. The increase is expected to come into force in November, just as the nights grow colder and darker.

It is expected that five rises by various energy companies will happen within nine weeks.

Debenhams’ head of lingerie buying and design, Sharon Webb commented: “Our clever customers are avoiding the increasing energy charges by wrapping up warm to keep out the chills and fight the bills.”

“People are flocking to bag a onesie as their cosy option rather than a traditional dressing gown which were more popular last year. Onesies have been one of our biggest sellers this week.”

Six different onesie styles are currently in stores with several new styles due to hit shop floors this week.

An innovative range of thick thermal tights with a fleece lining have completely sold out online and are flying off the shelves so Debenhams has ordered more stock to cope with the demand.