Trichy cools down, so do AC sales

Trichy: Trichy's air conditioner market is feeling the chill this summer—not from sales, but from the weather. With temperatures lower than last year, major appliance showrooms across the city are reporting a nearly 50% drop in AC sales.
Last summer saw what retailers called an "abnormal" spike in demand. This year, footfall in AC sections has thinned noticeably, with many customers turning to more affordable alternatives, such as air coolers. In the interior parts of the city, daily AC sales have dropped from 20–30 units to around 10–12. Prime locations, which once sold 50 units a day, are now down to 25–30.
"Air coolers are cheaper, and with temperatures staying moderate, they're enough for most people," said Divakar M, a store manager. "Last year, we sold nearly 100 units in a single day—now that feels like a distant memory." He attributed the slump partly to intermittent rains this season.
Wholesale dealers are seeing the same trend. V Annand of Sivas Electronics, who sold 450 units in April last year, has managed only 225 this April. "Last year, installation took nearly 10 days due to demand. Now, we have more units in stock than customers," he said.
Adding to the slowdown are installation charges—ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500—now levied by many brands except those offering high-efficiency 5-star units. This has nudged budget-conscious buyers toward air coolers, which are selling at an unprecedented rate of about 10 units a day.
"The weather's a factor, but so is the market saturation," said AC mechanic S Chelliah. "Many bought ACs during last year's heatwave. Now, it's mostly customers looking for an additional unit."
50% Drop in Daily AC Sales
Interior Areas
Last year: 20–30 units
This year: 10–12 units
City Centre Showrooms
Last year: 50–60 units
This year: 25–30 units
Average sales drop: 50%
Maximum drop: Up to 70% (*in a few outlets)
Air Cooler Sales on the Rise
Daily sales: 10–15 units
Temperature Check: April 1–14
2025 Average: 37°C
2024 Average: 40°C
Last year: Temps crossed 40°C multiple times
This year: Yet to touch 40°C