By Romy Stephens
The impact of coronavirus and panic buying has hit the Yarra Ranges with numerous supermarket shelves stripped of toilet paper and other basic items.
Amid the international virus outbreak, shoppers have been stocking up on items such as toilet paper, tissues, pasta, rice, water and hand sanitiser.
The effects are visibly noticeable with numerous major shopping retailers such as IGA, Coles and Woolworths experiencing empty shelves.
The buying has prompted Woolworths to issue a limit on toilet paper packs per customer.
“Woolworths has today moved to apply a quantity limit on toilet paper packs to ensure more customers have access to the products,” the company said in a statement.
“The purchase limit of four packs per transaction applies in-store and online, and will help shore up stock as suppliers ramp up local production in response to higher than usual demand.
“Our teams are continuing to work hard on restocking stores with extra deliveries of long-life food and household staples from our distribution centres.”
Meanwhile, Coles urged shoppers “there is definitely no need to panic.”
“Coles has increased the number of deliveries to stores this week to improve availability on popular products, such as long-life pantry staples and healthcare items and our teams are working hard to fill the shelves as quickly as possible,” a Coles spokesperson said.
“Like many retailers, we currently have a shortage of some antibacterial handwashes and hand sanitiser products due to high customer demand.
“We are continuing to work with our suppliers to maintain availability for customers.”
Millgrove resident Ariskar Dove said she had been searching everywhere for some toilet paper.
She said she was doing her regular shopping run and couldn’t believe that everywhere has been stripped clean.
“I’ve been out all week with my mum and it’s just gone silly,” she said.
“I’ve been out everywhere. I went to Seville yesterday at Safeway and Aldi’s out too.
“Woori Yallock Foodworks is out, Warburton IGA, Yarra Junction Safeway’s out.
“It’s just unbelievable.”
Do you have any images of bare supermarket shelves in the Yarra Ranges? Send them through to editor@mailcommunity.com.au.
