Shelves Are Emptying At Stores Across the Maritimes
HALIFAX —The Atlantic Superstore was very busy during lunch hour on Friday, which is nothing unusual. But one couldn’t help noticing the empty spaces on certain shelves, most notably where toilet paper and paper towels are stocked. The store still had enough in supply that day, but it was clear many people in Halifax had been stockpiling, which is happening across the Maritimes in the midst of the coronavirus scare.
One shopper with several rolls of toilet paper in her cart said she was buying some for herself and her daughter, but wasn’t panic-buying.
“I tried other stores, but they’re all out,” she said. “I’m not a hoarder.”
With national and international concern growing over the coronavirus pandemic, reports have circulated of consumers stockpiling certain essentials, such as toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, and dry food, in case of a quarantine.
Even though there have been no reported cases of the coronavirus in Nova Scotia to date, consumers in the HRM are still getting frustrated with shortages on the store shelves.
Em Cairns says she has an autoimmune disorder and needs hand sanitizer because of her condition. She was angry to see people trying to profit online through reselling, while she struggled to find any in stores.
“People are selling tiny…bottles of hand sanitizer for $10 a bottle,” Cairns posted online. “I have an autoimmune disorder and I rely on hand sanitizer through the winter months to keep from getting every little thing that’s going around. I haven’t been able to get a new bottle anywhere. It’s pretty absurd.”
Cairns later said that she was able to get a supply of sanitizer through her school, however.
Other shoppers in the HRM have reported that some stores are having trouble keeping hygiene products on the shelves.
“I was just at the big Superstore in Dartmouth and the Dollar Store. No rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to be found,” said Jenny Ganes.