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Morrisons has become the first large supermarket to re-establish the rationing of staples like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap in its stores.
The supermarket chain said Thursday it had set a purchase limit of three on most cleaning products, as well as kitchen towels and Calpol to make sure they were “available to everyone.” Morrisons is also limiting the sales of flour, rice and oil sold in its global food aisle, which tend to come in larger packages.
The move echoes the beginning of the first wave of Covid-19 in the UK, when supermarkets were forced to impose shopping restrictions due to stockpiling people. Sales of toilet paper rolls have soared 23% over the last week, according to a supplier to major supermarkets, while shoppers have also been buying additional canned goods, pasta and pain relievers.
In recent days, major supermarkets have stepped up their store security procedures again with Morrisons and Asda posting sheriffs at the entrances of their supermarkets to monitor the number of shoppers and remind those who enter to wear face masks.
Morrisons confirmed that it had introduced purchase restrictions on the products.. “Our stock levels of these products are good, but we want to make sure they are available to everyone, ”said a spokesperson.
On Wednesday, the bosses at Tesco and Aldi sought to avoid a repeat of the empty shelves seen in March by asking shoppers to buy only what they need. Dave Lewis, the CEO of Tesco, said the warehousing was unnecessary as there were no disruptions to product supply chains as a result of the latest government measures against the coronavirus.
Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK, wrote to customers saying: “You don’t need to buy more than you normally would. I would like to assure you that our stores are fully stocked and ask that you continue to shop with consideration. “
Tesco does not have any product restrictions in its stores, however online shoppers who purchase face coverings, eggs, flour, and antibacterial products are limited to three per person. Tesco said it is currently experiencing no shortage of products.
Andy Brian, director of retail sales at Gordons law firm, said grocery stores had not closed during the first closure and there was “even less chance” of closing in the event of another. “Hopefully, buyers will take a calmer approach than at the beginning of the year and continue to shop normally,” he said.
