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First it was toilet paper, then flour. Now UK shoppers have denounced a “national Easter egg shortage”, and disappointed shoppers are turning to social media to share stories of unwanted egg hunts and pictures of empty supermarket shelves.
Many said they had visited several local supermarkets without success. One Twitter user said his sister had visited 10 stores and returned empty-handed.
Some users made comparisons to a toilet paper shortage from last year, when people began stockpiling due to concerns about availability due to the coronavirus pandemic. One buyer tweeted: “I thought the 2020 toilet paper shortage was bad, but now we have the 2021 Easter egg shortage! All the stores have been sold out … It’s outrageous! “
Another shared a picture of empty shelves at a Waitrose in Norwich, saying “I should have bought mine on New Years.”
Your concerns are not unfounded. Asda said it was on track to sell a record 19 million Easter eggs this year, 3 million more than last year. The supermarket said customers were taking home an average of four eggs each and seemed to start holiday preparations earlier than usual.
And it’s not just eggs: Asda said it had seen an increase in hot cross buns, individual chocolate bunnies and even novelty bunny ears, while sales of Easter crafts, decorations and games were up 207% year-over-year.
“We still have eggs available in the store, but we recommend that buyers do not put it off until the last minute as we have seen an increase in demand this year. As Covid restrictions continue, we know that our customers are looking to pamper themselves and find new ways to celebrate this Easter, ”said a supermarket spokesperson, adding that this Easter was expected to be the largest yet.
On Saturday, a message on the Marks & Spencer website warned that “due to high demand, some of our iconic Easter eggs sold out online” and recommended that shoppers visit their nearest store to access the full range. . Many Easter eggs on the Cadbury website were also out of stock.
A thread on Mumsnet titled “Easter Eggs – None Left” had nearly 600 posts on Saturday afternoon, with many parents commenting that they had visited numerous supermarkets without success.
One user said the hallways looked “like … lobsters devastated it.”
By Tuesday, the British had spent nearly £ 50 million more on Easter treats, including chocolate eggs and hot scones. One expert suggested that people can make the most of the occasion as they prepare for long-awaited gatherings with family and friends.
