As the predictions of quarantine flooded all media and news outlets, civilians flocked to their grocery stores or pharmacies, in search of disposable items, paper goods, and hygiene products. The influx of customers caused stores to run out or limit these items, often leading to their shelves being empty. This was over 180 days ago, and stores are still without paper goods, why?
Although bulk stores like Costco or BJ’s are able to maintain a supply of paper goods, supermarkets can’t keep up the pace. Joseph Veneroni, Bakery Manager of Greenfield ShopRite of Bethpage, explained, “We are told from the higher-ups that the supply companies aren’t able to ship the amounts we need, they’re being limited per store.” Some aisles of this ShopRite seem to be missing essential items, while others are packed full of cookies, snacks, drinks, etc. “Finding food isn’t a problem, obviously,” explained a customer at the store. He continued, “The lines are what makes it miserable. If I run in for one or two things, I have to wait in line for 15 minutes.”
The lack of paper goods in grocery stores has had a profound effect on customer relations as well. “It’s weird that some stores like Costco have paper towels, but why don’t any supermarkets? It’s been so long, how are there still no napkins?” said Gina Russillo, a resident of Massapequa, outside of her local grocery store, King Kullen. Most aisles that store toiletries like paper towels or toilet paper are often left with opened boxes of singed roll paper towels or expensive fancy napkins. Patricia Caufield, a long devoted shopper at Stop and Shop of Merrick explained,“Paper napkins are still tough to find. Aisles are taped off because there’s nothing on the shelves.”
Some customers had positive opinions on their local grocery store. In a Long Island King Kullen, shopper Chris DiMatteo explained, “I think the grocery stores are doing a really good job in keeping organized and clean. They’re missing some stuff, but under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s as bad as people are making it out to be.”
Supply and demand seem to be a continuing issue for supermarkets, but how can bulk stores carry those items that supermarkets can’t? An attempt to reach ShopRite headquarters ended in failure, as they had no in-person telephone operators. The lack of toiletries and paper goods in grocery stores seems to be a mystery, but as COVID-19 continues to lessen its grip on the world, hopefully, stores, and everyday life, will go back to normal.
