Due to the fact that COVID-19 has now turned into a pandemic and also the fact that there is a growing sense of panic in the people, there is panic buying going on out there in the markets all over the world. Since the outbreak has spread to the US and there have been deaths due to this virus, people are now starting to get serious about it. For this reason, they are stocking up items which are needed for daily use and also some medical supplies such as medicines and hand sanitizers.
However, this also means that people who are really in need of these products will not get them since they have been stocked by others who happen to get ahead of them and buy things. For this reason, the US stores have taken the steps which China took from months ago. This is the decision to limit purchases of hand sanitizers and face masks as well as other items per person. This will make sure that there is still items left for everyone to buy and no one faces a shortage as well as not get dupped by black marketers taking advantage of the situation.
Target, Walmart, Kroger and Publix are restricting the purchase of items that are marked as “high demand” or “increased demand.” As per Publix’s statement, they have imposed a limit of “two of each of the sanitizers, along with masks, rubbing alcohol, bleach, facial tissue, and cups, plates and utensils”.
Walmart gave a statement saying that they have told sales managers to “manage their inventory, including the discretion to limit sales quantities on items that are in unusually high demand.” However, experts believe that this rationing has come much too late since this could have stopped the price gouging that took place till now.