I'll buy every item on the shelf that I like because it could be months before they have it again.
I complained to the manager that I often leave the store not getting 20% of the items on my list because they're out of them.
She said, "Sir, that's a warehousing problem." As if that was an adequate answer to me.
I said, "Maam, it's your problem and I'd be at headquarters in Arkansas if I were a manager with your problems."
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think it may be a combination of problems. The “just in time” supply model seems to be failing.
I’ve entertained the idea that one suspect in this might be Amazon. Yea.......that sounds nuts, but take, for example Tostitos Cantina Style Chipotle sauce. Walmart and the chain groceries have been out of that for months. So, my wife went to Amazon grocery site........they’ve got it; but it comes in at something like $10.00 a bottle, or did when she was looking.
Is it possible that Amazon has hijacked the supply model by buying in huge bulk quantities from the manufacturer?
One super-center I go to has a regional distribution center within sight of the store. It is still missing some things from the shelves. This one is pretty good overall though. I think the biggest problem they have is getting and keeping competent employees.