Posted on 03/04/2020 10:54:34 AM PST by SeekAndFind
American shoppers flock to branches of the major department store Costco across the country in order stock up on supplies in fear of a coronavirus outbreak, CNBC reported.
The various necessities being sought include hand sanitizer, paper towels, trail mix, water and surgical masks, all of which are being bought in bulk.
Citing Nielsen, CNBC reported that hand sanitizer sales are up 73% since February 22, while surgical masks sales are up 319%.
However, Nielsen added that it does not expect hand sanitizer sales to peak any time soon.
The sudden surge of panic-induced shoppers is predicted by some to cause a rise in Costco shares. “We expect material comp benefits for Costco,” analyst Rupesh Parikh told clients, according to CNBC.
“Our observations and conversations with store employees [and] management suggest a strong pickup in traffic starting Thursday through at least Saturday.”
On Monday, Costco shares rose 4%.
However, the sudden surge of customers stocking up on supplies could also result in less demand in the future, as well as a depletion of stocks.
Already, local reports in Oregon confirmed that a Costco in the state ran out of toilet paper.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
Good ol’ Y2K. Sure, some systems had to be altered for the new time. But mostly it was just a field day for tech firms and consultants.
I am one of the true gloom and doomers here but:
I went shopping today at the local grocery store and topped off on food supplies of my favorite canned fruits and veggies—everything was readily available and the store had totally normal traffic.
(Northern CT)
I understand they use Chlorine to purify water.
Most municipal water systems also bring in solar salt to soften the water.
I have a friend who owns a trucking company that brings solar salt to various water treatment plants like the city of Tacoma.
Went got back from my local Wal-Mart a few minutes ago. No panics but the hand sanitizer and medical alcohol shelves were empty. The Hydrogen peroxide shelf was full, as was the bleach shelves. Bought some window cleaner as it has alcohol in it. Toilet paper was well stocked.
Mix a little bleach or window cleaner with a bottle of cheap dish soap and you have a great hand sanitizer.
**there were people returning stuff like power generators.***
Same thing at a local hardware store. Now they will not take a generator back UNLESS it is actually faulty.
I just came back from the Costco in Prescott AZ. It was less busier than usual. There were many pallets of toilet paper, water, paper towels, and canned goods available.
Be careful what you mix Bleach with!!!
I don't mind going to Costco. Parking can be a problem, but going there on Saturday is part of my Saturday errand run. I usually hit Petsmart, Costco and HEB grocery. I like how Costco lines move so fast. Even if the line is long they really move fast.
I visited a company today where workers in their paint line wear the white tyvec plastic suits
They had an order refused because of a shortage and apparent priority for healthcare types.
They are reusing the normally disposable suits until they become available again
We’re in Fort Lauderdale and I did some normal grocery shopping this morning. I went to the Walmart Market which was pretty empty and I noticed plenty of toilet paper. I then stopped at Publix and ,again, plenty of toilet paper and bleach but no wipes. I’ve seen 0 hand sanitizer anywhere except the airport.
At Target only two purse size Purell bottles were left. I’m off to London and taking those although after all my hospital career I wash hands anyway and follow precautions. So far only one person seen wearing a mask here at DFW airport.
I’ll put it this way, I just drove by a COSTCO and guess what no line at all. Parking lot half full.
I hope you’re correct...I’m just trying to avoid ANY flu/cold
...
I hear you!
Yeah.. I didn't understand the "trail mix" thing myself.. But, my Mom, who was very wise in the old ways, said "when all you have to eat is wild game you can substitute nuts for needed carbs."(?) I think she meant hickory, black walnut and maybe acorns...
Costco is always busy where I live on the weekend. In fact I avoid Costco on the weekend if I can. The employees at our local Costco hate Amazon, yet it hasn’t seemed to have hurt the Costco here.
There’s always a group of people waiting outside before Costco opens. Ours opens at 10 AM, so if you’re early you can wait in your car, or stand outside.
I reluctantly go to COSTCO because the guys that own it are hard core leftists. True believers real bad. Does anyone know about BJ’s? They are about open one near me. They seem to be a competitor.
I won’t mix bleach with ammonia. Deadly!
Liquor store still has 100 proof Vodka, if you want to lick your hands after washing.
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