Why Woolworths shelves across South East Queensland have been left empty?

A Woolworths senior executive has apologised to Queenslanders after supermarkets across the South East were decimated with shelves bare and orders delayed.

A Woolworths senior executive has apologised to Queenslanders for an IT blunder that caused “carnage” across South East Queensland stores.

Shoppers were fronted with rows of empty shelves at Woolworths supermarkets across the South East as the retail giant battled widespread warehousing and operational issues.

Speaking at a grilling over price gouging, Woolworths chief commercial officer Paul Harker confirmed a warehouse management system upgrade had frankly caused “carnage”.

Empty shelves at Woolworths supermarket in Newstead's Gasworks. Picture: Supplied.

“We’re not particularly happy about the situation,” Mr Harker said.

“We’re working very hard to improve it. We apologise to our customers that we have had issues.

“I might add we’re continuing to take the committed stock from our suppliers, even if we can’t get it out.”

Empty shelves at Woolworths supermarket in Newstead's Gasworks Plaza. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Harker said the backup in product was being donated to ensure it didn’t go to waste.

Earlier today, a Woolworths spokesperson said orders to Queensland stores had been delayed due to operational issues.

“Orders to some of our Queensland stores have been delayed due to operational issues at one of our distribution centres in Brisbane,” a company spokesperson said.

“We expect to see improvement in overall supply levels in the coming days.”

Everton Park Woolworths out of stock as company faces large-scale operational issues. Picture: Supplied.

Large swathes of the fruit and vegetable, dairy and pantry items were missing from Stafford, Everton Park, Lutwyche, Ashgrove, Kenmore, Aspley, Indooroopilly and Newstead stores over the past week.

“Some stores may be stocking less fruit and vegetables, milk and chicken than usual; product purchase limits are not in place,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding while our team works to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.”

Empty shelves at Woolworths supermarket in Newstead's Gasworks. Picture: Supplied.

Why your local Woolworths shelves have been stripped bare. Picture: X

Why your local Woolworths shelves have been stripped bare. Picture: X

A statement on the Woolworths app said: “Due to supply challenges across the Queensland region, you may see an increase in out of stock items in-store and online,” it read.

“We are working hard to resolve this and we apologise for the inconvenience.”

Conspiracy theories as to the cause of the issue ran rampant online.

Everton Park Woolworths out of stock as company faces large-scale operational issues. Picture: Supplied.

“Either a boycott or some sort of flex,” one commenter wrote on Facebook.

“Maybe they gave the staff a day off packing shelves so they could celebrate Mother's Day?” another said.

Empty shelves at Woolworths supermarket in Newstead's Gaswork Plaza. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s a ploy to reduce prices. No stock so they can’t sell,” a fellow commenter wrote.

Others took to Facebook to champion small independent growers and retailers.

“Everyone needs to stop shopping at Woolworths and Coles. Stop being so lazy and spending a fortune at these supermarkets; go to farmers markets, butchers … support local businesses,” one Facebook user said.

Some said their local Woolies were 'completely bare'. Picture: Facebook/DavidBromley

The shortages come as Woolworths executive face Queensland’s supermarket inquiry this week following a federal inquiry into supermarket prices earlier this year.