Coronavirus Australia: Coles takes out full page ad announcing strict toilet paper limit
The supermarket chain has announced new limits on sales of toilet paper but are looking at increasing packet sizes to meet unprecedented demand.
Coles has taken out full-page ads in newspapers to explain its toilet paper policy as customers continue to strip shelves amid coronavirus fears.
Despite repeated reassurances there was no need for panic buying and hoarding, the supermarket giant was forced to cut its four-pack-per-person policy to just one as frenzied shoppers continued to snap up stock.
Details outlining the decision were revealed today in a full-page ad placed in News Corp, Nine and The West Australian newspapers.
The message from Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said the new limits have been put in place to “ensure all customers have access to toilet paper”.
“Following the unprecedented demand for toilet paper we reluctantly introduced a temporary 4 pack limit last week. Unfortunately, many stores are still selling out within an hour of delivery,” Mr Cain says in the ad.
“We have therefore made the decision to change the limit to 1 pack per customer so that toilet paper is available for more of our customers, particularly the elderly and people who are unable to purchase in large volumes.”
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But it said the supermarket was also working with suppliers to increase production of larger-sized packs.
“ … we are prioritising the delivery of these packs to our stores, as a pack of 30 rolls should last an average family for around three weeks,” Mr Cain said.
The message closed thanking “team members and suppliers who are working tirelessly to do the best job possible under the circumstances”.
“ … we thank out customers for their understanding and support,” it read.
A message announcing the new limit posted on Coles’ Facebook group over the weekend has gathered 12,000 reactions, 2100 shares and an incredible 3500 comments.
Many commenting on the thread said they supported the move and commended the supermarket for taking everyone’s needs into account.
“Great decision Coles! I was speaking with one of your staff yesterday and what they have been enduring is ridiculous. Well done to all!” wrote one person.
Another said: “We’re certainly seeing the true colours of folks lately. Well done, Coles. Someone had to do something.”
A third added: “Great decision Coles this allows for everyone to have the opportunity and stops the hoarding that must be going on.”
The toilet paper buying frenzy in Australian has escalated in the past week, with an incident of people brawling and even security guards being installed in stores.
An image obtained by news.com.au showed a security officer in a Woolworths store in Narrabeen in Sydney’s north standing guard over a stack of toilet paper.
Woolworths has followed Coles in reducing the amount of toilet paper customers can purchase as shoppers continue to strip shelves bare of any new stock. Most recently Aldi slashed its shopping limits, telling news.com.au today it had also dropped its buying restrictions on toilet paper to just one pack per customer.
“The makers of Kleenex, Sorbent, Quilton and Woolworths own range of toilet paper are continuing to produce extra stock in Australian facilities to meet the demand,” a spokesman said.
“As a result, large volumes of toilet paper supply are flowing through daily to our stores nationwide.
“With this ongoing stock delivery, we encourage customers to continue purchasing only what they require.
“It’s worth noting that the vast majority of products aren’t affected, and there aren’t significant shortages in most stores and online.”
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