IGA owner assures shoppers no need for panic buying

‘There is no doubt the supply has been interrupted, but we have a steady supply coming through.’

‘We have adapted our businness model to suit demand, but that could chnage tomorrow.’ Roz White at one of her IGA stores.

OWNER of five IGA stores across the Sunshine Coast, Roz White has assured shoppers the doors would stay open despite the threat of coronavirus.

This is despite the escalated activity and demand in her stores from shoppers panic buying essential goods.

“Christmas and Easter are busy in our stores, but this is like Christmas and Easter all in one week,” Ms White said.

“We haven’t seen anything quite as mad as this.”

Ms White and her husband Michael’s IGA stores are located in Peregian Beach, Mt Coolum, Bli Bli, Beringa and Mooloolah.

Ms White said during this unprecedented time, her supermarkets have become a community service more so than a business.

“People still need to eat and have access to fresh food and vegetables.

“Other parts of the world’s supermarkets have become essential services to the community,” she said.

“Certain things have to operate, and we intend to do that.”

Ms White reassured customers that all the essential items including toilet paper, meat, fruit and vegetables, rice, pasta and more are regularly replenished.

“There is no doubt the supply has been interrupted, but we have a steady supply coming through,” she said.

“We are getting fresh delivery of meat on a daily basis.

“There are loads coming in every day,” she said.

“We have a lot of local suppliers we are able to access.”

Due to the hyper demand, Ms White said the manufacturers are working overtime to manufacturer essential goods.

“Everyone is doing the best they can,” she said.

“I’d suggest manufacturers are working 24/7 to keep production going.”

While we face an uncertain future, the multiple IGA owner is doing her best to prepare for a number of different scenarios, including a potential lock down.

“So many things are unknown,” Ms White said.

“If our labour force is reduced by half, we will adapt our operations accordingly.

“Whether we work off restricted hours or deliver groceries in different mode,” she said.

“We have every intention of making ourselves available for the community.

“At the moment we’re preparing for a lock down event. We’re not sure what that model looks like.”

“We have adapted our business model to suit demand, but that could change tomorrow.”

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