LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — If you have been at Target, Tops, or Wegmans the last few days, you probably noticed there is a 'buying blitz' happening as people stock up for the holidays and another possible COVID lockdown.
"You would rather stock up than be left without," said Lucy Shull who was shopping at the Lancaster Tops on Transit Road.
The same thing is happening across the nation. It is resulting in more items in short supply with stores increasing the number of purchase restrictions on products ranging from toilet paper to sugar to paper towels to freezer and storage bags.
TOPS has an online list that shows what items have limits. You can view that by clicking here.
WEGMANS also has information about the list of its limited items. Click on this link to view that.
TARGET sent the following statement about supply issues:
"Throughout the pandemic, Target has focused on getting our guests the essentials they need at an everyday low price. Our teams have quickly adjusted to changes in consumer demand, like the surge we saw this spring and the rapid shift to contactless shopping options we experienced throughout the summer and fall. To ensure as many guests as possible can find the items they need, we’ve taken measures such as:
· Coordinating stores, distribution centers and suppliers so that the things our guests need most —cleaning supplies, food, over-the-counter medicine and baby products—are fast-tracked through the supply chain and prioritized for re-stocking.
· Sending more inventory to stores than ever before to ensure Target has the most in-demand items this holiday season.
· Placing limits on products like toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, flushable wipes, hand & face wipes, multi-purpose spray cleaner, gloves and more. We’ll adjust limits as needed, and respectfully ask all guests to consider their immediate needs and purchase accordingly, so more families can find the products they need.
Additionally, since this spring, we’ve been monitoring our guest traffic, and metering the number of guests inside when needed to ensure a safe shopping environment. This traffic monitoring, which we do through a balance of team members and technology, will continue throughout the holiday season. Our capacities account for six feet social distancing guidance throughout our stores and we continue to follow any local government mandates.
As we approach the holiday season, we’ve introduced a number of new safety measures – including contactless self-checkout, technology that allows guests to skip waiting in line and more. In addition, we’ve enhanced our contactless, same-day services, including doubling the number of Drive Up spots available. More information on holiday safety measures is here.
As we have all year, our teams will remain flexible to changing consumer behavior and ensure Target remains an easy and safe place for guests to shop."
