Oh, no. Not again! Panic-buying appears to be starting up once more as the Delta variant continues its escalation across America. Now, even Costco has announced bringing back temporary limits on select items at its warehouse locations.
Costco’s latest update can be seen at the company’s website, where it has announced reimposing temporary limits on select items. However, the big-box retail giant has not specified which items and how many purchased would be limited to shoppers per trip.
The website also mentions its position on mask-wearing, stating that each Costco location would abide by the face mask regulations of the applicable state and local jurisdictions.
Costco strongly recommends that all members and guests wear face masks inside its locations.
Is It All About Toilet Paper Panic?
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, folks were crazed about their must-have staples, including toilet paper and paper towels. These items quickly became scarce across store shelves everywhere as shoppers went into panic mode and the fear of running out.
Retailers tried to control the growing situation by putting a limit on how many packages of rolls and/or paper towels shoppers could buy in one trip.
It appears that the idea of possibly another lockdown coming up due to the Delta variant has a lot of Americans stockpiling their T.P.
Even Proctor & Gamble Co. says that demand is increasing, so it’s ramping up production. P&G remains the nation’s largest manufacturer of toilet paper and paper towels.
Several retailers are reporting that the giant company is limiting its shipment of paper products to stores.
If you’re wondering, Americans use the most toilet paper around the globe. For instance, the average American goes through 140 rolls of toilet paper annually. That amounts to about 28 pounds, according to EnvironmentAmerica.org.
Costco Shopping Website Posting Limits
If you decide to purchase items from the Costco website, you will see some of the new and temporary limits they are placing.
For example, the store sells Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Bath Tissue, 36 Rolls, at a price of $26.99. If you try to choose and buy more than 2 packages, the website immediately posts a message in bold red lettering, which states that “Item 1044434 has a maximum order quantity of 2.”
Bottled water is another product that folks appear to be grabbing fast as the Delta variant surges.
For example, if you buy Kirkland Signature Bottled Water 16.9 fl oz, 40-count, 48 Case Pallet at the online shopping website, Costco will only allow you one purchase at $399. “Item 1147352 has a maximum order quantity of 1.”
Purchasing a boatload of paper towels does not seem to be a problem on the Costco shopping site at the moment. Disposable diapers are also available in large quantities. The same goes for disinfecting wipes; there appears to be no limit as to how many you want to buy.
When Costco customers see their favorite staples missing from store shelves, they take it to social media’s Twitter to complain and to enlighten folks out there about what’s happening.
By the way, you do not have to become a member of Costco to shop online, but you will face a 5-percent surcharge as a non-member.
Looking Out For Those On The Front Line
Costco remains committed to respecting the folks out there in the health care industry and first responders who are fighting COVID 24/7, day in and day out.
These often unsung heroes who include pharmacists and all hospital employees with a hospital ID and police officers, EMTs and firefighters may enter the Costco warehouse during Special Operating Hours, as well as regular operating hours.
