During the peak of the pandemic, I found myself anxious about many things, but running out of toilet paper wasn’t one of them—until it happened. With the emergence of the Delta variant, concerns have resurfaced, bringing us back to a familiar scenario. I wasn’t surprised when my friend texted me saying, “FYI—Costco is rationing paper goods again. Similar shortages are anticipated in the UK.” My initial response was to dismiss it, believing we wouldn’t face such a crisis here—yet here we are.
Costco has begun limiting the amount of toilet paper and bottled water that customers can purchase at once. Typically, warehouse clubs like Costco are known for their vast selection of bulk items, including everything from food to cleaning supplies. However, despite a general decline in new COVID cases in the United States, the company is facing supply chain issues. Richard A. Galanti, Costco’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, explained that they are dealing with “port delays, container shortages, COVID disruptions, shortages of various components, raw materials, and labor shortages.” It feels like déjà vu, as we witness long lines and empty shelves once again.
Why does toilet paper always seem to vanish first? A study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research suggests that panic buying and hoarding may be instinctual responses to scarcity and uncertainty. As individuals strive to secure resources for survival, toilet paper emerges as a focal point. Steven Taylor, a psychiatry professor, elaborated that heightened fears of infection lead to increased disgust sensitivity, making toilet paper a prime target for those anxious about contracting COVID-19. Efforts by leaders to discourage panic buying often backfire, as the “innuendo effect” links toilet paper with panic in shoppers’ minds.
Interestingly, Costco has not yet disclosed specific limits for purchases of toilet paper, cleaning products, and other household items. Galanti noted that Costco has also seen an increase in price inflation, estimating a rise of 3.5% to 4.5% this quarter. So, in addition to limits, shoppers can expect to pay more for their essential supplies.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Former FDA commissioner Dr. Gottlieb shared with CNN that achieving a vaccination rate of around 80% to 85% could help quell the spread of the virus. Vaccination not only saves lives but may also help ensure the availability of toilet paper.
In conclusion, while it’s important to stay prepared, getting vaccinated could be one of the best ways to stabilize supplies in our stores.
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Summary: Costco has resumed limits on the purchase of toilet paper and household supplies due to ongoing supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. As inflation affects pricing, consumers may face both shortages and rising costs. Vaccination efforts are highlighted as a potential solution to help stabilize supplies.
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