During the peak of the pandemic, I had numerous concerns, but running out of toilet paper wasn’t one of them—until it actually happened. With the Delta variant causing a stir, it was only a matter of time before I received a text from my mother-in-law saying, “Just a heads up—Costco is restricting paper products. Stores in the UK are already anticipating shortages.” I casually replied “ok” and thought we wouldn’t face that situation here again. Yet, here we are, with Costco reinstating limits on toilet paper and bottled water purchases.
Typically, warehouse clubs like Costco offer vast quantities of everything from food to cleaning supplies. Even though COVID cases in the U.S. appear to be decreasing according to the CDC, supply chain issues have resulted in new restrictions. Richard A. Galanti, Costco’s executive vice president and CFO, shared during an investor call that they are dealing with “port delays, container shortages, COVID disruptions, and labor shortages.” After last year’s toilet paper battles, we seem to be heading back to that chaotic scene.
Long lines, bare shelves, and viral videos of shoppers scrambling for supplies are reminiscent of the early pandemic days. So why does toilet paper always seem to fly off the shelves first? A 2021 study in the Journal of Psychiatry Research suggests that panic buying and hoarding are instinctual responses to scarcity and anxiety. As psychiatry professor Steven Taylor explained in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, heightened fears of infection often lead people to seek items that alleviate their concerns, like toilet paper.
Interestingly, Costco has not yet specified the exact limits on household supplies they will implement. Galanti also warned investors that the company has observed a price increase on products this quarter, expected to be between 3.5% and 4.5%. This means that in addition to purchasing limits, customers may also find themselves paying more for essential items.
However, there is a silver lining. According to Dr. Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, there’s hope for improvement. In a CNN interview, he mentioned that achieving an 80% to 85% vaccination rate could help reduce case numbers and slow the spread of the virus. The main takeaway? Getting vaccinated not only saves lives but might also help keep toilet paper on the shelves.
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In summary, Costco is once again placing limits on toilet paper and essential household supplies due to ongoing supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. As consumers face rising prices and potential shortages, the emphasis on vaccination remains a crucial part of mitigating these issues.
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