Bare shelves at Wairarapa supermarkets. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

‘Out of stock’ signs sitting lonely in big shelf gaps

Aleyna Martinez

aleyna.martinez@age.co.nz

Coronavirus panic buying has set in for Wairarapa, leaving hand wash, hand sanitiser, bleach, and antibacterial wipes in short supply.

A Times-Age survey of Unichem Pharmacy, Pak’nSave and The Warehouse in Masterton; New World in Carterton, FreshChoice in Greytown and SuperValue in Featherston found low stocks in hygiene products, but toilet paper was still available.

‘Out of stock’ signs are sitting lonely in big shelf gaps informing customers that store owners aren’t sure when they will be able to restock hand sanitiser.

New World Carterton owner-operator Diane Duffield said hand sanitiser had sold out well before the first case of covid-19 was confirmed in New Zealand on February 28.

She was told by one of her suppliers a shipment of sanitary products intended for New Zealand had been diverted this week “to more needy countries”.

Val Sleet, pharmacist manager at The Unichem Southend Pharmacy on Queen St said she hadn’t seen any panic buying in her shop but felt “a lot of our elderly population are very worried”.

The pharmacy is also unsure as to when they will be able to restock wipes, face masks, and sanitiser because suppliers are prioritising hospitals, medical centres and then pharmacies.