Winco announced it would close some stores at midnight and reopen the next morning so stores can clean and restock. Managers will re-evaluate after a week.

“As we experience higher than normal demand on a variety of products, we are working around the clock to not only keep our stores open, but also clean and as stocked as possible,” the company announcement said.

Several stores in the Portland metro area have seen increased demand from shoppers. The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in long lines at Costco and other stores as people stock up on food and supplies. Costco and Trader Joe’s have suspended store samples as well.

At Fred Meyer, director of corporate affairs Jeffery Temple, said, “We are doing everything we can working with supply chain partners to keep our stores stocked in the communities we serve.”

Winco also sought to reassure shoppers. “On behalf of our 19,000+ employee owners, we have no intention of closing our stores and every intention of keeping our shelves as stocked as we possibly can.”

Winco did not release a list of participating stores so shoppers should check before they head out after midnight or early morning.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive