SALT LAKE CITY — The stockpiling frenzy that occurred in the spring during the first wave of COVID-19 may rear its ugly head again.
Research from Inmar Intelligence shows that 57 percent of people are planning on rebuilding their stockpile as worldwide coronavirus cases surge in what experts are calling a second wave.
In the months following the beginning of the pandemic, cleaning supplies and toilet paper disappeared from store shelves as quickly as they were stocked. A large 64 percent of shoppers said took part in the spring stockpiling.
By far, toilet paper (67 percent) and hand sanitizer (57 percent) are on the top of the list when it comes to products that shoppers plan to hoard should they find it necessary to create another stockpile.
Inmar Intelligence says it is now the responsibility of retailers to make sure supply meets demand as communities once again face possible shutdowns in the face of rising COVID-19 cases.
“Today’s shoppers still have concerns around safety, availability and convenience, and will continue to look to their local retailers to deliver consistency and seamless customer service across all touchpoints." said Inmar Chairman and CEO David Mounts. "As we enter one of the busiest shopping seasons, it will be important for retailers not only to prepare for this new surge in demand but also deliver value to customers during this time of crisis in order to maintain heightened trust and customer loyalty.”
