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It seems to be back in March. The surge in coronavirus cases has prompted shoppers to increase supplies, and shelves in some stores in Maryland and across the United States have been emptied, entering a busy Thanksgiving shopping period.

But retailers said they were not caught off guard as they did earlier this year to meet the surge in demand for toilet paper, tissues and other items that were out of stock at the beginning of the pandemic.

This week, Costco and Sam's Club seem to have exhausted paper inventory in some stores in the Baltimore area. In some local grocery stores, there are stocks on the shelves, but there are no more than two items marked to require shoppers to buy.

For several months, Weis Markets has limited its six rolls of tissue packaging to two per customer. Famous brands sell quickly. Manufacturers have not caught up with the demand for surface cleaners and wipes, but store brands and lesser-known brands have stocks.

Weis spokesperson Dennis Curtin said: “The overall condition of the store is very good, especially when compared to some of our major competitors, which are struggling to maintain inventory traffic in key categories.” So far, we We haven't seen panic buying yet, but if this situation changes, we can and will quickly adjust. "

A Costco spokeswoman said the retailer was unable to answer specific questions about shortages in its stores mentioned in social media posts.

However, the retailer stated in its website update on its coronavirus response on November 10 that the retailer has imposed restrictions on certain products. “Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide the necessary and demanded quantities. Great commodity".

In mid-March, when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland was just beginning to increase and bars and restaurants were closed, shoppers flocked to local stores to snap up meat, bread and toilet paper. Retailers have warned against panic buying, saying it will overwhelm warehouses, delivery fleets and rack replenishment efforts.

After 3, April, the supply gradually returned to normal, but some items such as cleaning supplies were still scarce.

And now, as the number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in Maryland and other states continues to rise, and government restrictions are tightening again, consumers seem to be busy again.

Henry C., Clinical Professor of Marketing, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

"There are a lot of people who know that certain items are in high demand—paper towels, cleaning supplies, toilet paper—and they think,'I have to hoard things just in case,'" Boyd said.

Walmart executives said on a conference call with analysts on Tuesday that the demand for cleaning supplies and toilet paper has put pressure on the supply chain in the country's regions hardest hit by the new COVID-19 cases.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on the phone: "This is indeed related to COVID cases in any particular community." "They just stock up on paper products, cleaning supplies and dry groceries, if needed."

But he said, "In my opinion, we will spend this time better than the first wave."

"I think, since we have gone through all this, we will calm down a bit."

Safeway's paper towel demand is higher than normal, but the grocer chose not to impose purchase restrictions.

Beth Goldberg, spokesperson for the Albertsons Companies Mid-Atlantic Division, Safeway's parent company, said that instead, "We are placing large orders and stocking our stores, so we can make room in the warehouse to introduce more products."

The company said that Aldi, a discount grocery store that has been expanding in the Baltimore area, has adjusted its purchase restrictions in response to the pandemic and changes in shoppers' demand.

The company said in a statement: "Our employees are working hard to maintain inventory on shelves, and like other retailers, we have implemented some product restrictions when necessary."

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Price Rite Marketplace has established Baltimore area stores in Piggtown in the city and Rosedale in Baltimore County. It has hired more employees, expanded its warehouse capacity, and adopted security measures. Price Rite also has restrictions on paper and cleaning products.

"All this work has prepared us for the second wave of epidemics," Price Rite spokesperson Daniel Emmer said.

Since the surge in demand this spring, Target said it has taken measures to speed up the tracking of certain products by better coordinating and prioritizing shipments between suppliers, distribution centers and stores-clean​​​ Supplies, food, baby products and over-the-counter medicines. Used to restock these items in the store.

The discount store also restricts toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, spray cleaners, gloves and other products for each customer.

The company said in a statement: "We will adjust the limits as needed and respectfully ask all guests to consider their urgent needs." "As we have done throughout the year, our team will remain flexible to change consumers. behavior."

Boyd of the University of Maryland said that in order to prevent panic buying, stores should assure consumers that there is no problem with the supply line. But this is not enough for some people.

Some people think, "I don't know if I trust an authority figure, I don't want to be left aside, so I'd better hoard it," he said.

However, Boyd does not expect panic buying to rise to spring levels.

Boyd said: "I think since we have all experienced this situation before, we will be more calm." "We may see an increase in panic buying, but it will not be like before. Life will continue."