Supermarket chiefs reassure shoppers there’s no need for panic buying

Supermarkets contact customers to ensure that supplies will continue.

Pictures show Sainsbury’s in Nottingham yesterday – other supermarkets are much the same with lots of  empty shelves.

The same letter has been sent by all major grocery retailers.

Empty shelves include toilet rolls, long-life milk and pasta products.

In a letter to shoppers sent today ( Sunday 15 March ) the CEO of Sainsbury’s Mike Coupe said:

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Dear customer,

‘You will have seen that, due to the ongoing uncertainty around the full impact of Coronavirus, supermarkets have been much busier than usual and customers are choosing to stock up.

‘I wanted to personally reassure you that we have more food and other essential items coming to us from manufacturers and into our warehouses and distribution centres. If we all shop just for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone.

‘I also wanted to let you know that at Sainsbury’s, we are working really hard to ensure this remains the case. Over the past two weeks we have:
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Ordered more stock of essential items from our suppliers
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Put more capacity into our warehouses and
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Set limits on a small number of items, including some cleaning products, soap and pain relief. This is a precautionary measure – if everyone shops normally, there will be enough for everyone.

‘There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked. Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can.

‘Which brings me onto a request. Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need. If we all do this then we can make sure we have enough for everyone. And please help elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.

‘I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to thank our colleagues who are all working incredibly hard to ensure we can continue to serve our customers well.’
Best wishes

Mike Coupe – CEO Sainsbury’s