Supermarkets, online stores restrict quantities of essentials to prevent hoarding

Grofers, for example, is not allowing users to buy more than one packet of flour, or more than two packets of biscuits.
Supermarkets, online stores restrict quantities of essentials to prevent hoarding
Supermarkets, online stores restrict quantities of essentials to prevent hoarding

Ever since the lockdown was announced two weeks ago to curb and contain the spread of COVID-19, there have been several instances of people hoarding groceries. However, several supermarket chains and online grocery platforms are now restricting users from buying in bulk to prevent hoarding and to ensure there is enough stock for all customers.

Online grocery stores are restricting customers from buying more than certain number of units for various products. For example, on the Bigbasket app, a customer can put only 4 packets of flour or rice (1 kg each) in their cart and not more than 10 cartons of milk. In the case of hygiene products too, the app doesn’t allow you to order more than four units of one item, and in some cases, not more than 10.

Grofers, on the other hand, is not allowing users to add more than one packet of flour, or more than two packets of biscuits, and not more than three packets of cooking oil.

In the case of Future Retail, which runs Easyday stores, restrictions have been placed on purchase of products such as butter, ghee, oil, pulses, among others. A notice has been put up in most stores, telling users that they cannot buy more than five packets of Amul butter, or not more than 5 kg of pulses, 3 kg of salt, among others.

“In order to ensure consistent availability of essential products, we are regulating quantities per bill to ensure all our members’ basic needs are fulfilled,” the notice reads.

However, there are no restrictions on purchase at Big Bazaar supermarkets, which are also run by Future Retail. Sources in the company say that there are no supply issues at the moment and that stocks are running out fast but are being replenished within hours.

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Retail too, is not placing any particular restrictions on purchases, but in some stores, independent decisions are being taken based on the availability of stock in that particular store. However, customers are being advised to not hoard and ensure everyone has access to essential items.

As per reports, supermarket chains such as Spencer’s Retail and Nature’s Basket are also putting in place restrictions on quantity bought by customers.

DMart however, has a different explanation for not imposing restrictions on quantities of essential products. Neville Noronha, MD at Avenue Supermarts (which runs DMart) says that it won’t be putting any restrictions as there is ample stock and allowing people to buy in bulk ensures they don’t have to repeatedly step out of their homes.

“If someone is buying two units of something instead of one, we let them buy because that way it reduces the number of trips they make to the supermarket. We shouldn’t be putting restrictions because anyway depending on city to city, the number of hours stores are allowed to be open is very restrictive. Some cities allow only 3-4 hours. So, if you don’t allow them to buy reasonable quantities, you won’t be able to meet demand,” Neville says.

According to him, the better way to handle this is have stores open for longer hours while following strict social distancing norms.

He added that DMart has enough stock, especially of all staples, grains and unprocessed food items, and reiterated that there is no need to panic.

“The only issue could be with processed packaged food like noodles, pastas, etc. There is no major disruption yet, but we are seeing shortages in some areas. There could be a shortage if companies don’t manufacture and supply to us quickly,” he added.

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