Retailers Struggle With Panic Toilet Paper Stockpiling

CNN Business reports:

Rationing supplies. Overwhelmed delivery workers. Toilet paper protected by security guards. This is the new reality for some retailers that are having to take drastic action to limit the number of toilet paper rolls, face masks and hand sanitizer bottles each person can buy as customers stockpile goods over fears of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The epidemic has infected more than 97,000 people and killed 3,300 globally, leading to growing alarm that has resulted in mass bulk buying around the world. At a Coles supermarket in Brisbane, Australia, toilet paper was completely sold out. One worker at the store told CNN Business that his shift had been hectic as customers mobbed the aisles.