The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Groceries
anxiety, if they see the last two apples in the store, for example, “they feel the need to buy the two apples. What if you come back the next day and it’s not there. They want to get something before it’s gone.”
Additionally, Reeck said that humans are social creatures.
“We pay attention to what people do — it influences us. We tend to herd, so if we see people doing it we tend to follow. If you see people buying up and hoarding, you feel like you should be doing this, too.”
And because there is also regret, Reeck said people tend to think down the road, to think about ‘what if’ something isn’t available.
“It may cause me to take action to buy something I don’t really need,” she added.
Reeck, who has her Ph.D. in psychology and neuroscience, is an expert in consumer behavior, emotional influences on decision making and how the brain processes risk and uncertainty.
In his online statement, Walker said if customers can stop “the overwhelming tendency to overbuy,” the situation will be helped, adding that there is no need to panic.
According to Reeck, there are some things people can do to change their purchasing behavior.
“The most valuable thing is to be aware of it. When you might be making a decision that isn’t rational and adjust,” she said.
She said there is a lot of research into how people can manage their “emotional space.”
“Try to turn up the positive emotions or turn down and dampen some of the emotions. Go for a walk, do online yoga, take deep breaths, connect socially — we can still call someone,” she said.
Reeck added that acknowledging the emotions and re-framing how a situation is viewed can be helpful.
“Connect with family in a way you haven’t previously. A lot of families are getting more time together right now — celebrate that fact. Go for a walk in nature,” she said.
How are supermarkets responding to the situation?
Grocers acknowledge the challenges of meeting current demand, but are working to address the situation.
“We feel confident we have product coming in every day, it just might take a little more creativity,” White said.
Some of that creativity, he said, has been an “allhands-on-deck” approach, with employees jumping in wherever they can help. For example, on Monday White, who is the director of marketing, was delivering needed products to stores.
“Everyone is trying to pull their weight to get stuff out to people,” he added.
According to information provided by Wegmans, the grocery chain — which has more than 100 stores across seven states including 18 in Pennsylvania — receives shipments at its stores every day.
“Because this is impacting the retail industry around the world, supply is limited and there are a number of pressures on the supply chain to keep up with demand. This, coupled with the high volume we’re seeing across all departments, is affecting what is available on our shelves. Although we may not have every variety available, we are working hard to give our customers options in each category,” the online information read.
Not every grocer has enacted purchasing limits. The Giant Company has not enacted limits, and Redner’s doesn’t have across the board limits.
“We are looking at products on a case by case basis in terms of limiting the purchase. We have allowed the stores to make the decision on their own,” White said. “Guests seem to be understanding.”
Wegmans and Weis Markets have instituted limits on a variety of items. Lists of those products can be found on the stores’ websites.
Many grocers have changed their hours of operation, to allow more time for cleaning and restocking shelves.
Redner’s on Monday announced a further modification of the hours it had announced over the weekend. Effective March 17, the stores are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The company said it is taking the step until further notice, “so that we can effectively maintain stock and clean our stores while also allowing for our associates to properly get rest as the demand upon them has been great.”
Boyer’s announced Tuesday that it is modifying its hours effective March 18, and will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, 7 to 9 a.m. is reserved for those over the age of 62.
Weis, which operates 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and West Virginia, also announced a modification to its hours, with stores open from 7 a.m. to 9.p.m effective March 17.
The Giant Company said it continues to offer delivery and pick-up through Giant Direct, although slots are limited, according to a spokeswoman. The company has moved to “contactless deliveries,” effective March 17. The company operates 186 stores across four states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
Contactless delivery means the delivery driver will practice “social distancing” during the delivery process,” according to a spokeswoman.
“You complete your order through the website or app as normal; payment is electronic. Your driver will place the order on your doorstep, ring your doorbell, step back 6 feet, and wait to greet you. From there, should you need assistance, the driver will then ask you to practice social distancing (6 feet between you) during the process,” an emailed response from the company stated.
Wegmans uses Instacart for its deliveries. A spokeswoman for Wegmans said Instacart now offers a “Leave at My Door” feature. To take advantage of the service, customers can text their driver after receiving notification that their order is on its way for delivery.
On its website, Wegmans said its e-commerce business has increased, and because of the high demand, delivery and curbside pickup times are limited, and orders may take longer to be shopped.
Redner’s uses Shipt for its home delivery purchasing option, which remains in effect.
Meanwhile, Weis Markets, according to a statement on its website, has shut down its Weis 2 Go online ordering with curbside pickup and home delivery. However, orders can still be placed via www.weismarkets.com/shipt.
The latest COVID-19 response for each grocery chain is available on each company’s website.