In the early stages of the pandemic, people suddenly started buying toilet paper in bulk, leading to widespread shortages.
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During the early stages of the pandemic, people adapted to changing situations by making new and different choices. But how did they make these decisions? Motivation theory can explain the process.
Hoarding, stockpiling and panic buying have all increased during the pandemic.
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The pandemic has put a spotlight on a once little-discussed disorder – hoarding. But hoarding disorder is not what you might think.
James Ross/AAP
Melbourne’s return to stage 3 restrictions has precipitated another round of grocery stockpiling. But supermarket shelves won’t be empty as long as last time.
Toilet paper stock at a Woolworths supermarket in Melbourne on June 26 2020.
James Ross/AAP
What motivates people to panic buy and stockpile goods like toilet paper? The COVID-19 pandemic has given us the chance to find out.
When word of COVID-19 spread, consumers started stockpiling goods like toilet paper in their homes, both disrupting the supply chain system and creating living spaces crammed with paper products. It isn’t necessary.
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Bulk buying disrupts the balance of the supply chain. Here’s how supply chains combat hoarding of products like toilet paper.
Flour has been in short supply in recent weeks.
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Modern supply chains have become increasingly efficient, but as a result are more susceptible to disruptions like the one caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law’.
EPA/ Salvatore Di Nolfi
It’s hard to get societies based on individualism to act in the collective good. That’s why you can’t find any toilet paper.
A supermarket in south London, March 15 2020.
Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA
The good news is supermarket shelves should be back to normal sooner rather than later.
Almost 150 U.S. companies make toilet paper.
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The new coronavirus outbreak has prompted panic buying in the US and around the world, even in products that are abundant.