Hannaford Supermarkets President Addresses Shortage of TP and Hand Sanitizer

If you've been into a Hannaford Supermarket in this week looking for things like hand sanitizer, disinfecting products or even toilet paper, you might have found an empty shelf. Hannaford sent an email out Wednesday evening to customers letting them know how they are dealing with the coronvirus in the stores, including what they are doing to keep supplies on the shelves.

Dear Customers,

As coronavirus (COVID-19) has begun to spread in the United States, we know that many of you have already taken steps to ensure your family's wellbeing. I want to assure you that Hannaford is committed to be your partner in keeping you, your family, and all our associates safe and healthy.

 

We've been monitoring the situation closely and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We've implemented several changes for our associates, including travel restrictions, cancellations of conferences or other group gatherings, and postponing or canceling of meetings that involve large numbers.

 

Within our stores, we're focused on protecting your health and the health of our associates. We practice rigorous cleaning procedures throughout the entire store - from the entryway where we offer sanitizing wipes, to well-maintained bathrooms, to regularly sanitized PIN pads, grocery conveyor belts and other surfaces that people touch frequently. Our food safety practices are also exhaustive and thorough.

 

We strictly enforce personal hygiene techniques that are most effective at combating viruses, such as hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. And, we've asked associates who are feeling ill to stay home.

 

Our team is also working hard to help you with your needs at home. As customers are focused on keeping their families well, we've experienced a high demand for products such as cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers. We're working closely with our suppliers to provide you with the products you need, as soon as they're available. We're searching widely for new sources of supplies, and stores have implemented a purchase limit on certain items to ensure that products remain available.

 

Please be assured that we're closely following developments and will respond quickly as circumstances change. The health of you and your family, our associates and our communities is our first priority.

 

Sincerely,
Mike Vail
President
Hannaford Supermarkets

The stocking up of toilet paper is probably the most frustrating for people so a purchase limit is a good move to help keep shelves stocked. It still baffles many why people are feeling the need to stock up on TP.

According to an article from Yahoo News, hoarding makes people feel secure, and not being able to wipe is a big insecurity. But there's plenty of toilet paper here in the U.S. so it doesn't look like we're going to run out any time soon.