In the Spring of 2020 it became near impossible to find toilet paper. Then other items started disappearing from shelves. As COVID cases rise with colder weather sweeping the country some outlets have begun placing restrictions on how much toilet paper and other items you can buy. According to Yahoo News a Target spokesperson said "Target has the most in-demand items this holiday season; and placing limits on products like toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, flushable wipes, hand and face wipes, multi-purpose spray cleaner, gloves and more. We’ll adjust limits as needed, and respectfully ask all guests to consider their immediate needs and purchase accordingly, so more families can find the products they need.”
Costco: “Costco has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need. Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide essential, high-demand merchandise as well as everyday favorites.”
Kroger: “To ensure all customers have access to what they need, we’ve proactively and temporarily set purchase limits to two per customer on certain products, including bath tissue, paper towels, disinfecting wipes and hand soap".
Sam's Club: "We are currently limiting some products to one item per member to ensure that more of our members have access to the products they need.”
Publix: Last week we implemented customer purchase limits on paper towels and bath tissue due to much higher customer demand, and we, like all other retailers, are on allocation from our suppliers.
Others limiting purchases include Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Lowes Foods. The items being restricted in addition to toilet paper vary from store to store, but include peanut butter, ramen noodles, canned vegetables, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rubber gloves, bottled water, beans, rice, and bags of sugar and flour.