SUPERMARKET shelves in all suburbs have been left empty, prompting a surge in demand for essential items.
Supermarkets are seeing increased pressure as customers stock up on critical supplies ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s anticipated impact.
A spokesperson for Coles confirmed that the company has been ramping up efforts to meet the heightened demand, focusing on key items such as water, toilet paper, meat, milk, bread, canned goods, and baby formula.
“We have increased our order volumes for stores, with a focus on key items that are flying off the shelf,” the spokesperson said.
“Our Automated Distribution Centre, located in Redbank just outside Brisbane, is easily handling the increase in volumes this week, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that our stores remain well-stocked.”
The Redbank centre can process up to four million cases per week, equivalent to 32 million units sold in stores.
This massive capacity is being fully utilised to ensure swift replenishment of stock to meet the demand generated by the cyclone.
Despite the challenges, Coles assures customers that there is plenty of stock in their supply chain, with extra deliveries already underway.
The company has also increased staffing levels in stores to facilitate quicker restocking.
“We have extra team members working in stores to get the shelves stocked as quickly as we can,” the spokesperson said.
“We just ask that customers shop as they normally would and be patient with our hard-working team members.”
Cyclone Alfred, which is the first cyclone to affect the South East Queensland region in more than 50 years, has prompted widespread concern as Logan and surrounding regions prepare for potential disruption.
“We will continue to serve communities affected by these wild weather events and keep our shelves stocked for those in need,” the spokesperson said.
