Quickmart allays fears over panic shopping due to coronavirus

Quickmart Supermarket has allayed fears of shortages at different outlets in Nairobi saying they are working with suppliers to prevent scarcity.

A statement from the CEO Peter Kang’iri acknowledged fear exhibited by customers who turned up in droves to stock pile commodities higher than their regular consumption.

“In light of the current situation in the country surrounding the confirmation of a COVID19 (Novel Corona Virus) case, we understand the anxiety that our customers are experiencing. We have worked diligently with all our suppliers to ensure that there is no scarcity of items that are deemed essential at this time,” the statement reads.

The CEO further noted that they are continuously sanitizing surfaces and trolleys and encouraging social distance as part of safety measures against coronavirus.

Kenyans went into a frenzy and flocked supermarkets as well as shopping malls after Friday’s announcement of Kenya’s first case of coronavirus.

There was a flurry of activities in shopping complexes within the country with several supermarkets experiencing long queues.

Some outlets are said to have extended shopping hours beyond 8pm to accommodate the increasing numbers.

Other retailers had to limit the number of sanitizers to two per person after demand surged as Kenyans began to put into effect preventive measures against the virus.

Tuskys Supermarket also confirmed the surge in shopping indicating that it had noticed a sharp floor traffic arising from panic shopping.

In a statement on Friday, Tuskys CEO Dan Githua said they have consulted with their suppliers and are assured of receiving steady supplies at standard prices.

The Competition Authority of Kenya also sent out a cautionary notice warning manufacturers and retailers against hoarding supplies to spike commodity prices.