NRF, RILA urge consumers to shop ‘responsibly;’ supply chains ‘remain strong’

The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry want consumers to stop hoarding and stockpiling items during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Retailers – particularly grocery providers – are working with manufacturers, suppliers and government agencies to make certain essential products and services remain readily available to customers,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay and RILA president Brian Dodge in a joint statement. “Retail supply chains remain strong and retail employees are working around the clock to meet consumer demand.” 

Here is the rest of the statement:
“If you don’t need an item in the next two weeks, leave it for someone who does. Hoarding and stockpiling creates unnecessary gaps between the time that someone who truly needs a product can find it back on retailers’ shelves. This is particularly important for our most vulnerable neighbors – the elderly and those who are struggling with other health issues.

“Hoarding products only contributes to the fear surrounding the virus, and any hoarder acting with malicious intent to drive up prices on a secondary market should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We know this is a challenging time for everyone. But by partnering against fear and doubt, shopping responsibly and following important instructions on how we can help stop the spread of this virus, we will successfully face this challenge. Together.”