UAE supermarkets urge shoppers to stop panic buying and ‘be considerate’ to others

Retailers say the supply chain remains strong and there is no need to hoard

Spinneys assures shoppers there is enough supply of household products and groceries. Randi Sokoloff / The National

Supermarkets in the UAE have urged residents to avoid panic buying to ensure there are enough essentials for other shoppers.

Spinneys issued a plea in response to people buying items in bulk, which has also been seen in numerous other countries.

As retailers re-stock the shelves, they appealed to shoppers to stop over-loading their carts, which would only mean that others would be left without the basic things they need.

In the message, Spinneys said it understands many are worried about the spread of Covid-19, but it is taking all steps to ensure a steady supply of household products and groceries.

“We are working closely with our suppliers to keep up deliveries to stores, and to keep our shelves stocked. But we need your help too,” read the notice.

“Please be considerate in the way that you shop. We understand the concerns, but buying more than is needed can mean that others who need essentials will be left without. There will be enough for everyone if we work together.”

Union Coop, the largest Consumer Cooperative in the UAE, also assured customers there was enough stockpile of essential goods.

Dr Suhail Al Bastaki, director of happiness and marketing at Union Coop said the hypermarket has agreements with suppliers to ensure there was enough stock of basic food and consumer goods for up to six months.

The plea comes as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reassured the public that the country has enough supplies of food and medicine to address the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I'd like to reassure every citizen and resident of the UAE that our country is infinitely able to supply everyone with all the food and medicine they could ever need,” he said.

Other supermarkets in the UAE have reassured customers of the strict hygiene measures they are following in stores and while packing online orders.

In a video posted on Carrefour’s Facebook page, the French chain said it has implemented a “rigorous cleaning protocol” as per World Health Organisation standards.

“Trolleys and baskets are deep cleaned, sanitised daily and handles are cleaned regularly after every use,” said a short video posted on social media.

“Surfaces, counters, tables and displays are cleaned with a special disinfectant every two hours.

“Our aisles, floors and merchandise are sanitised twice a day with a special disinfectant.”

Disposable gloves and hand sanitisers are also available for customers to use in-store, it adds.

Union Coop said it was disinfecting its stores.

It involved “comprehensive and complete sterilisation of sale facilities and shelves in all outlets throughout the day, as well as implementing more extensive sterilisation operations for the branches at night after the end of working hours,” said Dr Al Bastaki.

Shopping carts are also being sterilised before and after each use, and hand sanitiser is being made available to customers.