Grocery Store - Trip Report
March 15th, 2020 at 11:09:31 AM
permalink
Quote: smoothgrhMy high school friend visited Russia in 1985 for an educational trip, and the main thing I remember from her trip report is that public bathrooms give you only one sheet of toilet paper. I could not conceive how wiping could be done properly with one.
At least they could spare a square.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 15th, 2020 at 12:06:03 PM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffmanAt least they could spare a square.
She didn’t mention whether it was red.
March 15th, 2020 at 12:53:48 PM
permalink
At a Vegas Walmart, some guy entered the store in a hazmat suit and began spraying items and people with an unknown liquid. So here come the crazies to add another ring to the circus.
------------------------
Meanwhile, in the "winners and losers" file, although strip clubs are suffering like all other live entertainment locations, the webcam girls business is booming as holed-up horny guys try to relieve their virus anxiety.
Story at the NY Post
Only in America.
------------------------
Meanwhile, in the "winners and losers" file, although strip clubs are suffering like all other live entertainment locations, the webcam girls business is booming as holed-up horny guys try to relieve their virus anxiety.
Story at the NY Post
Only in America.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
March 15th, 2020 at 1:38:29 PM
permalink
Quote: Gialmere
Only in America.
March 15th, 2020 at 2:37:06 PM
permalink
Just went to my local grocery store today. Actually seemed slightly less crowded than usual.
Toilet paper was completely gone, but still tons of bottle water (more than usual, actually). Bread aisle, flour section, frozen vegetables, and many canned sections were noticeably short, but there was still plenty available if you wanted something. Lots of boxes out for restocking. Everything else was fully stocked and available. Nobody panicking or going crazy. I forgot to check hand sanitizer but there was still tons of soap and shampoo and all that stuff.
I was able to get everything I went in there to get, except I had to buy a different brand of bread because the one I usually get was sold out.
Toilet paper was completely gone, but still tons of bottle water (more than usual, actually). Bread aisle, flour section, frozen vegetables, and many canned sections were noticeably short, but there was still plenty available if you wanted something. Lots of boxes out for restocking. Everything else was fully stocked and available. Nobody panicking or going crazy. I forgot to check hand sanitizer but there was still tons of soap and shampoo and all that stuff.
I was able to get everything I went in there to get, except I had to buy a different brand of bread because the one I usually get was sold out.
Last edited by: TigerWu on Mar 15, 2020
March 15th, 2020 at 2:52:09 PM
permalink
Quote: bobbartop
Got another bright idea when I got home. I usually carry a wad of cash with me in my pants pocket, basically for video poker purposes. Of course, the cash is the nastiest germ-infested thing you can touch. So I took the wad, mostly benjamins, and tossed them in the washing machine. Detergent, a little bleach, it's spinning as I type. We'll see how that turns out. Hopefully ok, then I'll throw them in the dryer.
Bobbartop,
Did you just publicly confess to laundering money?
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
March 15th, 2020 at 2:53:52 PM
permalink
Quote: smoothgrhMy high school friend visited Russia in 1985 for an educational trip, and the main thing I remember from her trip report is that public bathrooms give you only one sheet of toilet paper. I could not conceive how wiping could be done properly with one.
My girlfriend in college took a 2 week trip to the USSR in 1985. She sent me a letter while there...it was written on Soviet toilet paper.
March 15th, 2020 at 3:01:19 PM
permalink
I don't get the Toilet Paper freaks. It's nice to have, however, a wet and a dry washcloth will do just fine.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 15th, 2020 at 3:14:56 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfI don't get the Toilet Paper freaks. It's nice to have, however, a wet and a dry washcloth will do just fine.
I think the outcry for cleanliness leads people to want to use extra layers of tp when wiping
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
March 15th, 2020 at 4:21:33 PM
permalink
My local Walmart yesterday. Every aisle
picked clean. They have no stock in
the back, it will be days while they
wait for trucks to trickle in.
picked clean. They have no stock in
the back, it will be days while they
wait for trucks to trickle in.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 15th, 2020 at 4:27:01 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobMy local Walmart yesterday. Every aisle
picked clean. They have no stock in
the back, it will be days while they
wait for trucks to trickle in.
I seriously hope this gets more people into being prepped. It is as if Y2K came 20 years too late.......
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 15th, 2020 at 4:52:40 PM
permalink
Can anyone recommend a good tasting protein powder for Smoothies? I'm going for flavor here, and protein would be a plus. Nothing that foams or tastes like alfalfa.
add: I used to love Jay Robb, but now for some reason it foams?
add: I used to love Jay Robb, but now for some reason it foams?
March 15th, 2020 at 7:40:55 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobMy local Walmart yesterday. Every aisle
picked clean.
When the Toys R Us stores were closing, we went to look around after the rush of people got most of the good stuff. What was interesting to me is the merchandise left over that nobody wanted to buy even with 90% discounts.
This feels the same. What’s left over that people would not buy even if their survival depended on it???
March 15th, 2020 at 7:59:49 PM
permalink
There has been some chatter in the news media about the possibility of a 14-day national lock-down. Those comments capture what seems to be in the air - that we need to get into a survivalist mode.
Think - locked into a bunker with John Goodman. You just know that's gonna require some TP.
Think - locked into a bunker with John Goodman. You just know that's gonna require some TP.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
March 15th, 2020 at 10:20:02 PM
permalink
You forgot to take pictures of the Walmart peopleQuote: EvenBobMy local Walmart yesterday. Every aisle
picked clean.
It’s all about making that GTA
March 16th, 2020 at 3:16:56 AM
permalink
I have no idea why. One would think that if people are facing the prospect of having to hunker down with their spouse and kids only the liquor aisle would be bare.Quote: Ace2Every aisle picked clean.
March 16th, 2020 at 3:39:07 AM
permalink
Quote: smoothgrhWhen the Toys R Us stores were closing, we went to look around after the rush of people got most of the good stuff. What was interesting to me is the merchandise left over that nobody wanted to buy even with 90% discounts.
This feels the same. What’s left over that people would not buy even if their survival depended on it???
I do not think it is quite the same. People have a few needs when they are in the mood we are. Rice might have been selling out. But plenty of soy sauce to flavor the rice was left. Chicken was gone, but lots of beef tenderloin available.
I got into prep about 10 years ago, listen to a podcast or two on the subject. One thing the hosts stressed was to say that rice and beans are indeed "survival food." But do you want to live on rice and beans.
On that subject, this is what we prepped for! We got laughed at, who is laughing now? I had very minimum needs to buy, and for that matter what I did go to buy was just like going to the store at the holidays. The Mormons in Utah are supposed to have a years worth of food stokced. I would love to hear from them now!
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 16th, 2020 at 5:25:36 AM
permalink
Mormons everywhere engage in home canning and keep a dated revolving two year supply of food in their basements. They don't store just staples but condiments as well, bandages, spare parts for machinery, etc. They generally have potable water stored in USCG approved containers and many have survival batteries that will last ten years because the electrolytes are added only after the battery is twisted.Quote: AZDuffmanThe Mormons in Utah are supposed to have a years worth of food stocked. I would love to hear from them now!
Self sufficiency probably engenders an attitude of bemused contemplation at the release of all these dire predictions.
March 16th, 2020 at 5:44:29 AM
permalink
I went grocery shopping Saturday evening. I got pretty much everything I wanted. Canned soup selection was badly affected, but I liked the ones that were left so no big deal. No Clorox wipes, no sanitizer. Didn’t need TP. There were lots of fresh vegetables (except tomatoes for some reason), and the meat section looked like normal.
A falling knife has no handle.
March 16th, 2020 at 6:14:10 AM
permalink
Go out and buy your California wines now. All California wineries are closing and we will probably have a temporary shortage. If I can't keep my wife wined, It will be a long few months.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
March 16th, 2020 at 7:41:15 AM
permalink
Quote: smoothgrhMy high school friend visited Russia in 1985 for an educational trip, and the main thing I remember from her trip report is that public bathrooms give you only one sheet of toilet paper. I could not conceive how wiping could be done properly with one.
1. Take a 4x4 sheet of toilet paper and fold it in half. You now have a 2x4 piece of toilet paper.
2. Fold it in half again. you now have a 2x2 piece of toilet paper.
3. Tear off a 1/4 inch of the corner that is closed. DO NOT THROW AWAY THE TORN OFF PIECE!
4. Open the sheet of toilet paper. You have a 4x4 sheet with a 1 inch hole in the middle.
5. Put your middle finger through the hole and wipe your rear.
6.Using your other hand grasp the tissue and remove your finger from the tissue. dispose the tissue.
7. Take the torn off piece of tissue and using the pointed end, clean under your middle finger nail.
That's how you use one sheet of toilet paper to wipe your rear.
March 16th, 2020 at 8:05:31 AM
permalink
I'm noticing a big disconnect in terms of stock levels here. Walmart is out of both food and meds. Grocery store is well stocked, so is Walgreens. So it seems like hoarders are lazy? or it's only fun if it can be done in one stop?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
March 16th, 2020 at 8:28:35 AM
permalink
TY FatGeezus we have a winner. Thats exactly what the older Frenchies (Quebecois) told me in the early 80's. I answered them, "I've been camping, oak leaves and Norweigen Maple leaves are bigger, stronger, and more plentiful." They laughed, and said, yup, that works too, but not in winter.
rdw4potus: Walmart has lower prices that the common laborer types can afford. Chunky Soup $1.78 vs. $3.29... where are you going? Sometimes those that can afford the trappings of Democracy forget about those that can't.
rdw4potus: Walmart has lower prices that the common laborer types can afford. Chunky Soup $1.78 vs. $3.29... where are you going? Sometimes those that can afford the trappings of Democracy forget about those that can't.
some people need to reimagine their thinking
March 16th, 2020 at 10:03:27 AM
permalink
Quote: FatGeezus
...
That's how you use one sheet of toilet paper to wipe your rear.
I'd suggest small infrequent meals with this option.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
March 16th, 2020 at 10:14:47 AM
permalink
Quote: bobbartopWhat's with the toilet paper? Why is everyone buying tons of toilet paper? How much can one use?
Coronavirus confused with explosive pooping virus.
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
March 16th, 2020 at 11:24:33 AM
permalink
Quote: jjjooogggCoronavirus confused with explosive pooping virus.
I think it’s more about limiting trips to the store. TP used to come in decent sized rolls with small center cylinders. Now it is loosely wrapped around a large center cylinder. Buy more, go to the store less. Go to the store less, expose yourself less.
A falling knife has no handle.
March 16th, 2020 at 11:52:38 AM
permalink
Target still has stuff as competitive
as Walmart. Just ordered 50 cans of
green beans, diced tomatoes, green
chiles, chicken and tuna.
as Walmart. Just ordered 50 cans of
green beans, diced tomatoes, green
chiles, chicken and tuna.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 16th, 2020 at 1:13:41 PM
permalink
Quote: Face
Not left field. Treat mail like hazmat.
An addendum, so as not to add more idiocy and misinformation...
I said this because of how many people I contact directly, or who retrieve their mail the minute the box shuts. As I understand it, the virus does not fare well outside of a host, so any mail or packages dropped midday should be fine for you to handle when you get home at 5.
Seemed to deserve clarification
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
March 16th, 2020 at 3:15:34 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobTarget still has stuff as competitive
as Walmart. Just ordered 50 cans of
green beans, diced tomatoes, green
chiles, chicken and tuna.
So you order food online, but go to your local stores to take photos. Makes sense.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 16th, 2020 at 3:35:01 PM
permalink
Quote: billryanSo you order food online, but go to your local stores to take photos. Makes sense.
My brother took the pics. I only shop
at Walmart for canned stuff and my
store is picked clean. I found the same
items at Walmart for the same price.
And you bet I'm ordering heavy stuff
online, let them haul it to my back door.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 17th, 2020 at 12:47:14 PM
permalink
We ordered alot of toilet paper Its gangsta
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
March 17th, 2020 at 12:52:54 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfI don't get the Toilet Paper freaks. It's nice to have, however, a wet and a dry washcloth will do just fine.
So will a 2 minute shower.
March 17th, 2020 at 1:22:58 PM
permalink
That's not very green.😅Quote: TDVegasSo will a 2 minute shower.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 17th, 2020 at 1:36:49 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfThat's not very green.😅
"It's all pipes!"
March 17th, 2020 at 1:44:13 PM
permalink
Oh my god, I thought you needed at least a 2 day supply. Its two weeks! I'm screwed.
March 17th, 2020 at 2:18:35 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfThat's not very green.😅
Correct. Brown?😂
March 17th, 2020 at 3:31:02 PM
permalink
Casinos now accepting modern forms of currency.
March 17th, 2020 at 8:02:50 PM
permalink
I braved a trip to Costco today around 2:00 PM and it was not bad at all. There was a line to get in, but it moved fast. I waited about five minutes. The woman next to me in line told me running all over the place looking for bleach and trash bags. Once in, the store had about 1/3 the normal number of customers. They were obviously encouraging "social distancing," which I applaud.
There was an employee outside with a list of all thing items they were out of. A cashier I spoke to said they often stock up at night, but a line forms in the morning to grab up all the hard-to-get items, like toilet paper.
Here is a sign seen once inside the store.
Although there seemed to be plenty of water, as this sign shows, they were rationing it to two cases per member. There were plenty of other brands of water too. I didn't buy any, as I don't understand this stocking up on water. I doubt the tap in my house will run dry.
There were lots of rubber gloves in the automotive section. I thought that was one of the tough items people were hoarding. I bought a couple boxes.
There was only one other customer in line in front of me. All things considered, it was a better experience shopping there than on a regular weekend.
My compliments to whoever runs the Summerlin Costco. I was very impressed at how well run it was during this crazy time.
There was an employee outside with a list of all thing items they were out of. A cashier I spoke to said they often stock up at night, but a line forms in the morning to grab up all the hard-to-get items, like toilet paper.
Here is a sign seen once inside the store.
Although there seemed to be plenty of water, as this sign shows, they were rationing it to two cases per member. There were plenty of other brands of water too. I didn't buy any, as I don't understand this stocking up on water. I doubt the tap in my house will run dry.
There were lots of rubber gloves in the automotive section. I thought that was one of the tough items people were hoarding. I bought a couple boxes.
There was only one other customer in line in front of me. All things considered, it was a better experience shopping there than on a regular weekend.
My compliments to whoever runs the Summerlin Costco. I was very impressed at how well run it was during this crazy time.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 17th, 2020 at 8:13:56 PM
permalink
Quote: WizardThere was an employee outside with a list of all thing items they were out of. A cashier I spoke to said they often stock up at night, but a line forms in the morning to grab up all the hard-to-get items, like toilet paper.
How soon before there's an express lane for "18 Rolls Or Less"? (And shouldn't it be "Or Fewer"?)
March 17th, 2020 at 8:23:31 PM
permalink
Have people make more frequent trips for food and essentials instead of the many clearing out everything at the store and put it in their garage.
We are in this together. No hoarding. Take what you need for a few days. They will be constantly restocking. I’m thinking about offering my help at a local food store for stocking. They are looking for extra help.
We are in this together. No hoarding. Take what you need for a few days. They will be constantly restocking. I’m thinking about offering my help at a local food store for stocking. They are looking for extra help.
March 17th, 2020 at 8:31:01 PM
permalink
Went into town today for the first time since Saturday.
Stopped by the only supermarket inNo bottled water, except for two liter smart water. No toilet paper, very few napkins. No ground beef but I was able to get a few steaks. Slim pickings in the pasta aisle. Only Ragu and some shells. Bread was mixed. They were out of a lot, but had plenty. No rotisserie chicken , but plenty of fried chicken.
Ace hardware was closed but somebody in a pickup was selling bottled water for a dollar a bottle.
The city water in Bisbee is horrible. I don't even use it for ice or for my dog without running it thru a zero filter. I have a well on my property that is supposed to be okay but I don't drink it. I have 66 bottles of bottled water left. I'd been drinking 8-10 a day but am cutting down until it's easily available again. I also have a five.gallon bottle at my warehouse.
12 rolls of TP, not counting rolls in my bathrooms.
People here are fools. Most think it's a hoax and the others insist they are exercising their rights by partying on St.Patrick's Day.
Stopped by the only supermarket inNo bottled water, except for two liter smart water. No toilet paper, very few napkins. No ground beef but I was able to get a few steaks. Slim pickings in the pasta aisle. Only Ragu and some shells. Bread was mixed. They were out of a lot, but had plenty. No rotisserie chicken , but plenty of fried chicken.
Ace hardware was closed but somebody in a pickup was selling bottled water for a dollar a bottle.
The city water in Bisbee is horrible. I don't even use it for ice or for my dog without running it thru a zero filter. I have a well on my property that is supposed to be okay but I don't drink it. I have 66 bottles of bottled water left. I'd been drinking 8-10 a day but am cutting down until it's easily available again. I also have a five.gallon bottle at my warehouse.
12 rolls of TP, not counting rolls in my bathrooms.
People here are fools. Most think it's a hoax and the others insist they are exercising their rights by partying on St.Patrick's Day.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 17th, 2020 at 8:53:18 PM
permalink
You think these shelves are gonna be restocked anytime soon? The paper aisle has been empty for a week!
What if these food manufacturers have to shutdown because workers there tested positive for headless chickens?
I'd get a big freezer and stuff it with 60 TV dinners tomorrow if I could.
What if these food manufacturers have to shutdown because workers there tested positive for headless chickens?
I'd get a big freezer and stuff it with 60 TV dinners tomorrow if I could.
March 17th, 2020 at 9:17:48 PM
permalink
My understanding is delivery is normal, it's just demand is up.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 18th, 2020 at 1:47:55 AM
permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuyHow soon before there's an express lane for "18 Rolls Or Less"? (And shouldn't it be "Or Fewer"?)
Tits are good, but the most important thing is the soul.
March 18th, 2020 at 3:56:10 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanMy understanding is delivery is normal, it's just demand is up.
If we look at it logically only the downstream (retail) end is affected by mass closures. From back-office workers to production plants the closures are far less. While this could change, it should not. Cows need to be milked daily and that milk has to go somewhere. USDA food plants are already super sanitized. Hens are entering peak egg laying times.
Another issue is people that run this production stream understand they have a certain duty to keep working. To keep the supply going. Many have probably been called or visited by the feds for a friendly, "how are things looking" visit.
My own team has one person working from home now who often worked from home. Yesterday another requested to do so, blaming "exposure" from what I could gather out of hearing my boss on the phone. He was not happy and I kind of think she is trying to make a crisis work for herself. But I let the officers worry about that while us enlisted types go about what we need to get done.
I will get to work in an hour or so and hope to see enough cars that we go another day without closure.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 18th, 2020 at 8:18:00 AM
permalink
I stopped into the grocery store this morning... still had paper towels, and there was actually a pallet of toilet paper that looked like it would run out within the hour. They were rationing paper products to one package per customer. The only things that I noticed that were completely sold out were bread, hand sanitizer, and liquid soap. Very limited rice, but still plenty of pasta and beans and most everything else. Bar soap was still fairly well stocked, which I thought was odd considering it was right next to the sold out liquid soap.
The store wasn't very crowded, plenty of food in general... hope that's a good sign and trend that continues.
The store wasn't very crowded, plenty of food in general... hope that's a good sign and trend that continues.
March 18th, 2020 at 8:36:01 AM
permalink
Quote: TigerWuI stopped into the grocery store this morning... still had paper towels, and there was actually a pallet of toilet paper that looked like it would run out within the hour. They were rationing paper products to one package per customer. The only things that I noticed that were completely sold out were bread, hand sanitizer, and liquid soap. Very limited rice, but still plenty of pasta and beans and most everything else. Bar soap was still fairly well stocked, which I thought was odd considering it was right next to the sold out liquid soap.
The store wasn't very crowded, plenty of food in general... hope that's a good sign and trend that continues.
I saw the TP isle was picked clean except for the paper towels, but if you get desperate enough....:-)
I'v seen everything in the market in tiny dribs and drabs over the last two weeks. It's just in the timing.
Last week I went to Costco and there were people lined up to pay at the pharmacy. There was a sign that said that customers who only wanted pharmacy prescriptions could cut the line. It's all that I wanted and I never got so many dirty looks.
The best things in life are not free.
March 18th, 2020 at 8:50:28 AM
permalink
I would think that supplies will catch up fast if supplies are rationed.
I found this poll. 1 roll would last 1 week per person
I found this poll. 1 roll would last 1 week per person
Last edited by: jjjoooggg on Mar 18, 2020
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
March 18th, 2020 at 10:11:33 AM
permalink
A roll a week per person seems pretty high. Especially when one makes an effort to conserve it.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 18th, 2020 at 10:15:11 AM
permalink
If you need 10 rolls a week you probably should see a doctor...
