Montreal-Area Costcos Are Seeing A Toilet Paper Shortage
It seems that several Costcos in Montreal are already experiencing a shortage of toilet paper as the second wave of COVID-19 is raging in several regions of Quebec.
For many, it's a feeling of déjà vu. But it's a reality — shelves of toilet paper rolls in various warehouse centres and grocery shops are empty again.
Narcity Québec contacted 13 Costco warehouses located in the Greater Montreal area, from Boisbriand to Vaudreuil and Saint-Bruno, to find out if Quebecers could have some peace of mind.
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Where is there a shortage of toilet paper?
The question should be "where is there no shortage?" The vast majority of Costcos contacted have been out of toilet paper since early this morning.
This is the case for Costcos located in:
Anjou
Marché Centrale
Pointe-Claire
Griffintown
Saint-Jérôme
Terrebonne
Vaudreuil
Laval
Candiac
Brossard
Saint-Bruno
Boucherville
The same applies to paper towels and disinfectant wipes. The latter arrives in the shop in pallets of "56 units and disappears within an hour," according to one clerk.
"They sell out like hotcakes," says a Costco d'Anjou employee.
Only the Boisbriand establishment, located in the heart of Faubourg Boisbriand, has "a little" toilet paper, Narcity was told.
Costco Canada declined to comment on the situation.
@SteveTighe5 J habite ce coin là et non je n ai pas fait de provision de papier 🧻 et je travaille dans un entrepôt… https://t.co/kllG6jBzY2— sly (@sly) 1600997064.0
What's causing these shortages?
Costco members rushed to buy the toilet paper, which was already limited, while the second wave was on Montreal's doorstep.
The majority of employees with whom Narcity spoke to mentioned that the switch from the yellow to the orange alert created a stir.
Costco Saint-Bruno specifies that the shortage of toilet paper began as early as September 16.
Ma belle-mère est allée chez Costco ce matin. Il n'y avait plus de papier de toilettes. J'espère que c'est un pur h… https://t.co/4bDaaydT6s— Patrick Déry (@Patrick Déry) 1601305391.0
Will they be receiving more?
Depending on the demand and the number of orders received, all Costcos in Montreal will receive toilet paper in the evening for the next day.
However, some don't know if they will receive any more in the immediate future.
"It's preferable to arrive early in the morning, as soon as the store opens, or to call to find out the availability of the desired products," said a Brossard employee.
There's an option only for Costco members. It's possible to purchase a bidet on the company's website or in-store. Prices vary depending on the model, ranging from $69.99 to $1,000.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec.
