Maricopa Residents Urged to Calm Down: No Need for Toilet Paper Panic Buying!

Shoppers in Arizona are experiencing a sense of déjà vu as empty toilet paper shelves resurface across stores. With reports of port strikes, consumers have resorted to panic-buying, reminiscent of the early pandemic days.

At a Walmart on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, customers encountered low stock of toilet paper, eggs, and milk. Meanwhile, Costco and Sam’s Club locations in the Phoenix area reported completely empty shelves for toilet paper.

The renewed public anxiety over supply shortages has left some residents frustrated. “Ya’ll never heard of bidets?” questioned local Brandy Johnson on social media, highlighting a growing sentiment against mass panic buying.

The source of the supply shortage is indirectly linked to a strike involving about 50,000 members of the International Longshoreman’s Association, which commenced at midnight. This industrial action is halting imports and exports from East and Gulf Coast ports, potentially affecting a variety of products.

Although the strike could impact imports such as bananas, seafood, and electronics, it should not significantly affect the supply of toilet paper, according to experts. Most toilet paper consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically, particularly for those who prefer not to rely on imports from South America or Europe.

Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association, reassured consumers that the strike is not expected to disrupt toilet paper delivery in the U.S. She noted that around 85% of tissue paper needs, which encompasses toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins, are sourced from American manufacturers.

Not all stores are feeling the strain of the toilet paper crunch. Several local retailers, including Bashas’, Fry’s Marketplace, and Karsten’s Maricopa Ace Hardware, confirmed they have a sufficient supply of toilet paper available.

Additionally, Costco representatives in Tempe anticipate a shipment of toilet paper to arrive today, while the Chandler Sam’s Club expects replenishments by the weekend. However, Walmart shoppers may have to wait until October 14 for a new shipment at the Maricopa store.