Rusty69 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

With school barely back in class and the weather cooling down rapidly, there doesn't seem to be a lot changing in the immediate short term. However, as Toronto moved into Phase 3, there has been a disturbing uptick in infections largely due to inappropriate social gatherings (the permitted numbers increased under phase 3, but rules about social distancing and masks remain in place).

None of the above should have the slightest impact on people's bodily functions in other ways however, so why are we suddenly finding the store shelves empty of facial tissue, toilet rolls and other paper goods all over again? We have all had several months now to adjust to the new shopping strategies (depending on where you live, and what the stores themselves offer in precautionary steps). So what has happened to encourage stockpiling or binge shopping? Even the threat of a second wave (strong here apparently) should not drive people into a buy up frenzy now that we have learned how to cope with some common sense rules.

What is it like down your way? What am I missing in all this madness? Are there in fact shortages of these paper products? Our local news makes no such mention.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Hmmm. Not noticed a shortage in Southeast PA.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Here in So California it comes and goes but generally in supply as long as you don't insist on a given brand. Usually it seems to be shopping patterns here. People who are back at work go shopping on the weekend and the stores can only store so much. A couple of days later it is back. Part of the problem is almost everyone is doing what we always did - buy a whole bundle of TP and paper towels once a month or so. That can clear the shelves and store back room fast on a weekend shopping day.

Maybe your paper mills saw the high prices here in the States a while back and cleaned out their warehouses sending it south at marked up prices. Hey, Canadians are tough, they can use leaves and stuff! Lets make a better profit off the Yanks.

Rusty69 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ooooh Robert - that's nasty (but worth considering!!!)

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I read of one guy who took a bunch of cheap shop towels and cut them into squares a bit bigger than TP squares and put a basket full of them in the bathroom. After use he put them in one of those covered diaper pails and then washed them with hot water and bleach.

Then ran a cycle of hot water and even more bleach to sanitize the washing machine. This was a safety precaution - his wife was good with a frying pan or rolling pin and had a drawer full of knives in the kitchen.

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

Here in the states the first shortage was cause by the shut down and an immediate increase by 40% for consumer paper products and some over buying (hoarding). Consumer and commercial products are very different. Commercial is made from recycled paper while consumer is made from 100% new fiber. Commercial paper has had a corresponding decline.

In the US there are two manufactures; Proctor and Gamble and Georgia Pacific. Their plants are designed to run at 100% capacity on a 24-7 basis with just enough capacity to meet normal demand. Proctor & Gamble was able to quickly get a line back on line which had been down for repairs.
Now, much of the current shortage stems from supply chain shortages of raw product from slow downs, employees out sick and shipping problems. If current conditions continue with more people working from home then the manufactures will have to consider adding more capacity. Even one more line at a plant is an expensive proposition.

I imagine the same reasons in Canada mirror what is going on here.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

People panic-buy.
Proving that they're FOS.
Which means they do need the TP, after all!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Yes, You are missing the madness of empty shelves for toilet paper and paper towels and Chlorax bleach here in the midwest

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

No shortage here.....

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

The same thing happens around here when it's going to snow and you can add milk to the list. And another thing I don't believe the liquor stores have had any problems.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

We have not experienced any problems here but was not looking for one either!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Two things: production is down because of so many people out of work; demand is up because people want their paper! Hoarding enters into that.

It seems that stores have either toilet paper or paper towels, but not both.

andesbill

Try using a bidet. They’re great. You’ll feel much cleaner than with tp. Some add ones can be had for between $50 & 75. If you want warm water, blow drying, lights, warm seat- figure the bidet seat will run you $500- $800. Toto makes a bidet bowl which includes a valet for a lot of money. (It doesn’t include a valet, but it should for the amount they charge.)
I have the cheap add on, but I live in Naples where the cold water doesn’t get too cold.

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I'm not seeing a problem with getting TP and other paper supplies but what's up with refrigerators? I'm looking to get a new one but every place I try is "out of stock" or it's a long wait to get one.

Rusty69 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

That IS interesting. However since my wife now only shops once a week, due to the onerous distancing and safety conditions, our fridge is now way too small and overcrowded. So maybe people with discretionary funds are upgrading for the same reason. I would too, if I had the space.