Name/TitleProduct limit notices during the COVID-19 pandemic, Woolworths

About this objectPanic buying started in March 2020 when people feared being isolated in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to purchase essential food and supplies. This led to some customers stockpiling items and major supermarkets imposed the first of many product limits from March 2020. Initially items such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser, tinned food and medical supplies were stockpiled, but subsequent panic buying was widespread. Supermarket shelves were stripped bare and manufactures boosted production where possible.

The major supermarkets imposed the first of many product limits from March 2020. Restricted items included pasta, flour, rice, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, mincemeat, sugar, long-life milk, milk, many cleaning products and liquid soap.

The photo shows notices displayed in Woolworths, Brighton, showing product limits effective from 22 April 2020 and a request to customers to only buy what they needed. Product limits frequently changed as shortages arose. These were more restrictive than earlier in the month but less than in March, when panic buying was most noticeable.

MakerChoat, Liz

Maker RolePhotographer

Date Made2020 Apr. 24

Measurementsdigital images : JPEG files : 2038, 2036 KB

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsCOVID-19 pandemic

Subject and Association KeywordsWoolworths

Subject and Association Keywordssupermarkets

Subject and Association Keywordsproduct shortages (COVID-19)

Subject and Association KeywordsBrighton (Vic.)

Subject and Association Keywordsshops (COVID-19)

Object numberPD3201

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved