Name/TitleEmpty paper towels shelves, 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.

Empty supermarket shelves became a common site. The photos shows such shelves, normally displaying paper towels, in Woolworths, Hampton. As can be seen from the notice on the shelves, there was a product limit of one pack per shop in any event.

MakerChoat, Liz

Maker RolePhotographer

Date Made2020 Mar. 29

Measurementsdigital images : JPEG files : 3090, 2652 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 KeywordsHampton (Vic.)

Subject and Association Keywordsshops (COVID-19)

Object numberPD3208

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved