Coles and Woolworths Ltd supermarkets have been forced to close around Queensland after panicked customers descended on shops looking to stock up on essentials.

Woolworths Ltd spokesperson Clare Buchanan told the Australian that floodwaters and staff shortages had forced the closure of nine Woolworths Ltd supermarkets in Brisbane and Ipswich, along with several Big W stores, 30 Dick Smith stores, 50 BWS and Dan Murphy liquor outlets and ten Caltex petrol stations.

In Ipswich, the Fernvale, Ipswich Riverlink, Ipswich Central, Brassal and Goodna supermarkets are closed.

Coles and Woolworths Ltd outlets in Toowong, Mt Ommaney, Moorooka, Indooroopilly, Jindalee, New Farm, Brisbane CBD and Kenmore have been closed in Brisbane.

Stocks at the supermarkets had run low, with flooded delivery routes causing shortages. Residents began stocking up, buying more than they immediately needed, prompting others to do the same in case they missed out altogether.

Fresh staples such as bread, meat, fruit and vegetables were the first to sell out at most supermarkets, along with bottled water.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Australian Food and Grocery Council chief executive Kate Carnell urged buyers not to put too much strain on supermarkets remaining open.

“Food and grocery manufacturers and major retailers are working as a team to maintain supplies of food and groceries in the flood-affected areas,” she said

Australian Food News is Australia’s leading resource for the food industry, delivering daily news from the grocery, retail and hospitality sectors to 40,000 professionals each month.

http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/