First toilet paper, now pet food: Panic-buyers are now stocking up on litter and treats for their animals during the coronavirus crisis
- Online company Pet Circle has been forced to issued restrictions on pet litter
- The company revealed litter in short supply due to pet owners stockpiling goods
- Pet Barn also reported an increase in demand for fresh and frozen pet food
Panic buying has extended to Australian pet stores, with businesses reporting an increase in demand for food and litter amid the coronavirus crisis.
Frenzied shoppers have stripped supermarket shelves of toilet paper, disinfectants, rice and other essential goods in recent weeks – putting pressure on retailers to restock their stores.
The stockpiling trend has since infiltrated pet companies, after pet owners rushed to get their hands on goods to sustain their animals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two of the country’s biggest pet retailers, Pet Barn and Pet Circle, have reported a significant spike in demand for products.
Two women walk their dogs while wearing protective masks at Rushcutters Bay park in Sydney
Australian pet owners have been stockpiling on food and litter for their animals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pet Barn CEO George Wahby told The Daily Telegraph he’s seen demand double in the last four weeks, with the company selling 3,500 tonnes of poultry food.
Fresh and frozen food, as well as reptile and fish food has also become more popular as customers hunker down at home with their pets.
In a statement to customers, the company said it is working closely with key suppliers to ensure stock availability at its stores and online.
Shoppers have also been asked to check online for product availability before heading out to their local Pet Barn store.
Pet Barn was also forced to change its operating hours to allow staff to restock shelves and clean the store.
Pet Barn bosses have reported a significant increase in demand on certain items in the last four weeks
A man walks his French bulldog ‘Garry’ at Rushcutters Bay park in Sydney last week
Like most businesses and supermarkets, the company has imposed a number of coronavirus safety measures, such as banning cash payments, to protect customers and staff.
Shoppers also now have the option of opting for its ‘zero contact click and collect’ if they do not prefer to go to the store.
Meanwhile, Pet Circle, which operates online, has been forced to place buying restrictions on bags of litter, due to an unprecedented demand.
Shoppers are now limited to buying one 30kg bag per order.
‘To ensure that all pet parents are able to access food for their pets when they need it, you may have noticed quantity limits on some of our high demand products,’ the company said on its website.
‘Pet Circle has made provisions to ensure that we have sufficient stock to cover this disruption for the foreseeable future and will continue to keep you informed of any changes.
‘We hope both you and your furry, feathered, finned and scaled family members continue to remain healthy and safe during this difficult time.’
The company has seen a ‘100 per cent growth’ in the sale of premium pet foods, Chief Marketing Officer Jon Wild told the Telegraph.
‘Our customers are also now buying more treats and toys to occupy their pets while at home and they are noticing their behavioural and physical traits and are looking for solutions.’
Online retailer Pet Circle as been forced to place buying restrictions on bags of litter, due to an unprecedented demand