Wegmans has sourced additional suppliers, brought in new brands, and worked with its Wegmans Brand suppliers to build up its holidays and winter reserves to combat potential product shortages during a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What the grocery industry experienced in March was unlike anything we had ever seen before,” said Sarah DePeters, vice president of grocery, dairy, frozen merchandising, in a statement. “We’ve certainly learned from that experience, and have worked incredibly hard since then, not only to replenish supply, but also to make sure we don’t find ourselves in a similar situation.”
In addition, the Wegmans’ merchandising team has decided to continue purchase limits on key products like paper towels, household cleaners, and bath tissue, until the end of the year, at least. This approach has helped the grocer replenish what was on shelves, curb panic buying, and start building its reserves in its warehouses.
“Looking back to where we were in March at the start of the panic, and where we are today, eight months later, it’s incredible to think about how much we’ve learned, and how much more we all know about living through a pandemic,” continued DePeters. “Our merchandising and store teams have done an incredible job ensuring our customers have options available in every category. If everyone focuses on buying what they need, when they need it, there will be plenty to go around.”
