OPINION:
The empty shelves at the local brick and mortar retail has gone online.
One of Amazon’s most frequent messages for shoppers of staple home items this past 24 hours has been this: Out of stock.
It’s a new world out there for buyers. Bravery required.
“You will notice that we are currently out of stock on some popular brands and items, especially in household staples categories,” Amazon said in a blog post over the weekend.
The retail giant reported massive surges in sales of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap — so massive that it has sold out.
“We are working around the clock with our selling partners to ensure availability on all of our products,” Amazon said.
But deliveries may be delayed.
“Inventory and delivery may be temporarily unavailable due to increased demand,” Amazon wrote. “Confirm availability at checkout.”
Meanwhile, local neighborhood retailers continue to shutter hours to try and restock empty shelves.
“Shelves are empty — when will they be restocked?” NBC News wrote.
“Coronavirus concerns empty store shelves,” ABC12 wrote.
“Preparing for the coronavirus: Shoppers are finding empty shelves,” USA Today wrote.
Then this, a headline from The New York Times — meant to be a comfort but actually an alarm in itself: “There is Plenty of Food in the Country.”
Well, who said there wasn’t? Seriously, folks.
This is not Armageddon. This is a virus. The American people — America — will prevail. So long as cooler heads prevail.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley. Listen to her podcast “Bold and Blunt” by clicking HERE. And never miss her column; subscribe to her newsletter by clicking HERE.
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