Myrtle Beach Shoppers Face Supply Shortages as Panic Buying Resurfaces

Myrtle Beach Shoppers Scramble for Essentials Amid Supply Fears

It was a chaotic scene at the Sam’s Club in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday morning, with shoppers racing down aisles, desperately searching for toilet paper, water, and other dry goods. As the clock struck 10:30 a.m., it became clear that panic was palpable, with the bulk grocery store at 1946 10th Ave. North having completely run out of water, toilet paper, and paper towels. The once-stocked shelves were now a testament to the frenzy that had just unfolded.

Supply Chain Woes Strike Again

This surge in shoppers can be attributed to two main factors. Many folks were buying supplies to send to areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene, while others were caught up in the uncertainty created by a dock workers strike. This strike, which began on Tuesday and affected workers from Maine to Texas over wages and automation issues, has left seaports shut down and fears of upcoming shortages swirling among the public.

Judy Danford from Conway expressed her disappointment upon arriving at Sam’s Club, hoping to send some toilet paper to North Carolina only to find the shelves empty. “It looks like it did during COVID,” she remarked, drawing comparisons to the widespread shortages that plagued the country back in spring 2020.

Shopping Chaos Reigns

The shopping experience on Wednesday had a familiar chaotic vibe. Aisles were littered with empty shopping carts, and there was a mix of frantic shoppers grabbing what they could. Trenace Patterson, a native of Myrtle Beach, stood in an empty aisle where toilet paper usually overflowed. With just a box of paper towels in her cart, she lamented, “Do I want 30 rolls of paper towels? No, but I gotta buy it to have it.”

According to the store employees, supplies of toilet paper and water had run dry by 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Even as stocks were replenished, panic-buying led to empty shelves far too quickly. It’s also worth noting that, for now, there are no restrictions on how many items can be purchased—a choice made higher up in the corporate hierarchy.

The Bigger Picture

Interestingly, the items that customers are currently stocking up on aren’t the ones that will be most affected by the dock workers’ strike. Reports suggest that delays in delivery will mostly impact items such as bananas, alcohol, car parts, machinery, and electronics. Thankfully, when customers checked the produce section, it seemed to offer a comforting sight of bananas, beer, and wine still lining the shelves.

More Store Visits, More Panic

Walmart at 541 Seaboard St. revealed that things were slightly less hectic but still quite busy. Shoppers there were also scrambling to buy toilet paper and water, with numerous carts filled to the brim with these much-needed essentials.

Mohamed Abbas mentioned he decided to stock up after hearing about the potential impacts on supplies. Meanwhile, Jackie Smith journeyed from Pawleys Island and described the atmosphere at both Costco and Sam’s Club as “complete chaos.” She offered a simple sentiment that many shoppers might agree with: “If everyone bought one, we’d be fine.”

Time to Stay Calm and Carry On

As this situation unfolds in Myrtle Beach, local residents find themselves reminded of the importance of managing supplies and the unexpected nature of supply chains. For now, as folks try to restock their pantries and prepare for any upcoming challenges, it’s essential to stay calm and take it day by day. Who knows? By the weekend, maybe we’ll find those toilet paper aisles fully stocked again!