Summary

Photograph of black and white sticker used to repackage larger packets of Sorbent toilet paper at LaManna Supermarket Essendon Fields in mid March 2020.

The advent of COVID-19 lock downs in mid March brought with it a series of panic buying across Melbourne, Victoria and the world. Grocery staples, such as toilet paper, were among the most highly sought after products. LaManna management attempted to make it more fair to all customers by applying purchase limits for many products. For toilet paper they divided larger packets of product and made smaller packets of just four rolls. Each customer was only allowed to purchase one unit (four rolls) per day.

The sticker illustrates their care for their customers and their humour in a crazy time for retail: it states "Share the Love" with the word "love" crossed out and the words "toilet paper" written underneath.

"We would not have done that unless it was absolutely necessary. ... that was a crazy time. You know we had people lining up. You know people trying to grab more than one. It was hard to manage." - LaManna Senior Manager, 11 June 2020.

In the weeks after this initial panic buying period, stocks of products, including toilet paper, became more certain and LaManna no longer had to repackage their products.

Description of Content

Black and white sticker on side of repacked toilet paper. With other similar packages around it.

Physical Description

Born Digital Image

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