Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are two of the top ten items that have been sold out in many regions for the last couple of months. Prices have also noticeably increased for these items in many places as well, both online and in-store.
Purell had been selling for 10x its usual price
Once people got the idea to make their own then that also prompted a run on aloe vera and other supplies that are commonly used to make the stuff.
From fashion companies to distilleries and other businesses, entrepreneurs have been switching into problem-solving mode to try and overcome the economic difficulties facing them at this time. In doing so many of them have moved to creating highly valued items that are needed in the market, including masks, sanitizer, and face shields, to try and cover the apparent shortages.
Free With Purchase
Other small businesses and shops have also been seen adding in face masks or hand sanitizer along with purchases made. This has likely helped them to fuel a great deal of sales for those who tested the idea for their online shops.
Brick and mortar businesses are also looking to do the same.
They've been selling things like toilet paper and hand sanitizer to try and get by, apart from their other usual goods. If selling their common products isn't working right now, they have to switch to something that does. And if they are lucky enough then there won't be too many barriers to accomplishing that and making that change.
For businesses around the Spokane area some of them have been selling hand sanitizer and toilet paper to try and save their own businesses.
Adding canned goods to the menu
For restaurants that have also faced difficulties in limiting dine-in options etc, they've had to test out other ideas too, whether that be offering at-home baking kits, cooking kits, or a basic grocery delivery that you'd never expect them to introduce.
When times get tough for their business they've got to get creative and come up with something to get them out of the rut.
But now that hand sanitizer is starting to be filled up again on the shelves in many places, along with other popular items, it probably won't be such a hot selling item for that much longer.