The first week of January 2025 brought a huge snowstorm to kick off the new year, and while some were prepared, others were clearly not.
Over the last five years or so, I’ve made a weekly trip to the grocery store to restock my house. My most recent shopping trip happened to be just a day before Winter Storm Blair swept over the tri-state. My list was simple, yet it was hard to find even the most basic items, as many of the store shelves had already been cleared out by folks worried about the impending weather. While I wasn’t able to get everything on my list, it wasn’t a huge deal, as I’m usually prepared for situations like these. That said, leaving the store shelves bare in such a short amount of time comes with many negative consequences.
Panic Buying in 2025
Panic buying happens when consumers purchase excessive quantities of a product in anticipation of, or in response to, a disaster or perceived crisis. You likely remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020, when Americans spent $1.4 billion on toilet paper in just four weeks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, it seems we’ve still yet to learn our lesson, as folks once again raided store shelves in anticipation of Winter Storm Blair. Many folks have reported issues finding bread, meat, eggs, and yes, even toilet paper.
The 3 Biggest Dangers of Panic Buying
Panic buying is bad for a number of reasons; it can have lasting repercussions that don’t do anyone any favors. Below, you’ll find some of the biggest issues a strong wave of panic buying can cause.
Supply Chain Disruptions: When a large number of people rush to buy an abundance of the same items, it creates an imbalance between demand and supply. This can lead to shortages of essential goods, making it difficult for others to access what they need. Additionally, it strains the supply chain, causing delays…