https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/04/at-grocery-stores-things-are-different-very-different.html?li_source=LI&li_medium=star_web_ymbii
Article includes prices... Also In Canada: -- Stores close 2-hours early so stock can be filled without customers in the store, before it happened mostly continuously through out the day -- Line-ups happen outside the store in a marked parking lot...lots of space, but a pain of it rains -- Some store are moving to no cash handling -- Some store have erected plexiglass shield for cashiers -- All the self check-outs are open, fewer cashiers -- Lots of surface cleaning going on in stores -- Some sections are closed, ie grab-and-go, nobody in offices, so no one is grabbing on the run, fresh desserts bakery, deli counter that provided sliced preserved meat and cheese, custom sandwiches, soups, closed, etc. No eating at store cafe tables...take out only -- Most people are wearing masks and gloves (most Canadians are prepared as they regularly carry thin cotton or wool winter gloves in the fall, winter, and spring ) -- Seniors, mothers, and people with disabilities are not asked to wait, but immediately asked to head to the door -- Many shops, at least last week, provided extra thin plastic gloves for people picking up produce and meat -- Lots of comfort food moving, waffles, ice-cream, frozen pizza, cookies -- Lots of ingredients are moving, flour, rice, milk. Indians are making milk sweets at home Generally grocery items are going faster than before because far more people are eating 3-4 meals at home ie no coffee shops, work lunches, fast food, or school cafeteria, etc After the first two weeks, I did not see much big shopping going on. Most people were getting the basics and a few comfort items and moving on... I would say many of the luxury items and discretionary items were being left behind. A sign that there is a drop in wages coming in... All local buses are temporary free in my area due to the emergency, so may people are walking for added exercise and if it looks empty taking the bus back. Most people have access cars, and designate one person to do the shopping. On my street I notice many seniors living independently are having friend or family drop the shopping on the porch. Many shoppers are doing WhatsApp and FaceTime while in the store, so you realize they are purchasing for someone else... Tough times? No --- Albert Peres Goa Culture List goaculturel...@gmail.com 1+ 416-660-0847 www.goaculturelist.ca Canada