Connecticut + NY Grocery Store Shortages are Back and Here’s Why

You may have noticed recently that some of the shelves in your local supermarket are looking a bit empty again.

It's kind of reminiscent of things from back at the start of the pandemic when toilet paper, and sanitizing products were vacant from store shelves.

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The only difference is this time it's a rash of products that are either in short supply, or they can't be found anywhere. According to ctpublic.org, experts are saying that the reason for the latest shortages are numerous. Not only are retailers experiencing the same issues as they did back in the Spring of 2020, but now those issues are compounded by new challenges as the pandemic rages on, basically it's a "perfect storm."

Those same experts are also claiming that the Northeast is facing some of the worst shortages in the country, with winter weather playing a factor in transportation routes, a shortage of truck drivers, and even a shortage of supermarket employees to stock the shelves once the orders finally get through.

Other experts say it's a bit different then it was in the Spring of 2020. Instead of the consumer rush to get the toilet paper and sanitizing products, this time it's a supply issue. You can go to a store one day and not find certain items, then a day or two later the shelves are fully stocked with that product. Some are even calling it a "just in time supply chain."

So just what are the main reason for the supply chain slowdown or shortage? There are many, here's a list of variables that are contributing to shelves being either understocked or not stocked at all.

• The Omicron Variant 
• Labor Shortage
• Trucking and Shipping Delays
• Severe Winter Weather 

Most consumer economists don't see things getting better anytime soon, or at least until the latest COVID-19 variant spread slows down, which medical professionals say may take as long as 4-6 weeks, so stock up when you can.