Griffith's bottleshops and supermarkets were thrown into a frenzy over the weekend, when hundreds rushed to stock up with supplies following the announcement of a snap lockdown across the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shoppers from across the city flooded into the businesses, filling their trolleys to the brim and creating queues that snaked down aisles.
Billabong Bottleshop general manager Steve Foschi was at home when the lockdown was announced but knew instantly he would have to head into work.
"I heard the news at probably about 2pm on Saturday and I went into the bottleshop as soon as I could," Mr Foschi said.
"When I got there there was cars lined up down the street for probably about 100 metres and that was constant for the next two to three hours."
Mr Foschi called in some extra hands to help out, but even with ten employees on the floor the drive through liquor store was still understaffed.
He said more than 500 vehicles came through the store from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday.
"It was panic buying as soon as the lockdown was announced," he said. "People were stocking up, buying multiple cases of beer at a time."
READ MORE
Mr Foschi said the short notice of the lockdown caught the business by surprise. He also issued a reminder to local residents that there was no need to stockpile as bottleshops are considered an essential service.
"I think it's important for people to understand that services like supermarkets and liquor stores are going to be open throughout these lockdown periods and there is no need to panic buy," he said.
"I think that puts a lot of pressure on the businesses when really there's no need to."
At Woolworths Griffith, residents flooded through aisles and stocked up on food, toilet paper and other essentials.
Woolworths' Griffith group manager Lauren Rodway said the elevated demand has since calmed down.
"We're incredibly proud of our team who work hard to provide essential groceries to our customers and responded with calm professionalism to support the community during this uncertain time," Ms Rodway said.
"As always, we ask customers to be mindful of others in their local community and buy only what they need."
The panic buying has been condemned by Griffith mayor John Dal Broi, who said the reaction on Saturday was "unnecessary, dangerous and inconsiderate".
"Supermarkets across Griffith were inundated with panic buyers, shelves were stripped clean and staff members were run off their feet," Councillor Dal Broi said.
"Supermarkets are an essential service and will not be closed over the next week, deliveries will still be made and stock available."
"But if you clear out the shelves the way that has been done, you are not leaving anything behind for those who are unable to drop everything and rush out."
Cr Dal Broi called on the community to consider the elderly, disabled and those with no access to transport, who could have arrived to find empty supermarkets due to the panic buying.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News