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Woolies shopper spots obscene note in toilet paper panic-buyer aisle
With various states implementing stay-at-home orders in response to rising COVID-19 case numbers, many Aussies have once again rushed to their local supermarkets to panic-buy items such as toilet paper.
In a flashback to the chaos of previous lockdowns, footage of empty shelves at major retailers Woolworths and Coles are now doing the rounds in the media and online.
Wild Woolies note: 'Listen up s***heads'
It's left some shoppers frustrated by what they see as unnecessary over-purchasing, which can leave little to no stock for others who might be in real need.
In what appears to be an effort to combat panic-buying, a profanity-laden note has been left in the toilet paper aisle of a Woolies store in Queensland, where several local government areas have gone into a snap three-day lockdown.
While it's not clear where the note came from, it seems likely it's an unauthorised tongue-in-cheek letter.
A photo of the fiery full-page note, which scolds customers for "buying every roll for no good reason," was shared by a Reddit user who says they spotted it 'in a Sunshine Coast Woolworths'.
"Listen up s***heads," the typed message begins in large, bold font.
"We have a simple message to all those idiots jamming our stores and car parks.
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"We've got plenty of food and other items in stock. We've got warehouses full of them.
"We won't run out unless you b*stards keep listening to other bogans on social media and snap up every item we stock before it even hits the shelf.
"As for toilet paper, FFS stop asking for it. We have plenty to go around if only morons like you stop buying every roll for no good reason.
"We value your custom and support but Jesus Christ, some of you are just f***wits."
It's not entirely clear who is behind the note as there is no official sign-off, however, logos for the big three supermarkets Aldi, Coles and Woolies are pictured at the bottom.
And it's not unusual to see notices to customers during peak panic-buying periods, such as Melbourne's 7-day 'circuit breaker' lockdown in May which saw Coles put a two-item purchase limit on toilet paper.
But, considering the profanity and hostile tone, it's safe to say that the note wasn't an official store communication.
Instead, it appears to be the work of an anonymous toilet paper vigilante who took it upon themselves to ensure a fairer shopping experience for all.
'It's satire'
That was the general consensus by Reddit users in the comments section, with one writing, "I'm going to guess this wasn't officially a store notice."
"This is being posted all over Facebook for the last few days, someone's printed it out and sticky taped it there for the lols," explained another.
Some Reddit users weren't happy with the note and argued that it could cause more harm than good.
"Idiots thinking it's funny putting this up," one wrote.
"If people are really putting these notices up, the only thing you will achieve is provoking abuse/violence against the store employees," said another.
"I think it's pretty obvious it's not meant to actually trick anyone. It's satire," responded a third.
The note also started a discussion about why people panic-buy toilet paper, in particular, each time a lockdown is announced.
"Because if they don't buy it all, someone else will," mused one Reddit user.
"Do they not have massive stockpiles from the last run on toilet paper? People were buying 7-year supplies, surely those people realise they don't need more at this point," wondered another.
If you are looking to get your hands on some loo rolls somewhere other than the supermarket, why not check out our list of alternate retailers to replenish your stock.
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