Together, we suffered through a disinfectant wipes shortage and the great rice crisis of spring 2020. I know most of us will never want to relive the horror of heading down another barren supermarket aisle only to discover the squeeze-ably soft Charmin has gone extinct.
Things seem to be looking up with regard to potty paper and poultry production, but now new, unexpected product shortages, brought on by lifestyle changes and supply chain snafus, are making things difficult for smaller groups of consumers.
Here is a short list of unexpected items in short supply. Share what you’re having trouble finding right now, and let’s commiserate.
- Appliances. Apparently, dishwashers are not built to be run three times a day, every day. Or ovens used 24/7. The combination of unexpected use and supply chain issues is causing a major headache for those of us trying to replace our appliances – or even the parts to fix them with! https://www.npr.org/2020/09/22/915240713/shortage-of-new-refrigerators-leaves-appliance-shoppers-out-in-the-cold
- Used Cars. With people hesitant to use public transportation, and car manufacturers slowing down their production rate, car buyers are caught in the middle of a dwindling supply and an increased demand. Used car prices have gone through the (sun)roof and that’s if you can even find one to buy. The silver lining -- most experts believe that this will be short lived issue. https://www.tribdem.com/news/there-s-a-big-shortage-virus-shutdown-means-fewer-new-cars-which-is-driving-up/article_017cec96-de66-11ea-9451-8f9f2ee9d838.html
- Sex for singles. Those of us aren’t currently in a relationship with someone in our area code (including yours truly) are experiencing a decided lack of sexy time. One night stands are “risky behavior” these days, and STDs have nothing to do with it. “I can get antibiotics from my OB-GYN,” my friend Rachel told me, “but until there’s a COVID vaccine, my lady parts are closed for business”. Even those in long distance relationships are feeling the pinch (or aren’t) not wanting to risk traveling just to get some. Coitus interruptus. https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/09/15/covid-19-sex/
- Diet Dr. Pepper in cans. Okay, now it’s personal. About ten years ago I was introduced to the wonder of Diet Dr. Pepper and immediately kicked my Diet Coke obsession to the curb. However, this summer, I noticed that there was a scary scarcity of 12 oz cans of my beloved beverage. Once, when visiting family, I was able to score some 16 oz bottles at Walmart and stocked up as much possible, but now I’m back in New York City and those bottles are but a distant, artificially sweet memory. I’ve been haunting my local supermarkets and drug stores, but sightings of Diet D.P. are few and far between. The horror, the horror. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/11/business/dr-pepper-shortage-trnd/index.html
Leave a comment