The ongoing port strike sparks panic buying nationwide, bringing back memories of 2020. As shelves empty of essential products, many consumers scramble to stock up on toilet paper, echoing the buying frenzy witnessed during the pandemic. But is this behavior surprising? Experts say it’s not.
Panic Buying Becomes the Norm
According to Erin Blaugrund, a College Professor of Marketing at New Mexico State University, panic buying has become a standard consumer pattern in the post-pandemic world. Blaugrund, who also serves as the Center for Business Ethics Director, explains that people tend to buy in bulk during times of uncertainty, often driven by fear.
“People will engage in this mixture of fear and control over what they want and need,” says Blaugrund. “They anticipate a shortage and feel that if they don’t act quickly, they may miss out. Toilet paper, in particular, became symbolic of scarcity during the pandemic, and it’s still at the forefront of people’s minds.”
Consumers, especially those who lived through the toilet paper shortages of 2020, are rushing to ensure they don’t experience the same situation again. This need for control leads many to prioritize stocking up on familiar brands, avoiding off-brand alternatives, and contributing to the increased demand.
The Herd Mentality and FOMO
Blaugrund highlights another post-pandemic trend: the rise of the “herd mentality” or “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO). Social media plays a significant role in fueling this mentality, as people see others stockpiling and feel compelled to do the same. Social pressure and the fear of running out of essential items drive a cycle of panic buying that worsens the problem.
“They see what everyone else is doing, and they want to be a part of that herd,” Blaugrund adds. “They want to feel included, and engaging in the same behavior, like stockpiling, gives them that sense of belonging.”
Social media platforms can magnify this behavior by rapidly sharing information and images. Posts about shortages or empty shelves trigger an emotional response in consumers, prompting panic buying even when the actual supply remains unaffected.
Impact on Local Stores
While the port strike has raised concerns, significant retailers like H-E-B reassure customers that their supply chains remain largely unaffected. In a statement, H-E-B confirmed that most of their products, including toilet paper, are produced domestically and shipped daily to their stores.
Despite the reassurance, the lingering fear of a shortage drives consumer behavior, with many still stockpiling just in case.
As the port strike continues, consumer habits are again under the spotlight. Panic buying, influenced by fear, social pressure, and memories of 2020, has become a part of modern shopping patterns. While some retailers remain well-stocked, the anticipation of scarcity keeps fueling the fire.
It’s clear that for many, the pandemic’s lessons haven’t been forgotten, and the fear of missing out drives decisions more than ever.