Current 'psychology buying' of toilet paper, sanitizers, because of COVID-19 won't deplete supplies, GVSU expert says

As additional cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) are confirmed in Michigan, consumers are having a hard time finding certain products, particularly toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics, said people are overbuying these products out of fear. Something he called, "psychological buying."

"People got worried about making sure they had enough toilet paper to last a month," said Isely. "People shouldn't panic when seeing empty shelves. We are not running out of toilet paper. The overbuying is creating a bottleneck in the supply chain."

Isely said a good amount of toilet paper is produced in North America and doesn't have a deep supply chain, so it will be much easier to make up for changes in demand.

He said as health officials urge people to cut back on social interactions and travel, restaurants and transportation will be greatly impacted.

"We're losing conventions, airline tickets and meals at restaurants that will never be made up," he said. "We know this effect will happen quickly and will be painful for a short period of time. But if we follow what public health officials are asking us to do, then that pain shouldn't be long-lived." 

For updates on GVSU actions surrounding COVID-19, visit gvsu.edu/coronavirus