A popular toilet paper brand is reworking its distribution strategy as the demand for the product has increased exponentially during the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement posted on social media Tuesday morning, Quilted Northern said it will “ship all product directly to our retail partners” moving forward because that “is the fastest way to get as many rolls into consumers’ hands as possible.” Additionally, the company announced it will be suspending direct sales from its own website.
The company added that, despite apparent shortages in stores nationwide, its “production is going well” as it continues “to send trucks of toilet paper out to stores nationwide around the clock.”
— Quilted Northern® (@QuiltedNorthern) March 17, 2020
Quilted Northern also encouraged people not to buy more toilet paper than necessary, especially at a time when demand is so high. Furthermore, the company provided information to help consumers determine how much they should buy, recommending nine double rolls or five mega rolls every two weeks for a household of two staying at home 24/7. The brand used “U.S. Census data, IRI panel data and our own calculations” to come up with that math.
Prior to the statement from Quilted Northern, a number of consumers throughout the country have been going to stores trying to stock up on items they feel are necessary if they are forced to quarantine in their homes for a long period of time. In doing so, products such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and face masks have become increasingly hard to find.
The COVID-19 virus has infected more than 4,600 people in the United States, leading to the death of more than 80 people, according to Johns Hopkins University.
