Retailers have seen a rise in demand for hand sanitisers and hygiene products in an apparent response to the coronavirus outbreak, an industry body said.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) added that it had seen “limited” supply chain disruption and that availability of products “remains good”.
Waitrose also said it had seen higher demand for certain products.
Meanwhile, online retailer Ocado told some customers that it was seeing “exceptionally high demand” – and advised them to place orders further in advance than they normally would.
In an email sent on Friday, the company said: “More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders.
“As a result, delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected.”
Shares in Ocado were the biggest risers on another volatile day for the the FTSE 100 – up more than 5% – while rival supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Morrisons also saw strong gains.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons did not immediately respond when asked if they had seen an upturn in demand amid worries about the outbreak.
Supermarket Tesco has sold out of several anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online.
It emerged over the weekend that Tesco had sold out of most of its range of antibacterial hand sanitisers online.
Waitrose said: “We are seeing more demand for some products such as cleaning products and hand sanitisers.
“We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure that we have stock available. ​​​​​​”
The BRC said: “Disruption to supply chains has been limited, and the availability of products remains good.
“Retailers are working closely with their suppliers and monitoring consumer behaviour to anticipate changes in future demand.
“Sales of hand sanitiser have risen as individuals and businesses make sensible precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“Retailers are also taking necessary steps to meet the rise in demand for certain hygiene products.”
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