Concerns over coronavirus good for trade

– I’m definitely buying more, and have bought things from Willy’s. I'm a little worried that everything will shut down, like in China. There is no hand sanitiser at all in the whole of Kristianstad. I have been looking everywhere, in pharmacies, Willy’s, City Gross and other places, says Noorullah Tareen.

But the Swedish authorities say that we shouldn’t be stockpiling goods, we should live a normal life. You don’t believe it?

– Yes, but I'm worried, I want to be on the safe side.

Some customers are taking it easy.

– I don't think there will be a crisis, it will work out eventually, says Saleh Fakhro, who has just bought a few products.

Store manager Joakim Jacquemot is pleased despite circumstances.

– All the customers are buying, buying, buying. All of the stores are saying the same thing - Maxi, Willy’s, mentions the Store manager.

What are people buying?

– Flour, oil, pasta, oil frozen goods, vegetables, lots of bread. It started yesterday, on Thursday. It depends very much on what the media write, I myself read too. Not because anyone said to stockpile, but I think people want to stay home. Now there’s a spike for us, then there can certainly be a dip.

For your part, is the coronavirus good?

– Yes, in a joking way. Right now it's ok.

How much more are you selling?

– Three times as much, especially today, and it’s just before wages and benefits are paid. People usually don't shop that much otherwise.

Any problems filling the shelves?

– No, we have hired extra staff. Some things ran out today, such as potatoes and staple items like flour. But we will get more flour tomorrow. Right now there’s a lot do, it's fun, says the Store Manager.

Will you buy a lot of extra products?

– No, I’m shopping like it’s a regular Friday, says Nawal Hlail.

– Of course I'm worried, but I don't think you need to buy extra food here in Sweden.