Shoppers were left frustrated at some Woolworths stores in Queensland after supermarkets began running out of key items.
Several of the supermarket giant’s stores in Queensland have seen little or no stock available in their fresh produce sections, including milk, poultry and fruit.
While the reason for the lack of availability was initially unclear, Woolworths commercial director Paul Harker confirmed on Monday afternoon that an issue at a major distribution center was responsible.
A management system upgrade at the Brisbane site is understood to have caused its refrigerated section to be damaged last week.
Harker said the problem had caused “carnage”.
Woolworths chief commercial officer Paul Harker cited an issue at one of the grocery giant’s distribution centers in Brisbane as the reason behind the shortage.
Woolworths customers described the shortage as “apocalyptic” as several fresh foods are running out of stock.
“We are not particularly happy with the situation,” Mr Harker said..
‘We are working very hard to improve it. We apologize to our customers for having had any problems.
“I should add that we will continue to take committed stock from our suppliers, even if we cannot get it out.”
The supermarket chain pledged to work hard to “resume normal operations as soon as possible.”
But the promise came too late for many customers, who took to social media to express their frustrations.
‘Woolies is empty. “It’s a shame,” one wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside photos showing the sparse produce section of his local Woolworths.
Another added: “Not sure what’s going on with Woolies but there are empty shelves at both Woolies Banyo and Woolies Nundah.”
Harker said: “We are working very hard to improve it.” We apologize to our customers for having had any problems.
A third customer posted: ‘A trip to Woolies yesterday afternoon made me wonder why the shelves are practically empty…. The bread aisle was empty, the only gluten free bread I could find was expired and stale.
‘Woolworths Richlands had ‘basically nothing’ in terms of vegetables, fruit and cold cuts, according to one disappointed customer.
“I have noticed reduced options in and around the Moreton Bay region,” said another.
Another added: ‘No fresh chicken pieces, very little milk at Logan Hyperdome (Woolies) on Friday. Notices go up apologizing for lack of stock due to supply problems.’
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that grocers can “expect to see an improvement in overall supply levels in the coming days”.
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that customers can “expect to see an improvement in overall supply levels in the coming days”.
‘Some stores may have less fruit and vegetables, milk and chicken than usual. There are no product purchase limits,’ they said.
“We are grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding as our team works to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.”