Harris Teeter joins list of stores limiting purchases during coronavirus

Harris Teeter announced Friday afternoon it is joining other grocers by limiting purchases on specific items because of the novel coronavirus buying frenzy.

Reaction to the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, has caused hoarding of supplies throughout the country, according to several national news outlets.

At Harris Teeter stores, customers are limited to buying three items on high-demand preparedness products of water, toilet paper, canned meat, pasta, cleaning supplies, and over-the-counter cold, flu and allergy medications, company spokeswoman Danna Robinson said by email.

Store signs are posted about the new policy, she said.

Local health officials on Thursday reported two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County.

Harris Teeter, Charlotte’s No. 1 grocery chain by market share, has over 230 stores with 18 locations in Charlotte.

Other steps

The Matthews-based company also announced extra safety steps in stores, such as sanitizing restrooms more frequently, adding hand sanitizers throughout the stores and wiping down shopping carts, baskets and equipment, according to a company statement.

On Thursday, Salisbury-based Food Lion announced it too was adding more frequent and rigorous cleanings. Food Lion has not placed purchase limits on items.

Earlier this week, Mooresville-based Lowe’s Home Improvement began limiting customers to 10 items per order for supplies like masks, bleach, disinfectants, hand and dish soaps, cleaning gloves, paper towels and bath tissue, bottled water and air purifiers/filters.

Other grocers like Publix and retailers like Home Depot and Target began limiting purchase of items as early as a week ago.

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Harris Teeter joins list of stores limiting purchases during coronavirus."