Supermarkets aren't the only retailers to see a surge in spending since the outbreak of coronavirus, with customers stocking up on alcohol to get through isolation.
Ainslie Cellars on Edgar Street and Jim Murphy's in Fyshwick and Majura Park all reported busier than usual weeks, with more people through the doors filling larger-than-usual orders.
Jim Murphy's owner Adrian Murphy said while there was an increase in foot traffic throughout the week, the big change had been in home delivery, with a spike in online ordering.
"Basket sizes have increased but it's not ridiculous, we're not seeing the panic buying we've seen at the supermarkets yet," Mr Murphy said.
"There's still plenty of booze to go around."
Mr Murphy said while customer sales had been better than usual, his restaurant and bar orders had taken a hit since the introduction of strict social distancing regulations.
Dan Murphy's and BWS stores in Canberra were also faring better than the city's bars and pubs, with operator Endeavour Drinks reporting "elevated customer demand".
A spokesperson for the liquor, hotel and gaming business which runs Woolworths' alcohol stores said the increased spending wasn't specific for beer, wine or spirits, with none likely to run out.
"Demand is spread broadly across our range of products and we do not anticipate any significant out-of-stock issues," the spokesperson said.
"We understand these are uncertain times where there can be comfort found in being prepared, however, we would encourage customers to purchase as they would normally, continue to drink responsibly and to please treat our team with courtesy and respect."
READ MORE:
- Canberra couple makes tough call to postpone wedding
- Shopping issues? Spare a thought for a family of 11
- Acts of kindness show best of Canberra region
- ACT healthcare workers provide 'control group'
- Four things you can still do in Canberra despite you-know-what
- OPINION: A dire case of 'skin hunger' hits hard in self-isolation
- Canberra coronavirus cases increase to nine after three more diagnoses
- Inside Canberra's coronavirus testing lab
Amid the stories of retailers feeling the loss as a consequence of self-isolation, customers had increased their purchases of office furniture at some of Canberra's biggest stores.
Officeworks acting managing director Michael Howard said its retailers across the country had seen a spike in technology and home-office product buys.
Mr Howard said items such as monitors, home printers, computer accessories, cables and sit-stand desks were among the sought-after items.
He said with an increased number of schools closed or about to close, Officeworks had also seen growth in the popularity of education resources as parents prepared for children being at home.
"Customers are also responding to an increased focus on hygiene and cleanliness, with strong demand across cleaning and sanitising products," Mr Howard said.
"We know we have an important role to play with essential products and services that will help customers in their daily lives - whether at home, school or work.
"For customers that can't head in-store and get what they need, we are doing everything we can to fulfil online orders."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
