grannybunz

There are always shortages in local supermarkets at this time of year because the managers always seem to be taken by surpirise that tourists arrive and buy things. This year however it has ridiculous. I know all about the CO2 shortages and some problems with dairy products but these last 2 weeks I go with my list and at least half of the items are missing. Everything from milk via cat food to, most alarmingly, gin!! Not a single bottle of the latter in any of our local outlets.

Are any of you experiencing similar shortages? Or is it just the total poor quality of the local managers - if so why are they all such numpties?

BuckinghamshireBoy

No shortages here.

Ok, I live in Switzerland, but shopping in France has become more and more attractive to me, especially since Schengen. I go over the border at least once a week.

I have a huge range of supermarkets available locally in Haute-Savoie - as in less than 5km away from home - they're all fully stocked with the products you mention.

So... it's down to numpties or their bosses.

scot47

deleted

i did not realise this was bout France !

BuckinghamshireBoy

No idea what you're on about, or why you would post that kind of thing in this thread.

The original question was about potential shortages of supplies in French retail outlets.

Stick to that.

dmu

No shortages here in the big supermarkets in our nearest town, and most basics available in our village Ecomarché (or whatever it's called now).
Can't speak for gin, as we don't like it!!

Annetje

No problem here and, must say, never noticed a problem during the summer.
So yes, it seems to be a local problem.

grannybunz

I think I may have not made myself clear. . There are still plenty of basics, if you don't mind UHT milk, any old cat food etc. In the tourist season preferred brands etc simply disappear.. Today I had a chat with one of the section managers in our usual supermarket who I have known for years. She agreed it was a problem every year which is largely due to senior management filing to anticipate increased demand. She says it happens at other times of year too eg when there is a public holiday next to a weekend.

I suspect it is all because of the way in which French supermarkets are organised ie of a franchise basis and, in addition the employment laws and the fact that there are no such things as early morning and twilight shifts which means shelf stacking and customers are always competing. I find it very interesting even though often so frustrating. Thank goodness for local specialist shops and our brilliant market.