Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe reports behind “Perth supermarket shelves stripped bare” describe a supply disruption in January 2022, not proof of a Perth-wide shortage today. At the time, COVID-related staff absences disrupted suppliers, transport and distribution; later in the month, South Australian flood damage to rail infrastructure added pressure on supply lines to Western Australia. The affected products and retailer purchase limits were specific to that episode.
What the January 2022 reports said
The West Australian reported on 9 January 2022 that some supermarket shelves in WA were emptying amid supply issues. The report said the disruption was not panic buying: COVID-related absences were affecting suppliers, drivers and distribution-centre workers. Coles and Woolworths were reportedly experiencing staff shortages of up to 35 per cent at distribution centres because of isolation requirements. That was a reported figure, not an independently audited workforce count. The West Australian’s report also quoted then-Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci describing COVID-driven absences of more than 20 per cent in distribution centres and more than 10 per cent in stores across the company’s network.
On 31 January, PerthNow described shortages at Coles and Woolworths stores in multiple Perth suburbs. The products cited across the reports included meat, cat food, toilet paper, long-life milk, eggs, dairy, paper towels and kitty litter; some locations also reported low frozen-food stocks. These are examples documented during that period, not a current shopping advisory. PerthNow’s report quoted a Coles notice saying the retailer was experiencing “temporary reduced product availability” due to a supply-chain disruption.
Why supply was under pressure
COVID-related workforce absences
Absences affected several points in the supply chain, rather than just supermarket staff: suppliers, freight drivers and distribution-centre workers were all cited as facing disruption. ABC News quoted WA Independent Grocers Association president John Cummings estimating that the state’s grocery sector handled about 300,000 cartons a day for delivery and shelf replenishment. That was an industry estimate, not an official statistical series. The same ABC report quoted Western Roads Federation head Cam Dumesny estimating a shortfall of about 1,000 road-train drivers during the pandemic period; that is not a current workforce figure. ABC News’ January 2022 coverage also described freight-driver and rail-capacity constraints.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Stands Up & Stays Open: Making shopping so much easier! With a rigid box structure, our reusable bags are super easy to load & unload compared to ordinary floppy bags – Long handles let you carry tall items or sling a tote bag over your shoulder
- Extra Large so You can Carry More: A 3 pack of our large tote bags holds the same as 10 single-use grocery bags! Great for family sized trips to the supermarket, for carrying bulky items, and for organizing produce, meats, and grocery items
- Sturdy & Made to Last: Our super strong grocery tote bag maintains its shape like a box even when fully loaded with groceries or whatever you need to carry – Each sturdy utility tote is crafted from top quality materials for reliable use over and over
- Won't Fall Over in the Trunk: Best shopping bags for groceries! Design is spill proof so items stay put while driving – No more groceries rolling around in the trunk – Bananas, bread, produce and other soft items won't be damaged on your way home
- Easy to Clean: Simply use a damp cloth or sanitizer wipe to clean, then allow to air-dry – Our reusable grocery bags are foldable like a notebook when not in use – conveniently stores under your car seat, trunk, or a kitchen drawer
Flood damage to rail infrastructure
Later in January, inland flooding damaged rail infrastructure in South Australia and interrupted supply lines to WA and the Northern Territory, compounding existing supply-chain difficulties and COVID-related workforce disruption. PerthNow also reported that increased buying put additional pressure on some products. These were overlapping factors; the reporting does not support reducing the episode to a single cause.
What retailers and government did
Retailers introduced temporary limits on selected products while working to restock. The limits reported in January 2022 applied to particular products, retailers and dates; they do not establish that the same restrictions apply now. Then-Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci told customers: “To give you a sense of the magnitude of the challenge, we are experiencing Covid-driven absences of 20%+ in our distribution centres and 10%+ in our stores.”
Rank #2
- Bulk Quantity: 350 Plastic “Thank You” Bags
- Quality: Our "Thank You" Plastic Bags are made with High Density Plastic and Strong Handles
- Size: 11.5" x 6.5" x 21" Plastic Bags (White)
- Versatile: Plastic Bags for Grocery, Small Business, Store, Retail, Restaurant, To Go / Take Out
- You can Rely on Reli. for your "Thank You" Plastic Bag needs
The WA Government also addressed the movement of freight. Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said: “Ensuring trucks can move and deliver items to shopping centres will assist with the smooth flow of essential products and ensure our supermarkets remain stocked.” The statement concerned the response at the time, not a standing assurance about present-day stock. The WA Government’s 12 January 2022 statement set out those temporary transport changes.
Was Perth short of groceries in 2026?
The January 2022 reports cannot establish supermarket availability on 8 October 2026. Later disruptions were separate events with different causes and reported impacts:
Rank #3
- Large Volume: each reusable grocery bag measures W 16.1" x D 10.2" x H 13" and can contain up to 35 L; the reinforced X-shaped design on the grip of the tote shopping bag increases its durability and load-bearing function, and can readily hold heavy items
- Portable: reusable shopping bags have long handles that can be worn on the shoulder or hand-held while shopping; the foldable design makes it easy for you to carry these bulk tote bags everywhere you go, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, gyms, beaches
- Multipurpose: the WOWBOX reusable shopping bag is suitable for a variety of situations; it helps you to carry snacks, toys, clothes, books and more during picnics or short trips
- Easily Cleaned: the grocery shopping bag is made of high-quality non-woven fabric and coated with a waterproof coating for easy cleaning; if there are stains on the surface of the reusable bag, simply wipe it with a damp paper towel or wet towel
- Reusable: reusable shopping tote bags are an excellent option to polluting the environment with single-use plastic bags; reusable grocery bags are more appealing and more environmentally positive; take a greener and friendlier way to safeguard the earth
| Event | What was reported at the time | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| East West rail closure, February 2026 | Coles and Woolworths were reported as expecting limited or no significant impact on WA supermarket supply at that time, citing stock in WA, local sourcing and road alternatives. ABC News’ February report | The chains’ expectations for that closure—not a current audit of every Perth store. |
| Cyclone-related road-closure preparation, March 2026 | Coles said it was moving extra stock into stores at risk of road closures. ABC News’ March report | A preparation measure for exposed stores—not evidence of a continuing city-wide shortage. |
Woolworths’ fresh-market updates page lists particular produce interruptions, including Carnarvon bananas and blackberries, but does not quantify availability across Perth supermarkets. The WA Government’s groceries and fresh produce common-use arrangement, last updated 23 September 2026, concerns state-agency procurement categories rather than consumer supermarket stock. The government arrangement is therefore not a measure of what shoppers can find on shelves.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check a reported shortage before changing your shopping plans
A headline about empty shelves may describe certain products, stores and dates rather than every supermarket in Perth. To assess a claim, check:
Rank #4
- NOT A THIN BAG: With a thickness of 13 microns/0.5 mil, making it stronger and capable of holding up to 22 pounds without easily tearing.
- THE CORRCCT SIZE: 11.5" x 6.5" x 21", same size as what you usually get at the grocery sotre(the height 21" including handles).
- QUALITY UPGRADES: Used the double reinforcement design, ourplastic bags for small business sturdy, leak proof, tear ressistance, no smell, help you solve your problems.
- Simple and Convenient: The innovative tear-off design makes the plastic shopping bags easy to use, you can use it to grocery, restaurants, shopping, merchandise, take out and retail.
- What You Get: grocery bags-100 PACK, and friendly customer service.
- When it was observed: distinguish a dated report from an update about conditions today.
- Where it applies: identify whether the report covers individual stores, suburbs, the Perth metro area or wider WA.
- Which products are affected: a shortage of selected goods does not mean groceries generally are unavailable.
- What caused the disruption: workforce absences, a freight-route interruption, weather and increased buying are different pressures and may overlap.
- Who is making the claim: a retailer notice, government statement, industry estimate and reporter’s observations have different scope.
For a claim about current Perth-wide availability, the reports cited here are not enough: current store-level observations or a current retailer statement would be needed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Proudly Made in the USA: Our Thank You bags are proudly made in the USA, ensuring quality and compliance with strict environmental standards. By supporting local industries, we provide high-quality products to your customers, making them an ideal choice for small businesses and boutique owners
- Excellent Waterproof and Sealability: These white plastic bags offer excellent waterproofing and sealing capabilities, making them a reliable choice for protecting your products. Whether in humid environments or when carrying liquids, the contents will remain secure and safe
- Versatile Design: With dimensions of 11.5" x 6.5" x 21", these plastic bags are ideal for a variety of uses, including grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants. They are perfect for both food and retail items, It can also be used as a garbage or trash bag in the kitchen, office, and bathroom
- Comfortable to Carry: The sturdy handle design makes these bags easy and comfortable to carry. Compared to traditional paper bags, our plastic bags are lighter and easier to open and pack, greatly improving service efficiency and ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers
- Durable and Sturdy Material: Our Thank You bags are made from high-density polyethylene with a thickness of 0.47 mil, offering exceptional strength and puncture resistance. Whether for retail goods or food packaging, you can trust these bags to stay intact without tearing
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
