Does online shopping help you avoid panic buying at the store? What you need to know
When asked about the situation inside one store in Central Jersey on Thursday, shoppers described it as "crazy, too many people."
More Stories
Shoppers in New Jersey are already clearing out the shelves at local supermarkets ahead of the upcoming snowstorm, leading some to turn to online delivery.
When asked about the situation inside one store in Central Jersey on Thursday, shoppers described it as "crazy, too many people."
"There's a lot of actual bare shelves, which I was really surprised about," said one customer.
For those who are looking to avoid the busy aisles and empty shelves, online shopping does pose its own challenges.
News 12 spent Thursday tracking online grocery delivery trends in New Jersey.
News 12 used three apps - Instacart, Walmart and Shipt - to see how long it would take and how expensive it would be to get grocery delivery.
As News 12 searched for products throughout the day, items like gallons of water and other pantry staples were the first to become unavailable.
Shoppers said they had a similar experience in person.
"I couldn't find water. So, I had to go someplace else to get water," a ShopRite customer said on Thursday. "Milk, I found just one gallon."
Wait times were also several hours long with most delivery apps, with fees up to $20 for anything sooner.
In response to a request for comment, a Walmart spokesperson told News 12, "During severe weather, we’re focused on making sure customers and communities have what they need and stay safe. We’re closely monitoring conditions, as changes may cause delivery delays. Customers can check the Walmart app for the latest updates on pickup and delivery options.
A spokesperson for Shipt said the company expects an influx of orders in the coming days and they are advising customers that, "delivery windows may be limited as weather conditions worsen."
The spokesperson said Shipt may also pause orders in impacted areas until drivers can complete orders safely.
