Amazon Clears Shelves for Coronavirus Medical Supplies

Amazon Clears Shelves for Coronavirus Medical  Supplies and Household Goods

Amazon.com Inc will only receive vital supplies at its U.S. and UK and other European warehouses until April 5. This is its latest move to free up inventory space for medical and household goods in high demand as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The change does not mean Amazon will stop selling non-essential items like phone cases and toys. It does mean, however, that these products may be more likely to run out of stock in the next few weeks or sellers may have to ship directly to consumers.

The move reflects how the global spread of the virus has created challenges for retailers, from supply chain to delivery.

In a note sent to sellers on Tuesday, Amazon said it is seeing increasing online shopping demand. As its household staples and medical supplies are running out of stock, it will prioritize certain categories in order to “quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers.”

Amazon defined several categories as essential products that can continue shipping, including baby products; health and household items; beauty and personal care; grocery; industrial and scientific; and pet supplies. Books are included as well.

“We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritize these products for customers,” Amazon said in a statement.

The company said the new protocol applies to its retail inventory as well as to the products of third-party sellers on its platform.

The move follows Amazon’s Monday announcement that it will hire 100,000 more workers, as the world’s largest online retailer is trying to meet growing online shopping need from people who stay home amid the coronavirus outbreak.

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Is Amazon adjustment to clear shelves for Coronavirus supplies the right thing to do? What about regular supplies of non-essential we still use in our every day lives? Leave your comments below.