Pick n Pay warns of low stock

RETAILER NEWS

Fin24.com - Oct 5th 2012, 07:33

Johannesburg - Retailer Pick n Pay Stores warned on Thursday that it was running low on some goods at its stores due to the truck drivers' strike.  

"The effect is most noticeable in fresh produce and poultry," operations director Neal Quirk said.

Despite contingency plans being in place, shelves at some of its outlets in the Johannesburg CBD had no stock. One store in Braamfontein had signs up warning customers that stock was low due to non-delivery of goods.

"Our suppliers are in a similar position and the situation could become worse should the strike continue."

A Shoprite Holdings store a few blocks away had had no problems with deliveries.

As far as filling stations in the CBD were concerned, only one or two pumps were still supplying fuel at a Caltex garage.

A Total garage in Newtown was forced to shut after fuel ran out on Wednesday night.

"The last time we had a delivery was over the weekend. The fuel is finished now and no tanker has been coming in," said a petrol attendant.

Another Total garage in Braamfontein was still operating. Fuel had arrived with a police escort on Tuesday, said a petrol attendant who identified himself as Aubrey.

The strike by thousands of truck drivers was in its second week. In parts of the country trucks had been pelted with stones and set alight. Pranksters sparked panic by sending out messages claiming additional attacks and marches.

Drivers wanted a 12% salary increase while employers offered 8.5% for next year, and another 0.5% the following year.