KATY, Texas – Texas grocery store chain H-E-B has promised customers they will replenish their shelves after customers cleared them amid fear of the coronavirus outbreak.

H-E-B said they have prepared for the coronavirus for several months and that the stores are in a “strong position” to keep replenishing the shelves.

“Customers should not panic, we have the ability to restock shelves and encourage our customers to remain calm. H-E-B partners are ready to help Texas slow the spread,” a news release said.

“While our customers may find our supply of some products low or temporarily out of stock, please rest assured that we’re maintaining close contact with our suppliers and our partners (employees) are working around-the-clock to keep our shelves stocked,” Lisa Helfman with H-E-B said. “We encourage customers to check back with us if they cannot find what they need, we are receiving inventory and restocking our shelves throughout the day to serve our customers.”

Lines have quieted down at a Katy H-E-B after an early morning rush. A line of shoppers wrapped down the sidewalk near Grand Parkway and Fry Road before the store opened on Friday morning.

“We were shocked. We thought we were really smart getting here at like 6 but we were not expecting this,” shopper Jenna Munez said.

With the recent school and event cancellations across the area, many told KPRC 2 that they were hoping to stock up on supplies.

“We are here just to get things that will keep for a long time, meat for the freezer and maybe some canned foods,” Munez said.

"I have three kids, 9-month-old twins and I can’t afford for a quarantine to happen and not be prepared, shopper Nisha Ferguson said.

Sara Flores said that she planned to stock up on canned goods but once she got inside she found that aisle was fairly picked over.

Many stores are across the area have been flooded with crowds. Trader Joe’s on Shepherd Drive was packed with people late Thursday night.

“The shelves and the freezer aisle, it is all gone,” Alexis Jenjequet said.

All cleaning and sanitation schedules have been increased and in-store sampling has been discontinued.

Product restrictions

“We are limiting product purchases to protect the supply chain and make sure our customers can find the items they need,” an H-E-B spokesperson told KSAT.

Customers will currently be limited on purchases of the following items:

  • Disinfecting sprays/wipes – 4 units
  • Hand sanitizer/soap – 4 units
  • Water – 4 multipacks and 4 gallons per transaction (including baby)
  • Latex Gloves – 4 boxes/units
  • Bleach – 2 units
  • Rubbing alcohol – 4 units
  • Bath tissue – 2 packages

H-E-B replenishes supplies daily and “partners work around the clock to bring products to the shelf,” a spokesperson said. “If you cannot find what you need, please check back with us."