The spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic has caused panic among global citizens throughout the world. With the shortage of hand wipes and hand sanitizers already becoming a common phenomenon in drug stores and supermarkets, people are now considering some temporary substitute.
Everclear is a brand of 120-proof grain alcohol that has become quite popular in a BevMo in Culver City. Store manager Paul Pabich said:
“Normally, we sell a few bottles of that stuff a week. But the word is spreading fast that at 120 proof, or 60% alcohol, it can kill any germ there is out there. We had 24 bottles in stock on Monday, and they were all sold by Thursday.”
While nodding excitedly to an empty shelve that is reserved for Everclear bottles that cost $19.99 each. He said that this is the new way of life in the world currently and he is just making a little money from it all.
The business was also thriving at the Herbarium, which is a marijuana dispensary that is strategically located in the 900 blocks of North La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. This store was providing free delivery services coupled with a stylish black face mask that says “Corona Free Herbarium” with each purchase.
The spokeswoman for the business, Breanna Lucier, explained that the customers had come to buy things that they believe would be essential for them since they were ordered to remain indoors. Also:
“People don’t want to care about coronavirus or watch upsetting news about it on television. Instead, they want to chill out with Netflix and some weed.”
Other Items
Interestingly, guns were also quite popular among the panic-driven shoppers on March 14. Many prospective customers were seen standing in long lines at the Martin B. Retting Gun Shop in Culver City. They waited up to five hours for service, and a fast-food truck was taking orders nearby.
Among the prospective buyers was a doctor who gave his name as Ray and added that he came to buy his first firearm. He said:
“I want to buy a handgun, I think they call it a Glock, but I’m not sure. I have a house and a family, and they’ll need protection if things get worse. The fear is that civil services will break down.”
Another buyer, John Gore, 39, agreed with all of that. He commented:
“Politicians and antigun people have been telling us for the longest time that we don’t need guns. But right now, a lot of people are terrified, and they can make that decision themselves.”
Laguna Guns & Accessories in Elk Grove, which has experienced a community spread of the coronavirus, enjoyed massive sales. The owner said that he has been operating the business for 44 years. The last time his business was thriving to this magnitude was after the mass shooting incident that happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 when people thought the government would take their guns away.
The increase in the demand for guns could be as a result of panic with people fearing what the future might hold if the pandemic worsens.
