Supply chain problems: toilet paper is back in stock, but rolls are smaller

Josh CentersContributor - May 26, 2020

Earlier this morning, Rob McNealy pointed out on Twitter that while toilet paper is back on store shelves, it appears to be 20% smaller than before. I
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Reductions in quantity like this happen all the time for all kinds of products. It is a common tactic to raise the price per unit without raising the sticker price. Consumerist, before it went dead, used to track cases of what it called “the grocery shrink ray”:

https://consumerist.com/tag/grocery-shrink-ray-2/index.html

If manufacturers raised the sticker price, people would be more likely to notice that they are paying more and maybe reconsider their choices in favor of a competitor. Folks are much less likely to notice a change in quantity.

 

I’m investing heavily in the corncob market, just saying.

 

I know, I know, it’s a ripoff, right? But TP is a very competitive scenario right now on the grocery shelves.  I’d rather them produce more packages, albeit with fewer sheets, than fewer packages.  With quantity limitations enforce by stores, this is a good way to spread the joy to more customers,

 

“When it comes to toilet paper, Sam’s Club opted for number two.”

I see what you did there. 😉

Very informative article, by the way. I never thought that the producers would alter packaging to squeeze more profits.

 

I wonder, if you are still able to check, are the rolls narrower? I see the loss of 3/4in depth on the side, but has it changed across the front, too? That would be another area they could pretty stealthily cut back and still not be as noticeable.