Unusual items are beginning to disappear off of store shelves here in Steinbach.

Now that the initial coronavirus scare is subsiding and toilet paper and hand sanitizer reserves are largely dried up, Canadian Tire Floor Manager Andrew Lambert says customers are consuming other products at an unexpected rate.

“I guess everyone is painting their houses now because they’re at home, and there is a lot of paint being sold here,” he offers, “and as soon as the gyms closed down it seems people were jumping in and stocking up on weights and different machines… things have been crazy.”

Lambert acknowledges that consumer needs may be changing in these uncertain times and asks that everyone be patient and kind as they continue to shop locally.