Sask. Co-op grocery shortage continues following ‘IT disruption’

Visitors to Co-op grocery stores in Warman, Martensville and Saskatoon on Wednesday wanted more information regarding the “IT disruption” that is stopping shelves from being stocked.

The cybersecurity incident reported last week has impacted the company’s inventory of certain grocery items.

Warman shopper, Jolie, left the store with only a few items.

“It’s been hard to find the groceries that we absolutely need … if they could find an alternative to get groceries back on the shelves that would be very nice,” she said.

While the Warman Co-op parking lot was nearly empty Wednesday afternoon with produce shelves and fridges unstocked, the Martensville grocery store had even less to offer customers.

“Not much, there wasn’t very much,” shopper Harvey told 650 CKOM.

When asked what he would like to see from Co-op in response, Harvey replied “Broadcast a little more of what is actually going on, maybe on the internet or something.”

The Attridge Co-op in Saskatoon had a few empty shelves but had considerably more stock than Warman and Martensville. 

Many shoppers did not want to make a statement regarding their shopping experience, most said they did not understand the situation. Others said that they will be switching stores until the Co-op is back on its feet.

Local vendors wait for answers

Regina’s Norm Yakel and Mike Sholter of Mike’s Salsa have sold their product at Co-op for nearly 10 years.

“We visited one store recently and they just informed us of the issue with ordering products locally. And we said ‘Fine, we’ll check in with you guys when you’re okay with the cyber stuff,’ so we’re not having a problem. We’ll wait. We’re fine.”

Their orders are currently on hold, but Yakel said he has no problem waiting it out.

“The Co-op stores have been supporters of our small business forever,” he said.

Yakel said he’s not worried about receiving payments either, but he hopes to see the problem resolved.

“It’s unfortunate that they have this problem at the moment. We hope all is well with them soon.”

Co-op employees declined to comment for this article, all that they could share was that the “IT disruption” was not Co-op’s fault.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct a name.