Ocado Group PLC (LON:OCDO) warned customers late on Friday to let them know it was experiencing “exceptionally high demand” suggesting customers are stocking up due to coronavirus fears.
“More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders,” the online grocer said.
“As a result, delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected.”
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The email advised customers to place the order earlier than usual and book a weekday delivery rather than a weekend one.
While the retailer did not mention the coronavirus outbreak in its email, many saw it as a sign that the UK general public is stockpiling in case the situation gets worse.
If Ocado saying they are experiencing ‘unusually large orders’ from customers is Marketing, then it is really bad taste Marketing. Can imagine some people were placing large orders in light of Coronavirus concerns, but now lots more will do so, in light of the Ocado statement.
— Jonathan De Mello (@DeMelloRetail) March 1, 2020
Shares rallied 6% to 1,125.82p just before Monday’s close.