No more driving around aimlessly looking for toilet paper

A woman carries her shopping including bags of toilet paper, in downtown Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Because of the spread of the coronavirus, bars, cinemas, theatres, museums, and many shops are now closed. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP) (Arne Dedert)

HOUSTON – Since the coronavirus outbreak began, it has been difficult to find some things at grocery stores. (Boy, is that an understatement!)

There are empty shelves where the toilet paper used to be, no paper towels or certain food items.

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Two University of Texas students may have created a fix for your fruitless shopping trips. Their website InStok can check the inventory at stores near you like Target, WalMart, Sam’s Club and others. You just type in the item you’re looking for along with your zip code (and turn on your location on your phone) and the site will show you stores that have what you’re looking for.

They do warn the items could be in the back of the store or they may have been moved or purchased before you get there.

Still, it may be better than just driving around cold.


About the Author

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.

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