PHARMACY business gurus have been trying to flush out the sale of products that are widely available elsewhere and a recent coronavirus-inspired armed robbery in Hong Kong, may provide an incentive to ditch toilet roll.
Since the outbreak of the virus began, residents of the city have been stockpiling loo paper of varying quality and ply thickness, while concerns over potential supply chain issues stemming from factory slowdowns in mainland China, have sparked concerns over shortages.
This prompted an enterprising trio of 20-somethings to investigate some blackmarket opportunities in flogging toilet roll.
The three men, armed with knives, sporting caps and face masks, held up a delivery truck at a supermarket in the Mong Kok neighbourhood, threatening the driver before making off with 600 rolls worth $325.
Time magazine has reported that two of the trio have been arrested, with the less than loocrative stash being found in a nearby guesthouse.
Hong Kong Government officials have rejected suggestions there is a shortage of the household essential.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Feb 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 19 Feb 20