As Tropical Cyclone Ilsa approaches the Western Australian coastline, Coles stores in Broome and South Hedland have been preparing for the weather event for several days and have a strong supply of essential items such as breakfast cereal, milk, meat, bread, bottled water, toilet paper, canned meals and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Over the past five days, the delivery amount has increased in preparation for the tropical cyclone, with a priority on delivering meat products including beef steak, mince and sausages as well as fresh produce that has a longer shelf life.
In anticipation for the closure of the Great Northern Highway, an increase in chilled and fresh produce has been diverted to the store in Broome, with the most recent delivery arriving this morning.
Coles State General Manager for Western Australia Pat Zanetti said both stores are ready to meet customer demand and have been experiencing heavy trade as people prepare for Tropical Cyclone Ilsa.
"Our team is very experienced in ensuring shelves are well stocked with the essential items in times of cyclones. In fact, daily deliveries have been arriving at our stores in Broome and South Hedland since Saturday, meaning we have a strong supply of goods such as breakfast cereal, milk, water, meat and fresh fruit and vegetables," said Pat.
"There is a chance our Broome store will be impacted by road closures, however we received a large delivery this morning and we have trucks waiting at the road closure point at Port Hedland with the aim to fulfil the deliveries as soon as the roads reopen," he said.
"The safety of our customers and team members is paramount and we will make changes to our trading hours when conditions intensify. Our thoughts are with the people of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions as they prepare for the intense weather event," Pat added.
At this stage no purchase limits have been introduced, and stores remain open. Customers are urged to follow the government advice to stay safe.
