A2 in Woolworths, page-161

@arms
The Wooloongabba Chemist Warehouse near me is fully stocked across all stages. But looking online I see you are correct that seems a bit of an anomaly. Every Woolies around here seems to be stocked for all stages though. Seems that supply for Coles cannot be as easily checked online.

It might be poor control of inventory but personally I don't think that is an adequate explanation for every store in VIC and NSW suddenly being out of stock at the same time - it does not seem like something that happens 'by accident'. At least I think it is equally plausible that the channel is being deliberately squeezed on supply in order to boost volume and pricing in the various China-bound channels.

Admittedly speculation on my part. However, as a hypothetical I guess it is interesting to consider whether such a strategy would have a net benefit (in terms of margins etc.) or whether it would do more damage than good.