Department stores from around Ballarat have had to feature empty shelves as COVID-19 restrictions limit stock supply.
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The Courier noticed rows of empty shelves at large-scale stores such as the Target, Big W and Kmart.
Kmart retail director John Gualtieri said in a statement to customers addressing stock shortages the retailer paused inventory shipments during peak uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic, while overseas manufacturers were put into lockdown.
He said the shortages were also due to changing habits as more people stayed home and sought home office equipment, furniture and household items, and bikes and exercise equipment.
"We expect stock levels to normalise by the end of July 2020," Mr Gualtieri said.
"We are working as fast as we can to correct this."
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Some locally owned businesses are also feeling the effect of stock shortages, with Wendouree Toyworld left waiting for inventory.
A spokesperson from the business said while the majority of its toy stock was mostly unaffected, inventory of puzzles have begun to run low.
"It's puzzles that we've started to run low on," they said.
"Obviously puzzles were and still are a very popular product during this time, so like many other stores around the state, our stock has run low due to a limited supply.
"Our stock of other toys haven't been affected in the same way."
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