During my many years as a supermarket retailer I saw my share of panic buying related to natural disasters like blizzards and hurricanes. Like many, I lived through the 9/11 crisis and its impact. But I have never experienced anything like what we are currently going through.

I’ve talked with many people across the supply chain these past few days, from brand manufacturers to distributors to retailers. I have been in our local stores seeking supplies but also watching how retailers are responding to a never-before environment.

While healthcare workers are always thought of as the front lines in a pandemic like we are experiencing, it is just as true that the workers in supermarkets and drug stores are equally on the front lines. The commitment by people across the massive grocery industry to serve the people in their communities during this crisis is to be commended. They don’t have to be there - they can stay home like many others, taking care of their families, and self-quarantining. But these store workers are unselfishly putting themselves on the front line of the coronavirus battle, realizing that feeding and providing needed supplies for their communities is as important as the doctors and nurses caring for the ill.

When the current crisis abates - and it will - I believe the retail industry can step back to realize what it has accomplished. What is really occurring here is innovation in realtime. Retailers should have no doubt about their ability to innovate fast; just look at what is being accomplished as retailers adapt to a new world with incredible agility.

I have talked with some retailers whose sales have doubled in a matter of days, retailers whose online sales have increased 800% in a matter of less than a week. And these retailers are finding a way to do it, to work through product outages and fulfilling orders as quickly and efficiently as they can.

Like other businesses, the CART team has gone virtual, each of us working remotely and yet remaining in constant contact. If we can assist you in any way please reach out to us, we are here to support you in any way we can.

Without doubt, we as a world, as a country, as a society, as a community, as a business, and as individuals, are going to be forever changed by this crisis. But I am incredibly proud to be part of an industry that never wavers in it’s commitment to serving people.

Gary Hawkins, CEO, Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, LLC