NO 'PANIC BUYING' AFTER ATTACKS

Ellen Burney and Nina Jones

LONDON -- Other than reporting a handful of stores that closed early, supermarket operators here said it was business as usual last week after apparent terror attacks hit morning commuters on the city's subway and bus system.

"All but two of our stores in the center of London are currently trading, and it is our intention to continue to serve our customers," Sainsbury's said in a prepared statement just hours after the explosions that reportedly killed dozens and wounded hundreds more. "We are continuously monitoring the situation and assessing the effect this may have on our business both at a store level and at head office. Our current priority is to ensure all colleagues and customers are safe and that we continue to maintain a valuable service to customers. We have reminded all colleagues to be vigilant for any suspicious packages and behavior."

A spokeswoman for Asda, the Wal-Mart Stores-owned supermarket retailer here, said the company was operating all its stores at normal hours later in the day of the attacks.

"There have been no panic buys, and sales are steady," she said.

Although no Tesco stores were directly involved in the incidents, the retailer told SN that it closed a small number of its central London stores early.

Marks & Spencer said it closed four stores due to nearby attacks. "The situation is changing on a regular basis, but so far M&S has evacuated and closed four stores for the safety of staff and customers," the company said. "Some may reopen later today, but we will wait for advice as to whether to close other central London stores."

A spokeswoman for Morrisons also reported no sign of panic buying and confirmed business as usual.