Typhoon forces Taiwan supermarket to use 'number calling' for delivery drivers

Typhoon Bavi's approach prompted a surge in demand for groceries at a PX Mart in Taiwan, creating an unusual spectacle of delivery drivers lining up late at night. As several cities announced work and school closures for Monday, residents rushed to stock up on essential supplies, overwhelming some stores.

The delivery platform suspended services at 11 p.m. Sunday, pushing many last-minute shoppers to order from supermarkets. One PX Mart in the Zhonghe District became a focal point, with dozens of delivery drivers gathering to pick up orders. The store resorted to a "number calling" system, where staff would call out numbers for drivers to collect their pre-ordered items, a scene captured and shared online.

A netizen posted a video on Threads, describing it as their first time witnessing PX Mart's "late-night number calling" for its delivery service. The footage showed a long queue of delivery personnel waiting for their turn. The post garnered numerous comments, with users remarking on the collective effort to beat the deadline and comparing the scene to parents picking up children from school or a game of "battle tops."

The situation highlighted the impact of the typhoon on daily life and consumer behavior, as people prepared for potential disruptions. The image of numerous delivery drivers waiting in formation underscored the significant role of these services in meeting public demand during emergencies.