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Walmart, Kroger Grapple With Coin Shortage, Urge Cards Instead

  • Shortage, along with virus, contributes to cash’s decline
  • Federal Reserve forms U.S. Coin Task Force to deal with issue
Bloomberg business news
Don't Keep the Change, There's a Coin Shortage

First it was toilet paper and face masks, then it was meat. The latest shortage caused by the coronavirus pandemic? Pocket change.

Retailers including Walmart Inc. and Kroger Co. are grappling with a nationwide shortfall of coins that’s left them posting signs at some checkout lines alerting customers about the problem and encouraging them to use credit or debit cards -- or pay with exact change, if possible.