By NW Prepper — Jan 25, 2023

SHTF MAG Shopping Plan

SCENARIO

SHTF has just started, whether it is a blackout or civil/economic/social unrest. Things are quickly deteriorating to an unstable point and you realize you/your family/your group should make a final trip to whatever store you can for a final shopping trip.

The premise here is that your group is making this last shopping trip and then probably bugging out or not braving the stores for a long time. Last gas station for 200 miles kind of thing.

GROUP SETUP

Ideally, this plan would work better with a small/medium group, but you may be in the situation where it is you, your wife, and kid(s). Ensure you have a mix of "grey man" unassuming people in addition to overt(able) men.

PRE-ARRIVAL

Organize these things BEFORE arriving at the store.

Divide the group into a two-man vehicle security team, and the rest as two-man "runner" teams, one man and one woman if possible, or individuals if you don't have the numbers
Divide your group's pool of cash equally amongst teams
If possible, scout the store to determine if security is in place checking for weapons. If not, everyone should conceal carry in case you need to show or use force in the store
Each team member should have comms, concealed if possible. At a minimum, try to have one team member with comms to be able to communicate with the other teams
"Runners" should look grey man if possible
Divide pre-determined shopping lists to each team, which should be grouped by optimal categories. Each team will be responsible for acquiring the items on their list. If an item is unavailable, skip and move to the next
Your group may need/want more of one item, so you may need each group to try to get e.g. a bag of rice, add to each list
Each team should bring shopping bags (strong plastic or cloth), in case there are limits on using carts/baskets
Check your gear/clothing for MINIMAL as possible, e.g. don't bring a backpack as the store may prohibit to prevent theft
If things are still relatively peaceful/calm, both team members of each team may stick together but locate items. If things are bad, one person should essentially be scanning and posting security
Be prepared for per-day item OR dollar amount OR combination limits. Be sure you know what items on the lists you are willing to leave behind
If possible, you might try to plan ahead more in case one of your groups does not have enough money (price gouging, etc) to buy an item, having the other team pick it up
Determine challenge/response codes ahead of time so that while in the store you can ask/tell if your teams are ready to checkout. Example: do you know where the shoe aisle is? Yes or no means the other team has their items

The logic behind splitting into groups, dividing your cash, and organizing BEFORE arriving, is in case the store has implemented per-person or per-group buying limits. Your group needs to be able to maximize the ability to purchase items by entering separately and appearing to NOT be together.

ARRIVAL

If arriving in multiple vehicles, park caravan style next/close to each other. Try to park at a distance from the entrance, where conflict will likely be happening.

Leave two men as vehicle security, potentially in full kit if things are bad enough. This should be a security role, and someone that can run a gun and keep the vehicle(s) secure while the rest of the group is in the store.

ENTERING THE STORE

After vehicle security is set and the group is ready to move into the store, everyone should be on guard.

Teams should enter the store separately, so as to avoid (if possible) the store being alerted to your larger/holistic group association or size
Teams could move and approach from different sides of the store, entrances, and differing intervals
Teams should immediately assess the situation inside the store, and if possible relay via comms

SHOPPING

Time may be of the essence depending on how bad things are. This is the logic for having teams shopping by category, to optimize getting the items and getting out.

Each team should try to find and acquire their items as quickly as possible
Be prepared to leave items behind if price gouging is in effect, the store may not have updated pricing

LEAVING THE STORE

WIP