Fears that all non-essential retailers will be forced to closed if the country moves to Level 5 led to large queues outside a Waterford toy store this morning.
Many people in the queue outside Smyths admitted they were panic buying.
At mid-morning the queue was 20 long, with many of those emerging from the shop pushing trolley loads of toys.
One man who spoke to WLR News said he had taken the day off work to get Christmas shopping done. While others had travelled from all over the county, and some had even crossed county borders out of fear that they may not get the chance again to get what they need.
Many admitted it was 'crazy' to be getting sorted for Christmas when Halloween was still over a week away, however, such was the level of worry that for their own peace of mind they made the trip to the Tramore road outlet.
There was also a recognition that should local shops be forced to close again, shopping would turn online to the detriment of Waterford businesses.
Listen to what people had to say here:
Meanwhile, Retail Ireland are reporting queues at many stores across the country as customers prepare for Christmas despite the impending restrictions.
Some outlets have seen trade double over the last few days compared to what they would normally expect.
DIY and electrical equipment are some of the most in-demand products.
Despite the rush, the group says they have not seen the kind of extra demand in supermarkets that was common back in March.
Retail Ireland is assuring customers that there is no threat to grocery supply chains and therefore no need to panic buy.
