Task 3 Read the text and answer the questions:
Carrefour first entered the Chinese market in 1995 and immediately gained popularity. The brand’s main mission was selling quality products at convenient prices. The company concentrated on adapting and copying local customs and introducing some new ideas to Chinese customers. Since 2018, Carrefour was hit by a deep crisis after the acquisition of 80% of its stakes by Suning, one of the leading retail logistics companies in China. In 2022, the company lost a total of 54 stores and Suning group lost more than 40% of revenue compared to the previous year.Carrefour has faced significant challenges in the Chinese market in recent years, including a struggle to keep up with the digitalization trend. As the market shifted towards online retail, the company was slow to adapt and faced supply chain issues, resulting in a decline in performance.At the beginning of 2023, Carrefour hyperstores across China faced a severe shortage. The crisis was also boosted by the company’s restrictions on certain products, which could only be purchased through Carrefour card. As a result, some specific shelves of the supermarkets were completely empty.Despite the crisis, Carrefour showed concern and support to their consumers to regain popularity. During the 2022 Shanghai Covid-19 lockdown, the brand helped those in lockdown by delivering grocery products.Recently Carrefour started creating a new supply chain integrating both online and offline retail, as well as a new form of community shopping model.
Questions:
5. Why did Carrefour's hyperstores in China face a severe shortage at the beginning of 2023?