An Adelaide man is reportedly sitting on a cache of 5,400 toilet paper rolls, and has begun contacting independent supermarkets after he was banned from selling them online.

A grocer, who wished to remain anonymous, told 9News they had been approached by the resident after stocks in the community remained low.

It's a low point for many local shoppers, who expect new limits on customer numbers in stores to put a dampener on what is a traditionally high-trading period before Easter.

John-Paul Drake from Drakes Supermarkets told 9News that toilet paper remains the number one item.

"Toilet paper is the hardest product to get, still. We're still getting weekly deliveries but the delivers are not their normal full quantities," Mr Drake said.

Mr Drake encouraged shoppers to help store owners control social distancing during Easter shopping.

"People need to understand that social distancing is everyone's responsibility – not just us as a retailer," he said.

"Every individual needs to step up and make sure they're doing their best."

Items in short supply across Adelaide today included pasta and rice, flour, sugar, soaps, handwash and cleaning products.

"The shops are empty. It's quite sad to see certain types of products like vinegar and other things you wouldn't think of that are missing," one shopper told 9News.

From today Woolworths and Coles will be limiting the number of customers in store to enforce social distancing.

Specific numbers depends on the size of the store and the amount of room shoppers have to be clear from one another.

"At the moment we've got to flatten the curve so this is probably a step in the right direction," one shopper in line told 9News.

Other measures being trialled by independent grocers include one-way aisles.