Customers shop grocers' shelves bare
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on September 13, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/MELODY BROWN-PEYTON
Jimmy Thompson pushes cases of water at Carlie C's IGA, on Wayne Memorial Drive, Wednesday. The grocery store will receive two trucks a day of groceries to keep up with the demand from customers preparing for Hurricane Florence.
As Hurricane Florence approaches, store shelves are looking bare of essential items.
The parking lots and aisles of stores have been packed as residents pick up items to hunker down during the storm. Stores have had to keep with the demand of water, bread and batteries, all deemed essential items for the storm. Residents have also flooded gas stations, and lines have snaked around the gas pumps as residents prepare for a powerful storm.
Harris Teeter, located at 2120 Wayne Memorial Drive, saw a steady stream of customers, such as Jennifer Clymer, who was picking up a few final items in preparation for the storm.
As five palletes of water were delivered on Wednesday, Harris Teeter store manager Mike Minick said they have called in additional staff as customers pack the store.
Dana Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter out of Charlotte, said in a statement Wednesday, "Harris Teeter and its valued associates are committed to supporting our communities in times of uncertainty during hurricane season.
"Our efforts are focused on helping our shoppers and valued associates prepare for the incoming storm, as well as putting plans in place to safely mobilize our associates in the event that recovery efforts are needed.
"We have increased deliveries of water and other essential supplies to our stores."
Carlie C's IGA grocery store, at 1805 Wayne Memorial Drive, also saw a steady stream of customers looking to get their hands on water.
"I just jumped out of bed to get here to purchase four cases of water," Darlene Gray said. "I have had to travel to three different stores in search of water."
Wayne Klumann was also purchasing cases of bottled water. He sang the same chorus as everyone else of having to travel to multiple stores before finding a store stocked with water.
Jimmy Thompson had a smile on his face as he was pushing a shopping cart full of bottled water he just purchased. Thompson bought the maximum limit of cases of bottled water allowed -- five -- that Carlie C's offered customers.
Danielle Jones, Carlie C's customer service manager, said the store is scheduling staff like they would during the holiday season.
"Some of our staff are working 12-hour days to help keep up with demand," Jones said.
She said her store is getting two trucks a day of groceries in order to keep shelves stocked.