With central gathering points shutting down or switching to temporary new models to limit person-to-person contact, grocery stores and pharmacies may be the last public gathering points still standing.
Stores are taking extra steps to protect customers, particularly the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
Dollar General, which has multiple stores across the region, has implemented a two-pronged approach to address the issue. All of its stores are closing an hour early, to allow for stocking of depleted shelves and additional cleaning time at night, and reserving the first hour of shopping each day for the elderly.
“We’ve tried to assist our more senior citizens. We’re trying to help everybody and do the best we can. It’s just the right thing to do,” Dollar General District Manager Rob McCullen said Wednesday.
Rindge Market Basket Manager Dan Gill confirmed Wednesday the store would be keeping its regular hours, and the company announced later that day it would also be implementing a senior shopping time during the initial opening hours. Starting Thursday, March 19, the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. will be only for shoppers who are 60 years or older.
Dublin General Store co-owner, Michelle Freeman, said the store has also adjusted its hours and gotten creative about how they’re serving customers.
The store will be closing an hour early every day for extra cleaning and sanitizing, but they’ve also taken steps to work with customers so they don’t have to so much as step through the doors to get their essentials.
The store has been working with volunteers who have offered delivery services for people who are elderly or who otherwise need to take precautions. Dublin General is also willing to put together orders for a pick-up on the store porch.
“Whatever we can do to make people feel more comfortable, that’s all we’re worried about,” Freeman said.
Antrim Marketplace Manager Dan Lechuza said the store is likely going to be changing its hours and encouraged shoppers to check the store’s Facebook page for updates.
“We’re likely going to start closing early, just for everyone’s protection,” Lechuza said.
Hannaford in Rindge confirmed they are keeping current hours, while Shaw’s in Peterborough has announced it is closing an hour early until further notice. Hannaford and Shaw’s both already provide a virtual shopping experience, for those who wish to avoid the crowds. Hannaford-to-Go allows shoppers to order online, have a Hannaford employee do their shopping for them, and then pick up their order at a designated location when arriving at the store. Shaw’s also offers an online ordering and same-day grocery delivery service.
While certain necessities have been flying off the shelves, such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and even staple groceries such as meat, and stores are experiencing periodic shortages, the supply chain has continued to flow uninterrupted, store owners said.
Stock warehouses are not allowing stores to make huge inventory purchases, small store owners said, to ensure that all their customers are able to receive at least some of the items in the highest demand. Shaw’s is limiting the purchase of some items – milk, toilet paper, et cetera – to two per person.
Deliveries are still happening on time and regularly; the Antrim Maketplace is taking two deliveries a week, Lechuza said.
“There isn’t any problem with supply chain,” agreed Freeman. “They’re taking steps to make sure the vendors are fairly treated.”
While that means there may be temporary shortages of items, they are expected to be regularly restocked.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertrancript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.