StockBIZ: During the COVID pandemic, small markets have a big presence in the area

Lisa Rocca, manager of the Dollar General in Stockbridge, rings up one customer while answering another customer’s question about availability of hand sanitizer. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

by Mary Jo David

Now, more than ever, it’s easy to see how Stockbridge area markets are considered “essential businesses.” With no grocery store in the immediate area, residents of Stockbridge and the surrounding communities are relying on the smaller markets during this COVID-19 pandemic to provide them with much-needed supplies. Since March 23, when the governor issued a stay-at-home order for all Michigan residents, these area stores have seen a notable increase in customer traffic.

“Depending on the day, I may see 50% to 100% more customers,” said Mike Harbert, owner of the Unadilla Store. “People are not going to big-box stores right now, so they’re coming here for the necessities.”

“Business is definitely up,” noted Luke Samona, owner of the Gregory Market. “People are staying in the area. Some are afraid to go out to the big stores.”

“Business is way up,” said Lisa Rocca, manager of the Dollar General in Stockbridge. “People definitely feel safer staying in their community rather than going out to large communities where they don’t know people.”

It’s not hard to see the common theme in all of their comments above. But as Samona pointed out, “People are struggling, so even though business is up, it’s not something we’re celebrating.”

It’s also not easy for these businesses to stay supplied. Toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, and bleach are hard to come by for all three stores, but they get what they can when they can. Not unusual for the times, the stores are also seeing a run on flour, bread, eggs, and canned goods.

Rocca has been at the Stockbridge store for two years. “I’ve never seen canned goods disappear from the shelves like they are right now,” she said. Her store is scheduled for a remodel at the end of May that will enable her to provide fresh produce, but she wishes it had come a little sooner for her customers.

 Delivery day at the Gregory Market. Due to COVID- 19, suppliers are shipping less than 1/3 of the market’s total order. Pictured standing (L-R), Cindy, Luke, Karen, and Susan. Delivery driver, Mike, pictured in truck. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

“Eggs that would have run $11 or $12 a case, are now running $38 for the case,” explained Harbert in Unadilla.

Samona’s sister, Karen, who also works at the Gregory Market, explained that, since the onset of the pandemic, when she submits a 900-case order of various goods to their supplier she only receives about 250 cases at delivery. Samona says if he can’t get it from his suppliers, he tries to find it elsewhere for his customers, and as customers point out, the market has a reputation for going the extra mile even before anyone had heard of COVID-19.

In an effort to keep employees and customers healthy during this unusual time, the Unadilla Store has added temporary Plexiglas shields at the checkout and deli counters, and they have temporarily discontinued offering hand-dipped ice cream. Harbert’s deli employees have always worn gloves, but now masks and gloves are made available to all employees who want them. The same is true for employees at Dollar General now, and the store has added social distancing marks on the floor at checkouts.

Mike Harbert, Unadilla Store, installed temporary shields at the checkout and deli to minimize COVID-19 exposure between employees and customers. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

In addition to seeing their regular customers more frequently, all three stores have noticed an influx of new customers, and they’re hoping these customers continue shopping in the area when the pandemic subsides.

Asked to provide a barometer for what area residents are feeling based on what they hear from their customers, Rocca mentions that some of the older residents or those with compromised immune systems are scared and nervous. As for working-age adults, among those who share opinions while they’re shopping, another common theme has emerged at all three stores: People are tired of staying home; they’re starting to go a little stir crazy now that they’ve had a taste of spring, and they want to go back to work.

Until the governor lifts the stay-at-home directive and until such time (if ever) that we get a full-service grocery store in the area, residents are showing through their actions they are clearly thankful for their local, small markets.