Charlotte grocery store shelves go bare as big winter storm approaches
The Charlotte area is bracing for a significant winter storm this weekend — and that includes the traditional frenzied rush to the grocery aisles.
Actively scooping up essential supplies has once again swept through local stores, leaving shelves stripped nearly bare in a scramble for essentials. But grocers assure people they’re prepared to meet the demand.
The stocking-up began Wednesday as the Winter Storm Watch was issued, covering the region from Saturday morning through Monday morning. National Weather Service forecasters are warning of “total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations between one half and one inch.”
“We have seen an increase in customers preparing for the storm,” Publix spokesman Jared Glover said Thursday. He assured shoppers that stores “stock up on key items in our stores and warehouses in preparation for winter storm season — core supplies like water, non-perishable food items and canned goods, as well as batteries.”
Water, bread, dairy products, nonperishables and hygiene items are in high demand, according to Food Lion.
On Wednesday, WCNC Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy posted photos of a local Harris Teeter grocery store almost sold out of water. “This was the last crunched water jug,” he said on Facebook. “Prepare now and thank yourself later.”
Meanwhile, in Kannapolis, Henry Manfield Young shared a snapshot of utterly depleted bread shelves.. He didn’t name the store.
Is it too late to stock up on essential supplies in Charlotte?
Grocers are moving to meet the spike in demand as the winter weather approaches.
Harris Teeter has been working to increase deliveries to ensure that stores are adequately stocked with essential products to meet increased demand during this time, the Matthews-based grocer said Thursday.
Food Lion emphasized its collaborative effort, encouraging customers to buy only what they need.
“We are partnering closely with our suppliers and vendors to support the supply chain and keep our stores as well stocked as possible,” the Salisbury-based grocery chain said. “We ask customers to shop thoughtfully and purchase only what they need, which helps keep shelves stocked for everyone.”
As of Thursday afternoon, none of the three stores — Publix, Harris Teeter or Food Lion — planned to impose limits on purchases. ”We encourage customers to buy responsibly,” Glover said.
Will Charlotte grocery stores stay open?
As the storm nears, store operational hours and customer and employee safety are a priority.
Harris Teeter and Food Lion are directing customers to their respective websites for up-to-the-minute updates on store hours and closures.
Harris Teeter is taking steps to support its staff, ensuring teams have the “necessary resources to perform their duties safely” by providing additional staffing.
Food Lion confirmed it will “adjust store hours when necessary to help ensure a safe shopping environment” as conditions worsen. “If eCommerce online ordering is temporarily unavailable, pickup and delivery time slots may not appear,” Food Lion said.
For many residents, the biggest worry is power. Publix has taken precautions with most of its locations equipped with generators, Glover said.
Charlotte grocer offers storm preparation tips
The Publix website has tips on getting prepared, including an emergency supplies checklist.
“We encourage our customers to prepare early,” Glover said. Along with groceries, remember prescriptions and pet supplies.
