Shoppers storm grocery stores as snowfall starts

Once residents heard about the potentially record-breaking snowstorm poised to dump up to three feet on Morris County, many took to the grocery stores Sunday and Monday to stock up on the essentials.

Stop & Shop in Morris Plains the parking lot was full to capacity at 11 a.m. Monday, but the store was prepared to handle the rush.

"It's tremendously busy, but we're prepared well," store manager Chris Tahmoosh said. "The trucks came in early, which is a good thing. We're in business with bread, milk, and water. We're also stocked up on rock salt and firewood."

SEE VIDEO: Shoppers stock up in advance of storm http://dailyre.co/1C87NRm

Tahmoosh said he expected the rush to continue through the afternoon, and tail off in the evening once the snow began to pick up.

"A lot of stores might have diminished supplies right now but we're at full shelves. We have a tremendous effort from the staff who are keeping the shelves stocked. "

ShopRite spokesperson Santina Stankevich said all of Morris County's 11 ShopRite locations were very busy Sunday and Monday, but not frantic.

"People have been stocking up over the weekend through Monday," Stankevich said. "They're getting ready to hunker down."

Stankevich said water, bread, milk, and batteries are the predictable big-selling items, but more surprisingly, chicken is also a hot commodity.

"Oddly enough chicken is a huge seller, which you don't normally think about," Stankevich said. "I think people are preparing to be stuck inside and want to cook big family dinners."

She said ShopRite monitors the weather 24/7, which allowed them to prepare in advance.

Trucks hit the road earlier than normal, so when weather prevents them from making deliveries, the stores will already be stocked. Alternate routes are also prepared in case roads close.

"Our stores are working hard to make sure there's more than enough on the shelves whenever customers choose to come in," Stankevich. "We're ready."

Stankevich said customers can call individual stores or check their Facebook pages for and questions or to check for changes in hours or closings.

"Closings are done on a store by store basis," Stankevich said. "They're based on what's safe for both our customers and our employees."

Jeff Binder, Vice President of Merchandising for Kings Food Markets, said local stores have been busy and employees are continuing to help customers stock up for the snow.

"In addition to standard staples like eggs, bread and milk, being purchased, we've noticed our customers' interest in comfort items as well, Binder said. "We are seeing our customers stock up on gourmet soups and chili as well as bakery items for families to indulge in while they ride out the storm."

Six of Kings' more than two dozen stores are located in Morris County.

It's not just grocery stores seeing a drove of customers in advance of the storm. Cerbo's Lumber and Hardware store in Parsippany saw a big rush of customers beginning Monday morning, all looking for salt and shovels.

"We were hoping for customers and we've got them," sales manager Walter Falleni said Monday afternoon. "We're still in good shape on supplies."

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com

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