Grocery stores cash in when forecasters predict strong winter storms

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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Some shoppers were stocking up on supplies before more snow and bitterly cold temperatures move into the area. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jan 13, 2009 at 9:31 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 18, 2009 at 7:58 PM EST

GOSHEN — When forecasters call for brutally cold temperatures and lots of snow, some people head to the grocery store and stock up "just in case." Some local grocery stores say winter storms keep their cash registers ringing.

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Every time forecasters predict a big winter storm, Martin's Supermarket Assistant Manager Randy Jones says business at his Goshen store is pretty easy to predict.

"Typically after school is over, you get the moms coming in with the kids, loading up on milk, bread and eggs," he said. "People are just loading up on the basics."

Michelle Jones stopped at the store Tuesday night, just to be on the safe side.

"We live clear out on [State Road] 15, not by any store, not in town," she said. "So we want to make sure we have enough milk."

Michelle said she knew if the winds picked up, any snow on the ground could make conditions treacherous.

Martin's Assistant Manager Randy Jones said lots of customers think like that.

"Not only do they buy more, but they'll eat it and they'll come back and get more. So yeah, it does mean extra business for us," said Jones.

But not all shoppers have the same mindset.

WSBT found several in the store Tuesday night who said they were just doing routine shopping.

Still, Jones says his store is ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to dish out next.

"We load up on that kind of thing in the winter time just to make sure we do have extra on hand," he explained. "Especially this time of year."

Jones said he was actually busier Monday because that's when most people heard about the forecasted blizzard watch and other winter weather predictions.

The basic foods he recommends for a home survival kit are powdered milk, bottled water and canned goods because all three last a long time.

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