BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Not all businesses are having to scale back on their workforce as a result of COVID-19.
Grocery stores are facing the challenge of the sudden and dramatic demand for products. Convenience stores are facing similar challenges, including Stewart’s Shops.
Erica Komoroske, public relations specialist for Stewart’s Shops said “the traffic at our shops has increased for grocery items like milk, bread, eggs and other grocery items but because of our vertical integration, we are able to keep up with demand.”
Stewart’s is used to having an ongoing schedule of deliveries, including popular local products, like milk and eggs. Officials said eggs have been in especially high demand, but they are working with local farms to meet the needs of the community.
“Frequent deliveries to the shops and efficient systems at the manufacturing and distribution plant prove to be an important asset to keep our shelves stocked with the products needed,” said Komoroske.
They have looked specifically into ways to keep the demand for certain products in stock.
“We are working closely with our suppliers to restock hand sanitizers, cleaning products and toilet paper and other essential items,” said Komoroske.
One way to keep up with the demand is to increase staff. Komoroske said they are looking for help. They are currently hiring and applicants can apply online at www.stewartsshops.com/careers.
Price Chopper has also been hiring at stores across the region. Officials did not respond to requests for comment.
Stewart’s Shops also stepped up safety measures to protect their customers and partners. The stores are cleaning and sanitizing as frequently as possible. There is no in-store eating and congregating of any kind at the shops is not allowed. The company for the time being is not accepting bottle returns for the protection of our customers and partners.
The stores have adapted coffee service procedures. It continues to offer continue to offer the self-serve coffee station. But staff will pour coffee and add requested amounts of sugar, milk or creamers if requested by customers. This service does exclude refillable mugs. Staff routinely sanitizes the coffee counter, coffee pots, and handles, the company said.
With COVID-19 tests remaining in short supply, Stewart’s Shops is supplying the gasoline to power the generators at the Community Care Physicians COVID-19 testing site. Community Care Physicians has opened a drive-through testing option in Latham for patients suspected to have COVID-19. It is the first testing site in the Capital Region that is unaffiliated with a hospital.
Schools are still obligated to offer meals to families in need in their district. Stewart’s Shops donated paper bags to the Argyle Central School district to make transporting these meals much easier. This district serves hundreds of meals each day for students.