It's challenging times for the grocery store industry.
Stuart Parker, owner of Parkers Independent Grocer near the Northgate Shopping Centre in North Bay has been involved in the business for 30 years but he admits he has never dealt with anything like the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the way he operates his business.
Parker says they are adapting to the situation daily. They have closed all bulk food bins along with some of their other side departments. They are only opening every second cash lane as well.
"We are trying really hard to practice the distancing so we need the community to do the same thing," Parker told CKAT.
Like many other grocery stores, Parker's is opening an hour earlier to allow seniors and those with compromised immune systems to shop safely between 8 and 9 a.m. However, not everyone is honouring that, and it's led to heavy traffic in the opening hour some mornings.
"In times like this I think the community plays a part - we play a large part - but the community plays a big part trying to abide by the rules," Parker said.
"Our resources are stretched to have somebody carding people at the front doors is just not feasible right now. Do I take the person sanitizing my store, cart handles and all that stuff, and have them card people. It would be great if everyone kind of pulled together and if you are not 65 just stay away until 9 in the morning."
Parker says he's on corporate calls twice a day talking about the evolving situation with COVID-19.
"We are trying our best to subdue the fear and panic and keep that to a minimum but it is inevitable. You can really see it in people's faces right now," he admitted.
However, in these tough times, the cream rises to the top. Parker has seen that with his staff and kind patrons.
"We are seeing a lot of amazing people in the community, volunteers willing to help the elderly and those kinds of things. It's really inspiring, in times like this, what people are willing to do. My staff included, I cannot say enough about them. They have blown me away."
