Snow, single-digit/sub freezing temps impacted Town businesses
Vital businesses in Town braved the snow and ice last week to take care of their customers.
For instance, at Kroger Marketplace, 189 Brooklawn St., “We’re so grateful for our amazing associates at our stores,” said Lauren Bell, corporate affairs manager for Kroger. “Those that could safely make it in to work have been helping where needed across all departments to ensure our shelves are stocked.”
“We were closed Tuesday (Jan. 16), the whole day,” Walgreens cashier Carrie Sykes said. “We closed early Monday (Jan. 15) as well.” However, Wednesday and Thursday (Jan. 17-18), the store, located at 11927 Kingston Pike, was open but was temporarily closed before noon, Friday. Likewise, Walgreens stores at 601 N. Campbell Station Road and 10701 Kingston Pike were temporally closed at the same time.
The CVS Pharmacy, 11946 Kingston Pike across from Smith Road, was open Wednesday but was closed Monday and Tuesday.
“One of my colleagues walked in to work,” CVS manager Misti Smith said. “He lived fairly close. I just drove (to work) in my little Hyundai … we had two (pharmacy) night crew come in.”
The Sunday before the storm, some grocery and drug stores saw more customers than usual.
“We did, indeed, see a surge in customer traffic on Sunday (Jan. 14), ahead of the weather, Farragut store included,” Bell said. “Customers were stocking up on essential items. We typically do see a decline in traffic after winter weather hits, especially if travel is difficult.”
However, Bell said “things have picked up – no items out of stock – but customers continue to stock up on bread and are buying it as soon as it hits the shelves.”
For Walgreens, Jan. 14 shopper traffic was “just like normal,” Sykes said.
“We had a fair amount of customers (that) Sunday,” Smith said about the Town’s CVS.
