Retailers Report Hurricane Stock-Ups

MARK HAMSTRA

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Retailers along the Eastern Seaboard report that consumers have been stocking up on staples all week ahead of the storm.

"Bi-Lo has seen brisk sales all week in our stores along the coast on items such as water, batteries, flashlights, weather radios and canned goods,” said John Gianakas, Bi-Lo vice president of Center Store.

He said Bi-Lo keeps additional inventory on key items in its warehouse to keep up with demand during hurricane season. In addition, he said Bi-Lo's DSD suppliers have ramped up their production and deliveries of bottled water and bread.

“Stores have been displaying pallets of gallon water as well as bottled water all week,” Gianakas said. “Bi-Lo has also distributed battery and weather radio displays to provide customers with extra assistance.”

Other retailers in the Mid-Atlantic also said they have seen heavy shopper traffic all week.