A little nervous as I headed to work last night. The county had declared a curfew in response to violence around Rochester after an otherwise peaceful march against police brutality. As an essential worker, I was exempt from the restriction, but a police officer would have to stop me to find that out. The roads…
Month: May 2020
Our polyglot night crew
I work with a young guy who came here from a country roiled by terrorism. (I’m not going to name it, because I don’t want to identify him.) He works nights at Wegmans, stocking snack foods, flour, and sugar. Days, he works toward a college degree. I met him when he interviewed for the job…
In the ‘new products’ category…
The pandemic is generating new displays in our stores. Some would say they’re long overdue. The photo above shows a COVID-19 endcap with masks and off-brand hand sanitizers. (The Purell shelves are still empty.) Nearby, recently added bins feature a variety of masks, including these “I love Rochester” models, distributed by BuffaLove Apparel of Buffalo. Another…
Thank you, New York Times
When copies of the Sunday Times were delivered to the store last night, I had to catch my breath. I’d never seen a front page like it. A list of 1,000 names of people felled by the corona virus. One percent of the total dead. A nationwide obituary. I handed the paper to a couple…
It’s here!
In a crisis, the cult of Wegmans continues
I started this blog a few months ago, before we’d ever heard of COVID-19, to explore the tremendous following Wegmans enjoys. Although there are still complaints about product shortages, waiting lines and mask requirements, the pandemic seems to have only strengthened people’s devotion. It might not be exaggeration to suggest that some of those who…
The pumpkin boom
It’s almost June, yet one of the products we can’t seem to keep on the shelves is solid-pack pumpkin. You’d think this would be a seasonal food unconnected to the pandemic. Predictable in November. Unsurprising at Christmas. But in lilac season? Still, I get it. The texture, smell and taste of pumpkin spell comfort. I’m…
Products to combat the virus
Wondering if the disinfectant you bought is effective against the COVID-19 virus? The NY Department of Environmental Conservation has published a list by product name. Wegmans disinfecting wipes are on the list. Note that the wipes are designed for use on hard surfaces. They are not meant to be applied to skin. Also, as the…
Night worker’s diary, 5/14/2020
A bit alarmed by my walkthrough. Our toilet paper stash has dwindled to a couple of stacks of single rolls. At other stops on my route, no wipes, no yeast. You can always tell how busy the day has been by the number of reshop baskets at the front of the store. These are the…
Wegmans warns of price hikes
In an email to (some) customers, Wegmans has announced that the cost of selected products will go up because of COVID-19. Here’s the full text of the company’s message: Dear Friends, We continue to think about all of you as we work through the effects of the coronavirus. We understand the vital role our stores…