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…
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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…
Even A-listers love Wegmans
Twitter user @MavenofHonor asked people to list their brushes with greatness (i.e. encounters with celebrities), many responded with sightings at Wegmans: Now, more than ever, we should share our most mundane celebrity encounters. For example, in 2002 I saw Diane Keaton in the Gap — Mave (home version) (@MavenofHonor) May 13, 2020 I helped Sam…
Yeast: the canary in the grocery store
At the start of each shift, I do a quick circuit, marking all the touchstones. Sanitizers, wipes, toilet paper, meat, and yeast, always in that order. Inventory, I realize, isn’t a true measure of recovery. I am, after all, wearing a mask as I walk the aisles, and the store is closed overnight, as it…
Say it with a card
What to get Mom when you can’t take her out to dinner or bring the grandkids over for a visit? Flowers, of course. This is what my store’s floral department looked like by closing time Saturday night. Heightened demand combined with reduced deliveries to create a buying spree we haven’t seen since the Great Toilet…
The bells are ringing
If you’re in Wegmans and you hear two bells, a delivery truck has just pulled into the loading dock. Don’t wait around in expectation. It takes awhile to unload, break down the pallets, restock. Just know that the supply chain is working. (Every time a bell rings, a shelf gets its product!)
Scan and self-checkout
A confession: As a night worker, I’ve never used the Wegmans SCAN app. It’s turned off when the store is closed. (I do, however, have the pleasure of shopping when there are no customers, so I’m not complaining.) Those who have used the app give favorable reports. All you need is a smart phone, a…