Grocery Stores Prepare For Last Minute Thanksgiving Shopping
By: Cody Combs
Updated: November 21, 2012
ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - Grocery shoppers are expected to be out in full force on the eve of Thanksgiving and many stores are preparing for the last minute crunch of customers.
Over at the Giant Eagle grocery store in Altoona, owner Marc McKillop says his store is ready to go.
"We get a lot of folks that stock up early and they get everything out of the way," he said. "But it's really those fresh items that make the holiday, and that's why the day before Thanksgiving morning is such a fun time."
McKillop's family has been in the grocery business since he was a child, and he's noticed some trends from Thanksgiving shoppers.
He says this year, more so than in previous years, sales of desserts and real cranberries are up, and he credits television with the changes in buying habits.
"Nothing really surprises us anymore," he continued. "The Food Network has changed things over the last five years, what people want to cook or try."
Just two days before Thanksgiving, customer Marguerite Hite talked about how she handles the last-minute dash to the store.
"I don't thrive on it, I survive on it," she said.
"The only reason I'm here early is because I had another appointment, otherwise I wouldn't be here," she added. "I'd be in the hustle and bustle."
