It’s usually crowded at a grocery store around Thanksgiving, but throw in a storm and it’s mayhem. Lots of last-minute supplies. That was the case at the Burlington outpost of the Market Basket chain, which just this Summer almost closed due to a famous family feud.
Hard pressed shoppers are quick with their stories:
“Some cheese, Velveeta cheese, aluminum foil and some milk.”
“I bought some lobsters, fruit and vegetables. Laughs. For the holiday. It’s just my family, they do not like turkey that much.”
In the aisles, Market Basket workers are scrambling to keep shelves stocked. Rachel Feinberg from Woburn is picking up some ice cream.
“I bought some appetizers and desserts because I found out that that’s what I’m supposed to be bringing. Laughs.”
Feinberg says she’s a loyal customer, and can’t help but notice the stark difference between the store this past summer, and now.
“It’s a lot more crowded in the store, the parking lot’s full, which is good for business for them and I’m glad that I don’t have to cross any picket lines.”
In July, the Burlington Market Basket sat before an empty parking lot. Inside, its produce, dairy and meat shelves were empty. Employees of the supermarket chain had walked off their jobs to protest the firing of Board President Arthur T. Demoulas, by his cousin. Hundreds of warehouse workers and drivers refused to deliver to the chain’s 71 stores. Customers soon began shopping elsewhere, largely to show support for the workers. The chain, known for its low prices, lost tens of millions of dollars to competitors Shaws, Stop and Shop and Hannaford.
“We had a little lull time for awhile.”
Mark Gauthier manages the Burlington Market Basket. There were days this past summer he saw fewer than 100 customers. Now, business has rebounded.
“We average between 4,500-5,000 customers a day. On the weekends a little more. Today with the holiday it’s a little higher, over 7 thousand customers.”
Market Basket hasn’t commented on how long it will take to recover the revenue lost this past summer, but it did cause the chain to delay openings of new stores. The deal Arthur T. Demoulas struck with his cousins to purchase the chain is still pending, but there’s no indication it won’t go through. Customers such as Kimberly Jackman from Woburn seem less interested in the politics of the business as they are in the prices.
“I come here because the prices are reasonable. I like the atmosphere, friendly workers and employees. I support them 100% so I’m happy they’re back.”
And as always, Market Basket will be closed on Thanksgiving so employees can spend time with their families. One can only wonder which members of the Demoulas family will gather.
