Essential retailer works to stay safe while providing public with suppliesDate: 4/1/2020 GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Rocky’s Ace Hardware has been designated as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We try to service the community,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. Panic buying has created challenges for stores, though.
“As fast as we get it, that’s as fast as it’s going out,” Dewayne Kelly, manager of the East Longmeadow Rocky’s Ace Hardware.
Most products come from the Ace Hardware distribution center, which buys directly from the manufacturer, Falcone said.
“That’s the biggest problem. I would love to have more of everything, but they can only make it so fast,” Kelly said.
Kelly, who has managed the East Longmeadow location for two years, said they are selling large amounts of cleaning supplies, such as Clorox wipes, bleach and Lysol. While the stores have been stocking cleaning supplies, Falcone said, they may not necessarily be the brands customers are looking for.
Falcone said face masks and respirators are in high demand, as well as eye protection. Kelly said his store does not have masks in stock, as they are being diverted to first responders and medical personnel, but they do carry gloves. Falcone said they’re also seeing an uptick in sales of filtration items such as heating system filters and those for air purifiers. Many items are being limited to two per customer.
With a large swath of the public staying at home, some popular items came as a surprise.
“A lot of people are coming in for essentials, but a lot of people are buying paint or things for projects around the house to keep their minds busy,” Kelly said.
As focussed as the chain is on getting products to customers, Falcone said, “Our number one priority and concern are associates and customers in terms of safety.” Even with the spike in customers over the past couple of weeks, hours at all Rocky’s have been shortened to 9 a.m to 6 p.m, instead of being open until 8 p.m. Falcone said this allows stores to do extensive cleaning.
Falcone said gloves have been provided for cashiers and the number of customers allowed inside a store at a time is limited to roughly eight to 10 people. Depending on the size of the store, a greater or fewer number of people may be allowed inside at once.
Kelly expressed thanks to the first responders for the work they’re doing, but also to the community and to his employees for serving the public during this time.
Rocky’s has been an essential retailer before, Falcone said. With 34 locations across New England, Florida and Pennsylvania, the stores have been a destination for supplies during the 2011 tornado, various snowstorms and hurricanes.
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