Quarantine life: Supermarket status

[thistlechaser]

For the first time in two weeks, I went shopping. Major chain, went to just one store.

For some products, things were better. There were eggs this time (limit one package per customer). There were two packs of store brand paper towels (same limit, so two people could get a pack before they were completely out). There were no totally empty aisles, though a few mostly empty.

Some things were the same. No toilet paper of any kind. Prices were generally higher than usual, with almost no sales. Meat prices seemed especially high.

There were still almost no cleaners. There were maybe six containers of laundry soap (up from zero last time). I was able to get Comet (which had been on my list), but that was about the only cleaner in stock other than toilet bowl cleaners, so I was pretty lucky.

The chain I went to (Safeway) had one-way aisles set up, so you could only go up one and down the next. A lot of people made mistakes, me included once. Because of the cloth I was using as a mask (sort of like a bandana, but homemade), I couldn't see directly below me so well, so I missed the arrows sometimes. Plus honestly I'm just used to being able to walk up and down whatever aisle I want, so if I didn't consciously think about it, I forgot they were one-way.

My mask had seemed great at home, but once I was in the store and moving around, it was pretty bad. I had to keep adjusting it, which means my fingers kept brushing my face...

Because of the time I went (about 10 AM), there was no line to go in. There was someone wiping down carts as you go in (though in my case it was wasted. I pushed a cart over, he wiped it down, then I went inside... so my hands had already touched the dirty handle).

Not a bad trip, all things considered. My shopping list was pretty small, and I got everything I had gone for.

Next week I might try to go to Costco. That will likely be more of an adventure.

Comments

[jeane nevarez (from livejournal.com)]

I haven't been to the store in three weeks. I'd heard of stores limiting number of customers allowed inside, and I've seen markings on the floor how far apart you have to stand waiting to check out, but one-way arrows? I guess that's to avoid people passing each other in the aisle? We're still using what was left in our pantry- starting to eat all the "weird stuff" shoved to the back that I'd nearly forgotten I once bought. Ran low on fresh items- milk, eggs, fruit- last week and ordered grocery delivery. We did get our items, but it took five days.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I think the one way thing is new as of mid-week. The news did a story on it I think?

I haven't tried delivery yet. It's a good idea, probably a lot safer than going out.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Sounds like the Safeway has it under control! We opted to try curbside pickup next week rather than going into the store so we will see how that goes. Monday at 7pm we have to pick up our foods.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Curbside pickup is a good idea, especially if you're good at planning your shopping list.

[xxmadsenxx.livejournal.com]

When I went to Costco a week or so ago, it was emptier than I have ever seen it. So it might not be too bad.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, that's good to know. I'm thinking about going Wednesday, but I might wait a week longer to make some freezer space. (The woes of shopping at Costco with a tiny freezer.)