Grocery shoppers in Philadelphia have been scurrying to stock up their pantries and freezers ahead of a potential snowstorm, but it's not just the essentials like bread, milk, and eggs that are flying off the shelves. According to local retailers, comfort foods, pet supplies, and even non-essential items like ice cream and batteries are in high demand as residents prepare for the winter weather.
Bread, milk, and eggs remain staples of the pre-storm grocery run, with sales of these items increasing significantly at stores such as Weavers Way Co-op, Klein's Supermarket, and Giant. However, it's not just survival supplies that are in short supply – comfort foods like cookies, chips, pretzels, and crackers are also flying off the shelves, along with baking mixes.
"We've seen a huge surge in sales of pizza dough, which people might be using to make a 'project meal'," said Vincent Finazzo, founder of Riverwards Produce. "People might take this opportunity to roast a chicken or tackle that classic recipe they've been meaning to try."
Pet owners are also stocking up on supplies for their furry friends, with Weavers Way seeing a 281% increase in cat food sales ahead of last year's snowstorm – and even higher demand for dog food.
Klein's Supermarket near 24th Street and Fairmount Avenue takes a more strategic approach to prepping for the storm. Andrew Klein said he will often order more from local vendors who can pivot quickly in response to changing weather forecasts.
"While we can't always guarantee that our suppliers will be able to deliver what we need when we need it," Klein explained, "we try to anticipate the demand and make sure we have enough stock on hand." However, some categories are less predictable – and once the orders are placed, they're often tied up for several weeks.
For shoppers looking to stay safe and avoid a last-minute scramble, retailers recommend stocking up sooner rather than later.
Bread, milk, and eggs remain staples of the pre-storm grocery run, with sales of these items increasing significantly at stores such as Weavers Way Co-op, Klein's Supermarket, and Giant. However, it's not just survival supplies that are in short supply – comfort foods like cookies, chips, pretzels, and crackers are also flying off the shelves, along with baking mixes.
"We've seen a huge surge in sales of pizza dough, which people might be using to make a 'project meal'," said Vincent Finazzo, founder of Riverwards Produce. "People might take this opportunity to roast a chicken or tackle that classic recipe they've been meaning to try."
Pet owners are also stocking up on supplies for their furry friends, with Weavers Way seeing a 281% increase in cat food sales ahead of last year's snowstorm – and even higher demand for dog food.
Klein's Supermarket near 24th Street and Fairmount Avenue takes a more strategic approach to prepping for the storm. Andrew Klein said he will often order more from local vendors who can pivot quickly in response to changing weather forecasts.
"While we can't always guarantee that our suppliers will be able to deliver what we need when we need it," Klein explained, "we try to anticipate the demand and make sure we have enough stock on hand." However, some categories are less predictable – and once the orders are placed, they're often tied up for several weeks.
For shoppers looking to stay safe and avoid a last-minute scramble, retailers recommend stocking up sooner rather than later.
people gonna get snowed in at home and then what? Stocking up now is like being prepared for the apocalypse... just kidding (kinda). On a serious note, I'm not surprised to see comfort foods flying off shelves. Winter weather got everyone cozying up at home. It's all about having those feel-good essentials on hand. Plus, let's be real, who doesn't love a good project meal 
we'd always stock up on ice cream before a snowstorm too! But you know what's crazy? People are buying up comfort foods like cookies and chips? That's just wild! I mean, I guess it's only logical to want to cozy up with some good ol' fashioned snacks while the weather is bad outside. 
And don't even get me started on pet owners stockpiling cat food - my poor furbaby would've been so jealous if she knew we were buying all that for her just in case 
Snowstorm is comin'! People in Philly are goin crazy for comfort foods like cookies & pretzels 
. Klein's Supermarket is tryin to be prepared by orderin from local vendors who can adjust to changing weather forecasts 
. But, some categories like batteries are still hard to come by... Maybe it's a good idea to stock up sooner instead of later? 
. I mean, shouldn't we be more concerned about the actual storm itself rather than just buying a ton of stuff? But, at the same time, I guess it's always better to be safe than sorry, right? And what if people really do need that pizza dough and chicken to get through the storm? 
Plus, I'm not sure how much I trust retailers to actually have the stuff they say they're going to stock up on... like, when are we gonna see those pet food sales numbers for real?! 
. just remember, don't be a last-minute shopper or u might end up like me, stressed out over nothin 
. if u gotta prep, do it early & make sure u got all ur bases covered 
.
like i have no idea what day the storm is coming or how long its gonna last... do u think its better 2 buy all the ice cream now tho? 
is on sale? Like who's gonna eat all that when it snows outside 
? Pet owners are more prepared tho 
. Klein's strategy sounds legit, being flexible with suppliers helps 
. But seriously, don't wanna be stuck w/o essentials during the storm 
like we're supposed to lose power for weeks 
and our furry friends need what?! cat food and dog food are essentials fam 
. Pet owners, though, are on top of their game with all that cat food (281% increase, yikes! 
. Stocking up sooner rather than later is always better. And if you can't get what you need right away, maybe try online shopping or something? Just trying to stay calm about this whole thing 
I'm like totally shocked that comfort foods and pet supplies are in such high demand ahead of this snowstorm! 
. I think it's so smart that Klein's Supermarket is trying to order more from local vendors who can adapt quickly to the weather forecast 
, but i think its kinda funny how ppl r prioritizin comfort foods like cookies & pizza dough over actual essentials like bread & milk 
. dont get me wrong, who doesn't love a good project meal? 
. i also wonder if we'll see a rise in sales of ice cream as ppl look 4 ways 2 beat the winter blues 
i did see ppl buyin pizza dough tho like what r they makin ? roast chicken maybe? 
anyway just thought id share some philly storm prep deets 
. On the other hand, I do think it's good that retailers are trying to anticipate demand and get more stock in ASAP... like, that makes sense, right? 
.
281% increase in cat food sales? that's some serious prep mode 