The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Bahamian food stores saw their normal level of hurricane business last week according to several retailers, with one telling Tribune Business the spike in demand had challenged his inventory levels.

Phil Lightbourne, owner of Gladstone Road-based retailer/wholesaler, Phil’s Food Services, told Tribune Business: “We have the normal level of hurricane business. A lot of people have come and got their water, bread and accessories.

“A lot of businesses got caught off-guard because the port closed Thursday and Friday, and many bring their product in on Thursday and Friday. Those who have the capability of holding inventory will survive this one here, and have inventory to sell while the hurricane is approaching and after it has passed.”

Never missing an opportunity to plug a deal he backs, Mr Lightbourne added:”That’s the benefit of having a Bahamas Food Services/Sysco food entity for times like these, when you can’t get import in. Those guys are big enough to hold inventory to supply all the small businesses to keep us going and keep the Bahamian people happy.

“A lot of people are just running on their last inventory, but the ones capable of holding the inventory feel nothing because they hold a month’s supply of inventory in any event. Wednesday and Thursday are usually slow.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday is when we have our biggest rush. This week, Wednesday and Thursday look like a Friday and Saturday.”

Sean Ferguson, manager at Fergies Meat Market, admitted Sandy had caught him by surprise.

“Business has been hectic. People have been coming in like crazy,” he said. “People have been stocking up on canned goods and bread. I need stock right now. I wasn’t expecting this; it kind of caught me off-guard, but I am doing the best I can to make sure people get what they need.”

Monique Ferguson, assistant manager at Quality Supermarket at Cable Beach, told this newspaper that business was at it peak on Wednesday. “We saw a lot of business on Wednesday. People came in and were getting items like water, canned tuna and other canned goods,” she said.

“The five gallon water has sold out, but we still have water. Business sort of slowed down on Thursday, but we saw a great spike in business activity on Wednesday.”