The aisles of the Lincoln Heights Rosauers in Spokane were packed Wednesday night as shoppers made a final, frantic push for Thanksgiving essentials. This annual rush turned the grocery store into a hive of activity, with both customers and staff feeling the pressure of the impending holiday feast. The scene highlighted a classic Thanksgiving tradition: the last-minute grocery run.
A High-Stakes Week for the Grocery Business
The week of Thanksgiving is unlike any other in the food retail industry. For the Lincoln Heights Rosauers, it represents the absolute peak of their sales calendar. Assistant Store Manager Brandon Powell confirmed the massive surge in business.
“This is the busiest week of the year for food sales,” Powell stated, noting that sales jump to 150% of a typical week. He also shared a surprising insight: “We actually do more business for Thanksgiving than Christmas.”
This immense volume of customers and sales puts a significant strain on store operations, requiring months of planning to ensure shelves remain as stocked as possible during the final hours before the holiday.
Shoppers Embrace the Thanksgiving Eve Hustle
Despite the crowded aisles and long checkout lines, many customers navigated the chaos with a positive attitude and a clear strategy. Some, like shopper Katelyn Haplin, viewed the experience as part of the holiday’s charm.
Haplin humorously compared her mental preparation for the shopping trip to a sports team getting ready for a major game. She emphasized the spirit of the holiday, saying, “It’s just like all the best parts of Christmas without having to buy stuff.” Her focus was on the joy of family gatherings rather than the stress of the prep.
Other shoppers were seen darting through the store, some clutching detailed lists while others seemed to be winging it, hoping to find everything they needed for their Thanksgiving table.
The Dangers of Waiting Until the Last Minute
While Rosauers prepared extensively for the rush, Powell warned that waiting until the last minute is always a gamble. The store orders massive quantities of holiday staples, but supply chains can be unpredictable.
“We’re not always guaranteed those items, so we could potentially be shorted on some products,” he explained. This means popular items can vanish quickly. The most common reasons for the last-minute rush include:
- Procrastination: Many people simply put off their shopping until the very last opportunity.
- Forgotten Ingredients: Even the most organized hosts can forget a crucial item like gravy mix or butter.
- A Desire for Freshness: Some shoppers prefer to buy produce, bread, and desserts as close to Thanksgiving as possible.
Powell used a specific example to illustrate the risk: “If we get shorted on pumpkin pie, we don’t have it today, people are going to miss out.” His top piece of advice for shoppers was simple: buy your turkey and other non-perishable essentials early to avoid disappointment.
Understanding the Last-Minute Shopping Surge
The night before Thanksgiving is notoriously busy for grocers across the country. The mix of customers creates a unique and challenging environment for stores. Different types of shoppers contribute to the overall frenzy.
| Shopper Profile | Primary Goal | Typical Basket Items |
|---|---|---|
| The Planner | Grabbing one or two forgotten items | Canned cranberries, spices, extra butter |
| The Procrastinator | Buying the entire meal | Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pies |
| The Freshness Fanatic | Purchasing perishables | Fresh herbs, dinner rolls, vegetables |
While the atmosphere can feel chaotic, it’s also a powerful reminder of the holiday’s focus. The shared goal of creating a memorable meal for loved ones connects everyone in the store, turning a stressful shopping trip into a small part of the Thanksgiving tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the day before Thanksgiving so busy for grocery stores?
It’s a combination of shoppers who procrastinated, those who forgot key ingredients, and people buying fresh items like produce and baked goods at the last possible moment to ensure quality.
What advice did the Rosauers manager give to shoppers?
Assistant Manager Brandon Powell strongly advised customers to buy their essentials, especially the turkey, well in advance. He warned that there’s no guarantee high-demand items will be in stock on Thanksgiving Eve.
Is Thanksgiving a bigger holiday for food sales than Christmas?
According to the Lincoln Heights Rosauers, yes. They report doing more business in food sales during the week of Thanksgiving than they do for Christmas, as the holiday is almost entirely centered around a large, traditional meal.
What was the general mood of the shoppers?
Despite the rush and crowded conditions, the article suggests that most shoppers were in good spirits and took the chaos in stride, viewing it as a part of the overall holiday experience.
