SE Michigan shoppers pack stores ahead of snowstorm, Super Bowl

Shoppers ransack store shelves ahead of Sunday events

HAZEL PARK, Mich. – Grocery stores are usually packed the day before the Super Bowl, with people picking up all of those must-have snacks for the big game. So take those people and add in a whole bunch of folks stocking up ahead of the snow. What you get is a perfect storm at the store.

Snowy weather and the Super Bowl are all ahead Sunday, which means supermarkets are cashing in.

"It's crowded, but they're moving real quick, so you ain't standing in line long," said Michelle Eatmon.

Shoppers packed inside and ransacked store shelves.

"We got ribs and tacos, yeah tacos," said Kiya Ellis

Local 4 News talked to shoppers at Kroger, who said it took some time just to get to the doors.

"Today it's been a mad house. You have to wait for a parking spot. It's crazy," said Sigrid Plummer.

"We had to go around a couple times, but everybody seems to be doing their thing, shopping," said Jowanna Edwards.

The scene even from the outside was no different at Meijer, and it's not just the big chain supermarkets that are busy.

Independent grocery stores like Western Market in Ferndale say stuff flew off the shelves Saturday.

"I'd say it's exceptional. It's almost like Christmas," said Virginia Selvaggio, of Western Market.

When the store is in somewhat of a pickle like this, even the store manager is pulling double duty in the meat department.

"When there is snow that's on its way, they're afraid and, of course, we have the Super Bowl tomorrow. They want to pick up everything they need to pick up," said Selvaggio.


About the Author:

You can watch Kimberly Gill weekdays anchoring Local 4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and streaming live at 10 p.m. on Local 4+. She's an award-winning journalist who finally called Detroit home in 2014. Kim has won Regional Emmy Awards, and was part of the team that won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast in 2022.