Customers stocking up 'just in case' - KOAM TV 7

Customers stocking up 'just in case'

Joplin's Target store says its sales numbers for the week are higher than normal and it is mostly due to customers coming in to stock up before snow hits.

Target team member Jeseca Tourigny says people have been stocking up on anything from 12 packs of water and soda to some things you might not think of.

"We had a lady who was really concerned with our towel choice - she was trying to get the best design for her house because she was convinced we weren't going to have them after the storm and she wanted to beat everyone to them," says Tourigny.

But most customers we spoke with seemed more focused on the essentials.

"Foods to get me through the winter - this week I wanted soup, bread water, things like that," says Marti Addleman.

Those not worried about what foods to stock up on are stocking up on other things, like magazines or their favorite books.

"I actually got the new Ian McEwan book so I'm excited to read that, just in case, you never know," says Katie Smith.

Tourigny says entertainment items are something a lot of consumers seem to be looking to stock their carts with.

"We do have people coming through with the same bottle of wine, a couple of them here and there, chocolates, good books, anything that they can do to be content at home in case cabin fever decides to hit and they aren't ready," says Tourigny.

No matter what items are filling their baskets, Tourigny says customers are trying to get in and get out as soon as possible to avoid being out in inclement weather.

Target is not the only store in Joplin seeing an influx of shoppers looking to stock up.  Lowes Hardware also said they've had a lot of customers come in mostly to buy generator's, ice melt and pellet fuel.