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February 16, 2021
Lowe’s Market keeps doors open and shelves stocked
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi Goode
The Bandera Prophet
Juggling demand, supply and the weather, Bandera Lowe’s Market has been a beacon on Main Street. Working nearly around the clock with 20 percent of his staff, store Manager Ryan Fenocchi is balancing the community’s needs with his employees’ safety.
“There are about 15 percent of us who are actually here working,” Fenocchi said. “It’s a little stressful on the cashiers. We’re running as efficiently as we can with minimal people.”
Since the arctic blast hit the state, many Lowe’s Markets have been forced closed - except Bandera. Fenocchi has not only managed to keep the store open despite the winter storm and icy, snow-covered roads, he has also rerouted several deliveries destined for other locations. Tonight at at 10 p.m., a truck originally on its way to Bracketville is set to arrive here. Another delivery is expected around 2 or 3 a.m.
“We’ll be working here all night trying to get people what they need,” Fenocchi said.
Because the store has a broken produce cooler, and the refrigeration company that handles the repair is overwhelmed and understaffed, salad items, lunch meats, cheeses and other refrigerated products are being stored.
“If you see empty shelves, ask a teammate. We may have something in the back,” Fenocchi said.
Thus far, Lowe’s has been spared the power losses that have struck many homes this week. If it happens, the doors will have to close until electricity is restored. Tomorrow’s hours at this point are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., as long as the weather does not deteriorate.
To make sure he can be there, Fenocchi is staying at the Best Western, and picking up employees who live close to town when necessary.
“I’m just asking people to be respectful,” Fenocchi said. “Some employees are working open to close and an hour or two after that. Understand we’re trying our best.”
“There are about 15 percent of us who are actually here working,” Fenocchi said. “It’s a little stressful on the cashiers. We’re running as efficiently as we can with minimal people.”
Since the arctic blast hit the state, many Lowe’s Markets have been forced closed - except Bandera. Fenocchi has not only managed to keep the store open despite the winter storm and icy, snow-covered roads, he has also rerouted several deliveries destined for other locations. Tonight at at 10 p.m., a truck originally on its way to Bracketville is set to arrive here. Another delivery is expected around 2 or 3 a.m.
“We’ll be working here all night trying to get people what they need,” Fenocchi said.
Because the store has a broken produce cooler, and the refrigeration company that handles the repair is overwhelmed and understaffed, salad items, lunch meats, cheeses and other refrigerated products are being stored.
“If you see empty shelves, ask a teammate. We may have something in the back,” Fenocchi said.
Thus far, Lowe’s has been spared the power losses that have struck many homes this week. If it happens, the doors will have to close until electricity is restored. Tomorrow’s hours at this point are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., as long as the weather does not deteriorate.
To make sure he can be there, Fenocchi is staying at the Best Western, and picking up employees who live close to town when necessary.
“I’m just asking people to be respectful,” Fenocchi said. “Some employees are working open to close and an hour or two after that. Understand we’re trying our best.”