PERRYSBURG, Ohio — We are now less than five days away from the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse.
Like everyone in northwest Ohio, the managers and associates of Kroger have been preparing for this total solar eclipse for a while.
But it's a little different for these grocery stores, as they know they will be a go-to location for both visitors and locals.
"We want to welcome folks in," Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager Mike Bruce said. "We want people to feel welcomed and at home here."
As one of the largest grocery store chains in the state, Kroger stores across Ohio, and especially in northwest Ohio, have been preparing and are ready for the upcoming total solar eclipse.
Bruce said the store managers have been told to prepare as they see fit for the number of visitors to our area.
That means stocking up on plenty of essentials and offering special deals on sun and moon-themed products.
"Having as much as possible in place for customers when we think they might be there, and then making sure we are staffed properly on Monday during the eclipse to allow for our associates who might want to go outside and see what's going on," Bruce said. "And also be there to serve the customers that are coming in at that time as well."
Bruce says it's a two-fold logistical issue.
First, having plenty of items available for people who will be visiting the area for the eclipse for camping, or hotel stays.
And second, making sure they have items on hand for the people living in northwest Ohio who will be hosting watch parties at their home.
"We're hanging out at my mom's down by the river, camping all day, and just hoping that the clouds aren't there," Katy Fox, a Kroger shopper and mother of two, said.
And of course, there's watching the eclipse itself.
Kroger knows that wide-open parking lots are probably one of the most sought-after viewing locations. As a result, Kroger is allowing people to use the parking lots to watch the eclipse, as long as they park with grocery store customers in mind.
"We have things that people might need. We have ready-to-eat snacks that folks might want as we're awaiting the eclipse," Bruce said. "So, we are welcoming folks in, just asking for a nice balance and kind of stay to the edge of the parking lot, and keep those areas closer to the stores open for customers to come and go."
Bruce said that each Kroger store manager was encouraged to make sure their on-site gas stations were fully stocked up on Sunday and Monday.
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