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Pocono News Section
Local Grocery Store Struggles in Slowing Economy
Local Grocery Store Struggles in Slowing Economy - Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 5:00PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2008 @05:00pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY- A family owned grocery store tries to keep the business rolling even though customers are buying less.
"The price of groceries has gone up ridiculously as far as I'm concerned," said Al Cedeno who shops at Schreck's Market in Stroud Township. A local family opened the market about 40 years ago. Now it's struggling.
Schreck's Vice President Ron Romansky said, "We have to raise the price of products on a weekly basis. It costs us more. It costs the customers more.
Romansky said high gas prices have led to high production and delivery costs for everything from bread and cereal to milk and eggs. "I never thought I'd see $2.15 for a dozen eggs. They used to be a dollar," he remarked.
Even though the products cost more, Schreck's Market is taking away less profit. It's especially hard on the small market because it doesn't have the buying power of those big chain stores. For example a superstore could sell a bottle of coke for less than it costs Schreck's to buy it.
"When you see the sales and some ofthe things that go on at the discount stores, it's hard for us to compete with that," said Romansky.
But some customers say they're willing to pay more for the small store's personalized service.
"Maybe they'll save a few cents, but it's more friendly I think in Schreck's," said Frank Bland. Cedeno added, "You can't beat these people here. They're about the best you can get."
Store managers hope that customers who appreciate service help them roll through this tough economic time. "We've weather tough times in the past and I hope we do again, but it's not easy," said Romansky.
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