Coronavirus NSW: Greystanes deli a month after panic buying
More than a month after zealous shoppers started panic buying pantry staples, a western Sydney delicatessen is restocking shelves — and the humble sanger is helping sustain the small business.
Parramatta
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More than a month after zealous shoppers started panic buying pantry staples, Greystanes’ JNM Deli Cafe is restocking shelves — and the humble sandwich is helping sustain the small business.
Deli owner Joe Molluso said pasta was snapped up at the start of panic buying in March but customers were now buying bread and fresh smallgoods.
“It’s a lot of stuff people would go to the supermarket for,’’ he said.
“I’ve got customers that own butchers and everyone went crazy buying meat, and now their freezer is full, where as my stuff is fresh and kids want sandwiches every day.’’
Mr Molluso also believes consumers are happy to duck into the corner shop for their essentials such as milk.
“People are now too scared to do their little shop at Woolies … they realise shops like mine aren’t as expensive as they thought they were,” he said.
“The only thing keeping small businesses alive is service and convenience.’’
Pastas from Italy have slowly made a return to the shelves after delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and are just some of the products incurring price increases.
For example, a 500g pack of pasta has jumped from $1.69 to $2.29.
Most beef smallgoods have $19 a kilogram to $28 a kilo.
After completing his business activity statement, Mr Molluso is seeking financial advice to confirm if his delicatessen is eligible for grants.
He conceded the worry of the business’ future became too overwhelming for him three weeks ago, and sales are down by 20 per cent compared with the same period last year, but he is now more optimistic.
“I’m only down 20 per cent. People are down millions — they’re the ones I feel for.’’