Wednesday September 30, 2020 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary Brooke | Island Social Trends
At Village Food Markets in Sooke all the locals know that you can drop your transaction stub into the prize-draw bins by the checkout, for a chance to win things.
Prizes vary throughout the year. Lately out of recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on consumer budgets, the draw has been weekly for a $100 gift card. The latest winners include Tesla Smith (September 9), Sandra Howe (September 23), and Lauren Penner (September 30).
Since March 19 when the pandemic dug in its heels, the store hours have been 7 am to 9 pm (instead of to the pre-COVID 10 pm). This gives staff a bit more time for cleaning and stocking shelves. COVID protocols are posted (last updated June 2, 2020).
Keeping the shelves stocked:
At the beginning of the pandemic there were assurances about the stability of the food supply chain. As people keep shopping in grocery stores indeed supply is there. But sometimes some sections are depleted for a while until new stock arrives.
Village Food Markets says all advertised items are subject to availability. No rain checks on weekly specials, and some limits may apply. Coupons are suspended until further notice.
They strongly discourage stockpiling or hoarding. “Some shortages and delayed deliveries are affecting our inventory stock levels and we may set and remove limits as needed to ensure as much as possible that stock is available for everyone,” it is stated on the store website.
They say it is easier on the supply chain if people gradually build up household supplies instead of making large scale purchases all at once. To do this, you can add a few extra items to your grocery cart every time you shop.
Central location:
Village Food Markets is located at 6661 Sooke Road, near the roundabout in town centre. Plenty of parking.
