National

Empty Shelves at Grand Bahama Grocery Store Sparks Concerns

GARND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Residents of Grand Bahama have voiced growing concerns about the local food store Sawyer’s Fresh Market, with some saying the shelves have remained empty for months.

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2024

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Terrance Jones – Resident, Grand Bahama
“I was in there yesterday, um, and of course, the shelves are pretty empty, so it gives concern as to what’s going on.”

Residents of Grand Bahama have voiced growing concerns about the local food store Sawyer’s Fresh Market, with some saying the shelves have remained empty for months.

Sawyer’s Fresh Market opened its first store on Oaks Street in Freeport and later expanded to a second location in the Lucaya area. Recently, a third store was constructed on Paradise Island, which has led to further concerns among residents.

Many have taken to social media, expressing disappointment with the store’s stock shortages, describing the situation as “disheartening.” Resident Terrance Jones said he prefers Sawyer’s for its affordability but worries one of the Freeport locations may be closing.

Terrance Jones – Resident, Grand Bahama
“I hope it’s not true, but if that’s what it comes to, I guess the economy may be cause for that.”

Other residents have expressed similar frustrations.

Javan Hunt – Resident, Grand Bahama
“I work very close to where Sawyer’s is, and that was my stop before work and after work. Before, I would go and pick up coffee, and, um, I got disappointed because the whole center was closed, and I would pick up other stuff while I’m there. But when I go… the stuff I’m looking for isn’t there.”

Catherine MacLeay – Resident, Grand Bahama
“It was convenient, it was close, it was always well-stocked. And every time I go in, it’s less and less. I find myself going there less and less because I’m walking through empty aisles.”

During a visit to the Lucaya location, a sign on the door acknowledged the customers’ concerns and apologized for the stock shortages at the Freeport stores, attributing the issues to supply chain challenges. The message reassured the community that Freeport remains a priority despite the company’s expansion to Nassau, which was described as part of a long-term vision.

Grand Bahama resident Gregory Bowe shared his experience after seeking clarification from store staff about the inventory situation.

Gregory Bowe – Resident, Grand Bahama
“That was two weeks ago. I passed there Sunday, and it was still somewhat scarce, so I’m not quite sure what’s going on.”