COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whether it was a complete meal with a turkey and all the trimmings, or just a last-minute trip to grab that one final ingredient, customers flocked to grocery stores across the Midlands Wednesday as they prepare for Thanksgiving day.
At the Piggly Wiggly store on Devine Street in Columbia, many braved the crowds to make sure they had everything they needed for their turkey dinner.
Dr. Latonya Brailsford was one of many shoppers looking to grab some last-minute items to make their thanksgiving meal complete
“I forgot about the potato salad. I was talking to my sister and doing everything else, and she mentioned potato salad and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I knew I forgot something,'” she said.
Despite the crowds, Brailsford didn’t have to spend much time shopping.
“It was in and out for me, because of course I only have three items, so I was able to use the express line,” Brailsford explained.
Genesis Mcneil was also picking up the last few items on her shopping list. This year’s meal is extra special.
“I’m hosting my first Thanksgiving with my family, so I’m elated about that,” Mcneil said.
While most shoppers found what they needed, Zakiya Alexander just missed out on snagging some turkey wings.
“We came to get some turkey wings, because we’re not doing the traditional turkey, but we called like 40 mins ago and then we got here, and they’re already sold out,” Alexander said.
Darrell Miller owns the Piggly Wiggly location and said his store is busier than it was this time last year.
“It’s been much busier than normal. Of course, this time of year and this particular holiday is really busy. In fact, we’ve been busy since Friday of last week. So yeah, it’s been a good holiday. In fact, it’s been one of the best we’ve had in a long time,” Miller said.
Despite the crowds, Miller said the holidays are his favorite time of year.
“We love the business. I love being involved in it. I’ve been in the grocery business for 56 years, over 50 of them with Piggly Wiggly, and I tell you I just love it more and more every year,” he said.
As for Alexader, she said she’ll have to settle for a whole turkey.
“I actually just got a whole turkey because luckily (at) this location, they had some thawed turkeys. And you know, that’s really the main thing, making sure your turkey is thawed out so you can cook it,” she said.
When asked what thanksgiving means to them, the number one thing people said, was the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.