Metro East Grocers Manage High Demand While Maintaining Inventory At Most Locations

EDWARDSVILLE — Shoppers at most area grocery stores found themselves waiting in long lines on Friday morning, Jan. 23, 2026, as they stocked up on essentials ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the Metro East Illinois area this weekend.

Justin Hawkins, owner of the Philly Pretzel Factory in Glen Carbon, described the scene Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Schnucks after he snapped a photo used above, saying, “We saw people standing in the back of the store — in front of the meat counter — in line to check out.” He noted the unusual crowding and said another shopper took a photo showing lines extending back to the dairy section.

Hawkins said most of the items he purchased were for his family, though some were for his business. He encouraged customers to visit the Philly Pretzel Factory in Glen Carbon over the next few days for weekend snacking during the intense winter weather, adding that the pretzel supply business had plenty of supplies.

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Other local stores reported having ample supplies of milk, bread, eggs, and other staples despite the surge in demand at Schnucks.

The rush comes as the region prepares for a winter storm forecast to begin Saturday morning, Jan. 24, and continue through Sunday, Jan. 25, bringing layers of snow that could create hazardous road conditions with the dangerously cold temperatures.

Consumer behavior experts note that when dangerous weather is expected, shoppers often prioritize purchasing bread, milk, eggs and toilet paper, contributing to crowded stores and depleted shelves.

The anticipated storm follows a period of severe freezing temperatures across the United States.

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