Gerald Hanks
As many parts of southeast Texas struggle to recover from Hurricane Harvey, those that did come out relatively unscathed have also examined how the storm has affected their habits. The storm and its aftermath have caused Houstonians and others who rode out the storm to consider future disasters in their shopping choices.
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From powdered milk and granola bars, to cell phone chargers and portable generators, items that many shoppers previously considered unnecessary or useless have now climbed higher on the shopping lists for many hurricane survivors. Stores are reporting increases in sales of batteries, water filtration systems and solar powered-generators.
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Eric Brown, manager of the REI store at Baybrook Mall, told a local newspaper that he’s seen more customers focused on preparing for the next potential disaster.
“What I’ve seen is a lot of questions about solar power and filtration,” Brown said. “They want to be ready for the next time.”
Allan Rojas, a spokesman for the Academy Sports & Outdoors sporting goods chain, told the newspaper that his stores have also seen changes in customers’ buying patterns.
“Categories related to preparedness items – first aid, lighting, etc., – have seen an increase in sales post Harvey,” said Rojas.
The grocery store chain H-E-B has reported that sales of powdered milk have increased from 500 units prior to the storm, to a high of 2,000 units in the week before the hurricane, to a steady 600 units two months later.
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While the reactions to the storm have ranged from the desire for portable cell phone chargers, to the urge to go into full-on “prepper” mode, the evidence is clear that Houston’s shopping habits have changed. As another hurricane season comes to a close, residents are well aware that another Harvey, or Ike, or Allison, could come sooner rather than later, and they want to be prepared.
