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Hello everyone. I just wanted to place a quick post on a recent observation, which most people living here will not find as a revelation, but to new folks or people moving, I think is important.
Although it has happened before, I am not the sharpest blade in the drawer, and recently made a study of 'when a product is no longer available in your store'. Dog food. The little cans, beef only. If it is out in one store, within a day, it is out in EVERY store. Same goes with Swifter pads for mopping that African dust. I went to about a dozen stores, just to check. When one store ran out, all did.
The moral of this story is that if there is something you must have, or use very regularly, keep a back stock. Being Irish, my assumption is that if I do this, the stores will never run out. However, being disabled, the only way I can keep the floors reasonably (which is good enough for me) clean is to use a Swiffer mop. It is light, smells clean and is easy to use even if you can't feel your hands.
If your pets will only eat one kind of food, get some extra and keep it in zip lock bags to bug proof them. If there are a lot of competing brands, it is not a problem. If there is one, be careful.
I imagine others brighter than me have noticed this, but I have not seen any posts in the past year to two years.
Trying to be helpful,
Dan
Posted : September 12, 2006 1:30 pm
Dan, You are so right about products being out of stock in one store you may as well figure they are out everywhere. I also use the swiffer floor sheets and have had the same problem locating them. I did see them at Schooner Bay this past Saturday. Of course they cost more there than any place else but that may help you. I have begun ordering them at Drugstore. com. They have even been on sale there lately: $7.99 for box of 32. So I bought several boxes to keep in stock now. This may help you. I have been on island for three years now and am still learning that if I see something I really use or need, I better buy more than one. The problem is of course storage. Living in a small place you can only store so much. And nothing that may be perishable or expire if not used soon enough. Shopping is definitely a challenge here. I have learned to grin and bear it and when all else fails...head to the Internet. I have no pets but have heard some of the pet store sights may be a good place to look for your dogs favorite foods. Good Luck!
Posted : September 12, 2006 2:09 pm
The rule is: If you see it and want it, buy it, right then. If you see it and NEED it, buy two.
Posted : September 12, 2006 3:00 pm
And just remember - everybody gets their products brought in and the deliveries all come in at the same time - either thru Tropical or VI Cargo - once a week.
Posted : September 12, 2006 3:22 pm
Welcome to the islands and island living! I could probably earn a PhD by penning a thesis on this subject.
I'm not quite sure how to say it all diplomatically where relative newbies are concerned but I'll do my best.
The United States Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean. Touted as the "American Paradise" it remains a wonderful location on which to vacation.
Living here, though isa very differet ballgam, is a catch and catch-can where "familiar" or "family advertised" products are concerned. I learned over two decades ago that , if I planned a dinner party, I'd better make sure that all the ingredients were to hand or , if not, I was prepared to :"fudge." I learned well over the years how to fudge.
Much really hasn't changed even though we now have Home Depo and KMart Trailers don't come in on time, stock clerks get lazy about restocking so goods that are in the warehouse don't get put up on the store shelves in timely fashion, How many times have I gone into K-Mart and found that the shelves are empty of bleach, other cleaning materials, garbage bags, basic freezer storage bags, cat and dog food, kitty litter?
It could be a total "AAAAARGH!" for a newbie but It's always been a catch and catch-can.
Posted : September 12, 2006 3:56 pm
For the moms out there who are planning to move with their babies or soon to be born babies....if you are not breastfeeding and you have to buy formula, stock up when you see it or have people send it from the states. It is expensive in VI. I had problems finding my favorite wipes, diapers, and believe it or not gallons of water at times. I am back in the states now so if you guys need some stuff just PM me and I can ship it for you....:)
Posted : September 12, 2006 4:41 pm
Topic starter
Interesting feedback. Thank you everybody! I guess my epiphane was already known to many! Living on Prince Edward Island in Canada was similar, however, if something was out, it might be out for months. I think that is why this did not dawn on me until my 'Swiffer pad rampage' around the island!
Thanks again,
Dan
Posted : September 13, 2006 3:07 pm
