Americans grabbing groceries and fixing up their homes during the coronavirus pandemic have propped up top retailers' sales. That is costlier for them than if shoppers buy in stores because companies have to pay for logistics and delivery fees. To be sure, the higher sales retailers are experiencing as people stock up on groceries and other essential goods could help alleviate the pressure. This should drive continued sales growth and help leverage the higher costs." Target said Wednesday that sales at stores open for at least one year grew 10.8% during the quarter compared with the same period last year.

Dozens of grocery store workers have died from the coronavirus, despite masks, temperature checks and capacity restrictions to keep them safe. The union said 85% of its grocery store member workers reported that customers are not practicing social distancing in stores. Many small, independent grocery stores have done this to protect their staff. Some companies and safety experts say it's not feasible to convert all grocery stores to delivery and pickup-only outposts. "There are very few businesses that get the foot traffic that a grocery store does."

HOUSTON – Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. These are some of the most off-the-shelf items people are demanding to purchase amid the coronavirus pandemic. But some of these items and others are becoming hard to find at grocery stores nationwide. Even ordering these items online have been impossible, too. We asked our KPRC Channel 2 Facebook followers what items are the most difficult to find at grocery stores in the Houston area.

Last month, Congress expanded paid sick leave in an emergency coronavirus law. The gender gapWorkers without paid sick leave are economically vulnerable and many can't afford to take time off, the researchers found. The lack of access to paid sick leave is more pronounced among women, according to the findings. The researchers also found that there was a wide gap between paid sick leave policies across large chains. At Home Depot, Safeway, Costco, and Aldi, among others, more than 80% of workers reported access to paid sick leave.

Many who decided to work at grocery stores never imagined their job would put them at risk of dying, but that’s the new reality they face as the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow. For over a month now, grocery stores have been the most populated business as people rush in daily to shop for their essential needs. In recent weeks more reports have come out of grocery stores stating an employee has contracted COVID-19, creating a greater fear in coworkers. The labor group, he said, is urging states to categorize grocery workers as first responders to give them higher priority for testing and protective equipment such as masks. The Texas-based grocery store has also put up sneeze guards at registers to help protect its employees.

As the new coronavirus continues to spread despite great social distancing efforts, grocery stores are stepping up to do more in their stores. Fiesta• Fiesta stores will be opened for the adjusted store hours of 8 a.m. -10 p.m. until further notice. Kroger• Adjusted store hours from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. in the Houston region. Sprouts• Stores are open for the adjusted hours of 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.• As of March 18, all sales are final. Whole Foods• Whole Foods stores will be open the adjusted hours based on location.

Whole Foods announced a slew of changes as it works to support its employees while keeping its customers supplied with essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The supermarket chain will give its hourly employees a $2-an-hour pay bump, slash its operating hours and provide older customers a special shopping hour. Whole Foods will provide customers 60 and older the option to shop inside its locations one hour before they open to the general public. Additionally, Whole Foods locations will also temporarily shut down the self-serve section of the store, which include hot bars, salad bars and antipasti bars. Seated venues inside stores will offer takeout only, and any indoor or outdoor café seating is closed.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index Retail and Consumer Shipping Report, Texas’ favorite grocer is tied with Trader Joe’s and Wegmans for customer satisfaction. In the supermarket category of the report, both Trader Joe’s and Wegmans were the top two companies in 2018. H-E-B tops Trader Joe’s as No. Trader Joe’s: 2019 - 84; 2018 - 863. The grocery chain was named as the top U.S. grocery retailer in a report by dunnhumby, which was cited nationally.

Take a list and only buy what you needWhen you get to the grocery store, carry your shopping list around with you. The list serves as a guide through the store - if an item is not on there, you don’t need to look at it! When you check your cupboards before next week’s shopping trip, you’ll thank yourself for not having to buy the small jar again. It’s just once, and if you don’t like it, don’t buy it again. With these simple tips in mind, you can take hundreds of dollars off your grocery bill.

HOUSTON – The Randalls Grocery Company announced it’s closing five stores in the Houston area, according to a company press release. The stores will close by Feb. 15. This move leaves 13 locations remaining in the Houston area, according to the release. The five closures are: