The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce and Hampton Inn Seneca Falls have recognized Ovid Big M as the April 2020 Business of the Month.
Since its opening in 1970, the Ovid Big M has played a vital role in the community. More than 50 years later, the family-owned grocery store is not only providing needed products, but they are also helping lead the local fight against Coronavirus.
This past February, Sue Cirencione took over the business that was started by her father. Ever since, she has been forced to reinvent the business model to respond to adversity resulting from a pandemic.
Hours of operation have been reduced (7:30 AM – 6:00 PM) in order to spend more time restocking shelves and for sanitation procedures according to CDC guidelines. Extra attention has also been given to the store’s essential employees so they can get proper rest and avoid burnout. “We are checking in with them on their health daily,” explained Cirencione.
To better serve and protect its customers, senior citizens and disabled persons have exclusive shopping hours two days per week (7:30 – 8:30 AM on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and grocery curb-side pick-up practices have been implemented.
Ovid Big M has also donated to local food banks and used monetary donations to help local patrons in need with their food purchases. The business has also established a partnership with the group, We All Stitch Together, to provide masks to their customers. “We are doing everything we can to get the products people are looking for and to help get our community members through this pandemic without feeling panicked and alone.”
“Ovid Big M is a great example of how our essential businesses have had to think fast and make decisions on how to better protect their employees while continuing to serve the needs of their clients,” said Megan Slater, Membership Development Manager at the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce. “Our business community has really stepped up to the plate to help our community members survive this public health crisis – and they have provided some remarkably innovative solutions in the process,” Slater added.
Ovid Big M plans to continue its curbside grocery services and they encourage customers to share feedback through social media (www.facebook.com/ovidbigm/) related to their ongoing efforts to provide enhanced customer support.
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