Some supermarkets hiring to help keep shelves stocked amid coronavirus crisis

BRAINTREE — Some grocery stores have started a hiring spree to help keep shelves stocked amid the coronavirus crisis.

As local supermarkets prepare for what’s become a daily barrage of shoppers, they have a new weapon to deal with the onslaught: teens like Nicholas Vito.

Nicholas, who is 17, is working at the Stop & Shop in Braintree. he’s been there since the summer but noticed a new influx of hires in the last couple of weeks.

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One store manager told Boston 25 that local high school kids saved the day, as massive crowds have picked shelves clean.

This as the store is limiting hours to restock and setting aside time in the morning for certain shoppers who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

Many teens with time on their hands are now helping at the registers and restocking shelves, in formerly quiet stores now desperate for help.

“A lot of people, I’d say about 4 or 5," Nicholas said. "But there’s been a lot of increase in teenagers working here.”

Stop & Shop also announced new hours from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. only for customers over the age of 60 “who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable,” the supermarket chain said in a statement.

Shoppers on Monday liked that idea.

“It’s being responsible. Our most vulnerable people should go to the forefront. The fact they’re going to make hours available for our seniors. They should,” said Tom Devin of Braintree.

As we all get the hang of social distancing and trying not to panic shop, some shoppers say these new realities will soon become second nature.

“In these types of situations, our best is supposed to come forward. I think that happens," Devin said.

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