The widespread Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis has prompted an unsual issue for Dick’s Market in Dorr and local consumers.
Cortney Schuelke of Dorr posted on Facebook her displeasure with Dick’s selling unbranded toilet paper in packages of three for $5.69, and even questioning if the store was permitted by law to do so.
Steve Dutkiewicz, store owner and son of the more than 60-year-old grocery’s founders, Dick and Rusty Dutkiewicz, explained that too many customers had been expressing frustration with not being able to find bathroom tissue while shopping at the store.
“I explained that for weeks now Spartan Nash (product supplier for Dick’s) has not shipped us any TP. Looking to take care of my customers, I ordered restaurant supply TP which came bulk and not cheap. We bagged it in food grade bags and marked it up 25 percent (regarded as the customary price increase).
“They came in loose-bulk, not packaged. It would have been stupid to put them on the shelf without some sort of packaging. All stores package products, in Deli, Bakery, Meat, etc.”
The panic buying by too many customers during the crisis has caused shortages of some products, particularly toilet paper, soap and sanitizer.
But Schuelke contended, “Most of the problem isn’t with price gouging. it is also this is not sanitary and not legal to repackage and sell for profit when not intended for distribution. I did reach out to someone with a contact at Harding’s (in Wayland) and they stated that items must be individually packaged with their own barcode, and this in fact is not allowed. But I’m just a person without any legal knowledge just didn’t like that this was happening at a local business I support every week.”
Dutkiewicz said, “It (the restaurant toilet paper) wasn’t cheap, but my customers needed something.”
He said the cost to Dick’s was $4.23 per repackaged three-pack, and the 25 percent markup brought the price to $5.69.
There has been no firm indication yet as to whether or not the merchandising of the toilet paper is legal.
I applaud Dicks for looking out for the needs of their customers. It was an unusual thing to do but they only were trying to help. Instead of looking for reasons to get them in trouble, let’s thank them for being there for us.
Leanna Rollins,
Well said, 100% spot on!!
Cheers!!
Why don’t we just boycott Dick’s and remember this gouge. Public, don’t shop here!
Mike Williams,
Please do everyone a favor and stay away. I am sure Dick’s Market will and has done well without your business. You must be a real friendly guy to hang out with……..Just to be clear I have no affiliation with Dick’s Market……
Who gives a $hit what other people think? I commend our local grocery store owner (Dutkiewicz) for adapting and overcoming a challenge that the local community faced. Steve took it head on and came up with a temporary solution. Then we get someone to complain that it’s might not be 100% sanitary or legal, use your damn hand then. What about the distillers around the country that started packaging hand sanitizer, I am guessing that there is no bar code printed either. This is what we do, adapt and overcome. Thanks to all Americans willing to do whatever it takes to fight this enemy. Additionally, we have a editor that is willing to give this unnecessary press, you should be ashamed.
Sir
I respectively disagree, this just goes to show how our world has become. I hate to use the term “rat on you ” but that is where our Country is headed.
Many are to young and the history is no longer taught in schools about life in Germany under Hitler. We are seeing it played out in this pandemic, reporting our employers,businesses, neighbors, etc.
It takes an event such as this to bring out the true nature of people.
So in reality this in fact was necessary news.. …just a prelude to things to come
No good deed goes unpunished.
Wildcat148,
Good for Dicks market. Well stated.
Wildcat,
Excellent!! Nicely done!!
Cheers!!
Thank goodness for some good ole ingenuity to help relieve the problem of NO TP anywhere in just about every store. Thank you Dick’s for looking out for your customers
K Fifelski,
100% common sense!! Well done!!
Cheers!!
To everyone at Dicks Market,
Thank you for continuing to work every day.
Thank you for doing your best to serve the people of Dorr and the surrounding areas.
Thank you for stocking the shelves with much needed supplies.
My family appreciates you.
STG,
Perfect!! Everything we have been thinking. Dick’s Market is a true blessing!!
Cheers!!
Thank you to everyone who works at Dick’s Market who are truly putting their health on the line so we can get our necessities. I hope everyone who shops thanks the employees! Shame on anyone complaining about this re-packaged TP! I for one ran out and was thrilled to see this innovation. John Wilkens, I LOL when I read your “use your hand then!” How innovative THAT would be! YUCK! Again, thanks to everyone at Dick’s!
Thanks to Dick’s Market for getting the products out there any which way.
Dick’s Market I know is looking out for the good of the community. They have done a lot of support for the Township Parks, including events at the Veterans Monument in Dorr and Hamiltion.
Thanks
I have been shopping at Dick’s Market for over 20 years. They have always gone above and beyond to help me find what I am looking for. Never be afraid to ask questions if you see something that causes you to wonder. Give the store manager a chance to explain, person to person. When you leave Dick’s Market you not only leave with your groceries but also a feeling like you belong, that you are a part of the community family.
Ms. Kuperus,
Anne,
Very well said. Good store full of great folks who are friendly and helpful. Dick’s Market saw a community need and filled it. The management looked outside the box and were able to help out a large number of folks, good for them.