Grocers opt to close, alter hours

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  • As sub-freezing temperatures persisted, a motorist lamented a line which formed outside the Marble Falls HEB on Tuesday, Feb. 16 as workers monitored the the number of customers coming into the store due to COVID-19 capacity limits imposed by the state. Contributed/Rick Cummings
    As sub-freezing temperatures persisted, a motorist lamented a line which formed outside the Marble Falls HEB on Tuesday, Feb. 16 as workers monitored the the number of customers coming into the store due to COVID-19 capacity limits imposed by the state. Contributed/Rick Cummings
  • Consumers visiting the Marble Falls Walmart on Feb. 15 discovered empty shelves — including in the egg and milk aisle (pictured here). Connie Swinney/Burnet Bulletin
    Consumers visiting the Marble Falls Walmart on Feb. 15 discovered empty shelves — including in the egg and milk aisle (pictured here). Connie Swinney/Burnet Bulletin
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On the heels of several days of product shortages, HEB store officials announced Feb. 15 they will temporarily close their doors due to weather conditions but did open with limited hours the following day.

The HEB locations in Burnet, Marble Falls and Kingsland — which fall under the Central Texas stores category were all effected by the decision.

“For the safety of our Partners and customers, H-E-B will temporarily modify hours of operation. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will resume regular hours as soon as possible,” officials stated in an email alert. “Over the next few days, customers also may see limited time slots available for curbside and home delivery orders.

“We will do our best to fulfill current orders and will contact customers if orders are impacted.”

As winter weather continues its descent on the Highland Lakes, stores could face closure for much of the week.

In Marble Falls, the Walmart remained open for much of the day on Feb. 15 with some limits on items including milk and eggs. Shelves for those goods were empty at 9 a.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 the Marble Falls store opened at noon and was scheduled to close at 5 p.m.

In the past officials explained that trucks faced with delays or cancellations in deliveries due to conditions contributed to the inability to keep pace with the demand, especially during weather events.

Hints of the first wave of issues became apparent in person and online on Feb. 13.

“HEB store shelves are emptying from Burnet, Marble Falls and Kingsland,” stated Michelle Rogers in a social media post.

For the latest on the local HEB, go to newsroom.heb. com.

For an update on the schedule for the Marble Falls Walmart, call the main number (830) 693-4461 or the pharmacy at 830-693-5529.