Tops tries

The 2nd community meeting over Tops Market neglecting investment in its money-losing Niagara Falls store was held Thursday night at Word of Life Ministries.

The meeting, attended by about 8o people, was organized by Ezra Scott Sr.

A full complement of Tops executives were present as well as Mayor Robert Restaino, Police Chief John Faso, Council Member Donta Myles and County Legislator Jeffrey Elder. Councilperson Brian Archie was also present as was Councilperson Vincent Cauley.

Store Manager Nick Jaworski, the most critical person in the was present but most of the presenting on behalf of corporate was handled by Cheryl Colbert, director of customer experience.

Colbert listed recent changes at the store as evidence of progress

Including:

• A commitment from Citizen Bank to stay when they are closing many Tops-based branches.
• The hiring of a new customer service manager.
• A $2 coupon good on a $25 purchase when you cash a paycheck.
• Free fresh fruit for kids, a healthy snack while shopping.
• New cases being added in the bakery.
• A Portage Road only deals flyer.
• New deli cases are coming.
• Organic food has been added just inside the door.
• Double up on fruits and vegetables for shoppers using a SNAP card. That program is only at Portage Road and Jefferson Avenue.
• A flu vaccine clinic set for December 19, something Tops usually doesn’t do in a store that lacks a pharmacy.
• A bike rack has been ordered and will be installed outside the store.
• A new sign is coming.
• The parking lot has been relit.
• Lighting inside the store is being upgraded

The store will go through a “total reset” over the next 6 months to be better organized but Tops officials warned shoppers will complain because the tuna or peanut butter has moved.

Colbert said over the last 5 years, Tops has donated $5,552 to Niagara Falls Community Organizations while the store has kicked in another $5,000.

Guards are in the store, not the parking lot, but security costs about $300,000 per year.

While new carts have been ordered, preserving the ones there is a continuous challenge. For example, in one two-week period, Jaworski collected more than 100 carts in the community.

The store constantly struggles to find employees because nearby businesses like Arby’s are paying $17 per hour when Tops offers $15. Colbert said wages are set by union contract and noted employees have a chance to take other jobs and earn more.

“You can’t put a dollar value on wanting to go to work and be happy,” Colbert said.

Police Superintendent Faso, Mayor Restaino and Councilperson Donta Myles all spoke toward the end of the meeting.

The most remarkable thing was Faso suggesting Niagara Falls should consider placing a substation in the store. If that happens, it will be under the watch of a new chief set to replace Faso who retires at year end.