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Coronavirus Kent: Independent shops in Dartford and Gravesend respond to shopping demands

Concerns about shoppers panic buying in response to coronavirus fears has divided the county.

Independent retailers in Gravesham and Dartford have seen a sharp rise in sales in recent weeks as people stockpile the essentials.

Sevie Ashby and Sonia Keary at the Cobham Community Stores
Sevie Ashby and Sonia Keary at the Cobham Community Stores

Smaller village shops are also trying their best to support their community.

Cobham Community Stores in Cobham, near Gravesend has been making appeals in support of the elderly and vulnerable.

Manager Sevie Ashby said: "I'm baking fresh bread and pastries, we have paracetamol, tins, rice, pasta, toilet rolls, unfortunately no hand gel or Dettol for retail. But pretty much everything else.

"Come and see us, our shop is sanitized to the rafters, and we need your support."

The shop sells groceries, local produce such as meat, dairy and baked goods, and recently announced it is organising deliveries for older residents.

The Cobham Community Stores offers locally made and produced products including meat, dairy items, and baked goods
The Cobham Community Stores offers locally made and produced products including meat, dairy items, and baked goods

Another post added: "Please spread the word that we will not leave anyone stranded without food, we will organise a network of deliverers, and support anyone in need in the village.

"Our phone number is 01474 813463, give us a call, we'll help."

Although stocks are running lower than desired, Cobham community stores is coping by restricting shoppers to one of each product.

Sevie said: "My problem is, most of my staff are over 70 years old, we want the best for our community and we are trying are hardest to support everyone in need."

Nice Price, in the Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford has been trading for 11 years and sells everyday essentials.

Owner, Matt Fireman said: "Since the the virus appeared we have never sold so much toilet paper.

Nice Price in Dartford following the buying surge caused by the coronvirus
Nice Price in Dartford following the buying surge caused by the coronvirus

"The demand is unbelievable. We normally go through one pallet of toilet roll every two weeks, but last week we sold 10 pallets.

"Customers were even queuing outside our shop for toilet roll and hand sanitiser before we even opened.

"This has never happened in the 11 years we've been open."

"Our Facebook page has had many nice comments regarding the fact we had stock when all the big super markets had none."

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Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

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