Portsmouth and Hampton residents are noticing gaps on grocery shelves as the strike by Teamsters Local 633 against Associated Grocers Northeast (AGNE) continues. The labor dispute, which centers on a proposed shift from a traditional pension plan to a 401(k) retirement account, has disrupted the flow of staples that local markets rely on.

Portsmouth’s Richardson’s Market feels the impact

“We are Portsmouth’s only grocery market that’s still around,” said Greg Danilowski, owner of Richardson’s Market in downtown Portsmouth. The family‑run store has long depended on AGNE for roughly 90% of its inventory. “For a majority of our groceries, yes, Associated Grocers is our distributor,” Danilowski explained.

Because of the strike, the market is seeing empty spaces where produce, dairy and other essentials normally sit. Danilowski emphasized that the store has a contingency plan and will turn to other suppliers if needed, but he wanted shoppers to be aware that some items might be missing on their next visit. “This is my reputation. This is our store’s and our family’s reputation on the line here,” he added.

Hampton’s Patriots Corner also sees shortages

Owner Katherine Roy of Patriots Corner on Ocean Boulevard reported a similar reliance on AGNE, noting that about 80% of the store’s meat, produce and grocery items come from the distributor. “The warehouse workers and their drivers are some of the hardest‑working people there, and we wanted to show our support to them,” Roy said.

Roy noted that the strike has not coincided with peak season, and lower order volumes have allowed the store to source needed items from alternative vendors. “We are working on getting everything, trying to keep the shelves stocked as we can,” she said.

Local businesses stress the importance of warehouse workers

Both Danilowski and Roy stressed that without the drivers and warehouse staff of Associated Grocers, their businesses could not operate effectively. Their comments highlight the essential role that logistics workers play in keeping community food supplies steady.

While the strike does not threaten the immediate closure of either store, the owners are prepared to pivot to other distributors if necessary to maintain service for their neighborhoods.

What the strike means for shoppers

Customers in the Seacoast region should expect occasional gaps in product availability as the dispute continues. Both store owners encourage shoppers to be patient and to consider alternative brands or local producers when possible.

Community members who rely on these markets for affordable, everyday food are urged to stay informed through store communications and local news updates.

Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.