Ah, Thanksgiving… a relaxing holiday for quietly reflecting on our gratitude. Unless you’re in grocery retail, am I right? 

For us, Thanksgiving week is the culmination of everything we train for all year. The stakes are high. Pre-Thanksgiving days have the most shoppers, the highest sales and the most pressure to not ruin anyone’s famous roast turkey or green bean casserole. So in the spirit of relieving a little stress, here are just a few examples of how you know it’s Thanksgiving at the co-op when…

…the produce department has been renamed “squash mountain” and there’s literally a cranberry bog in your store.

…owners are calling about reserving a turk—just kidding. They’ve been calling since September.

…the general manager is in the parking lot directing traffic.

…it’s totally acceptable to decorate a display with leaves.

…the meat manager is moonlighting as a bookie for predictions on turkey sales.

…your sales per labor hour are 100% on point.

…shoppers’ receipts are all long enough to circle a hubbard squash. Twice.

…you actually have to restock the pumpkin pie spice.

…celery beats bananas as the top selling produce item.

…for once, no one has time to complain about the music.

And you definitely know it’s Thanksgiving at the co-op when you feel closer than ever to your coworkers after surviving the busiest day of the year together. On behalf of NCG, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving; may your sales be astronomical!

Photo credit: TPSS Co-op, Takoma Park, Maryland.