"Turkey, stuffing, pies:" Grocery stores prepare for last-minute Thanksgiving rush

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The day before Thanksgiving isn't just one of the busiest travel days of the year, it is also one of the busiest days at the grocery store.

Area stores are seeing a rush of people, heading in for some last-minute Thanksgiving shopping.

Fresh turkeys, cranberries and stuffing are all selling fast, just hours before the big feast. At the Metro Market on Milwaukee's east side, there are busy check-out lines and stocked shelves are ready for shoppers on a deadline.

"I have some last-minute shopping things to do," said Denise Hester.

Hester came in on a mission, grocery list in hand.

"Picking up some broccoli, dinner rolls, and a turkey bag," said Hester.

The rest of the meal is already at home. She is making a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

"Turkey, stuffing, pies, potatoes, sweet potatoes, a lot going on," she said.

For grocery stores, Thanksgiving is a money maker. It brings in more customers than any other day of the year, besides maybe New Year's Eve, according to the store director. And they prepare in advance for the rush, with extra employees and inventory.

"There are going to be a lot of questions and a lot of re stocking to keep our items full, so we make sure to react to that," said store director Andy Gifford.

On busy days, the store plans to staff all checkouts too, to keep the lines moving quickly.

"We are going to have about two to three extra bodies in every department," said Gifford.

The Metro Market will stay open until 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, which is expected to be just as busy.

"People are going to be able to get out in the morning, and get their last minute needs," said Gifford.