Customers, Residents Rally Behind Winthrop Marketplace Following Storm on Thursday

After experiencing the worst that Mother Nature had to offer in last Thursday’s rainstorm and wind event, Winthrop Marketplace owner Mark Wallerce experienced the best from Winthrop residents and his many loyal customers.

Wallerce said as result of the heavy rain and gusts of wind – that reached as high as 80 miles per hour in the town, according to Fire Chief Paul Flanagan – his supermarket lost all power Thursday and Friday.

“We had to strip every freezer in the store – all my meats, dairy goods, deli, produce, sidecases, ice cream, frozen food, the bakery – everything that was perishable,” reported Wallerce. “So we threw away close to 11 tons of food.”

The store owner described it “as a really horrible experience.”

On Saturday, Wallerce was able to restore the shelves and begin normal operations.

“People came by in droves to support us,” said Wallerce. “Customers were coming in from East Boston and Revere, saying they want to support us. The people from Winthrop were wonderful. They offered their gratitude to us for being here and being up and running.”

Wallerce said the power went out in his store Thursday at approximately 3:30 a.m.

“We tried to put some dry ice in, because we didn’t know how long we were going to be without power,” said Wallerce. “My guys were in there all day Thursday and Friday trying to get everything back to normal. We needed the refrigeration company to come down to re-power the cases. So it was a big undertaking.”

 With customers lined up outside the store Saturday at 7:30 a.m., the Marketplace opened for business at 8 a.m.

“It was just incredible and very gratifying that you have that local support,” said Wallerce. “I’m very humble and very thankful.”