Generators Generate Unexpected Sale On Groton Road

Can a store closed and open at the same time? It might sound like a zen riddle, but it was a reality for one Westford store looking to make the most of a difficult Snowtober situation.

While on Groton Road was still technically closed Wednesday afternoon, drivers heading past the store caught a glimpse of some of the store's managers selling generators outside for weary residents looking for some power.

"We're just doing what we can with no power," said Ben Quirk, one of the managers at the store.

When the chain's warehouse in nearby Merrimack, New Hampshire told the managers in Westford that some generators had become available to unload earlier in the afternoon, Quirk and his associates jumped on the opportunity to do a little bit more than just prepare for holiday sales in the darkness.

"We're hoping to sell them quickly," said Quirk, who preferred to try and sell the generators rather than use them to return power in the belief that power would return quickly enough that the impromptu sale would be more profitable. "We're hoping people need them."

Local resident Luke Dadalt saw the sign and decided to snatch up one of the four generators out on the sidewalk of the store.

Dadalt, who lives nearby and frequents the store often, felt that the investment was worth it.

"We haven't had power since Sunday and after talking with my wife, we decided enough was enough," said Dadalt.

Dadalt noted that he's lost power three times for extended periods since moving to Westford in 2006, and that the purchase was for the next storm, but also for this one as well.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we don't get our power back until Saturday, and I just can't wait that long," he said.

Although there's no guarantees that the sale will continue given the limited supply of generators and the lack of a set time when power will definitely return, Quirk expected to be back out on Thursday selling the generators until they are gone or until it gets dark out.

As of Wednesday, the store was selling 4,000 watt generators for $700 and 7,000 watt generators for approximately $1,000.