According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), Helene prompted hurricane and flash flood warnings extending far beyond the coast. As of Oct. 3, President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Some destination retailers and wholesalers across the Southeast have experienced flooding and damages due to the hurricane’s effects.
Mast General Store, a destination retailer with storefronts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, has had to temporarily close three of its storefronts due to the storm. The retailer shares on its Instagram account that the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, had some damages and is temporarily closed, along with storefronts in Asheville and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
“As we look around, we are overwhelmed with the destruction and damage we see,” says Lisa Cooper, Mast Store president. “Our first concern is the safety of our staff members in all our communities. With cell service and power outages, there are still a handful of people we haven’t been able to contact.”
Cooper adds that the retailer is taking monetary donations to support food security partners in western North Carolina, upstate South Carolina and east Tennessee at all of its locations that are currently open.
Pirani Life, a wholesale vendor of sustainable tumblers in Asheville, North Carolina, shared that it has had to suspend operations in the aftermath of the hurricane flooding and damages as of early October.
“We’re relieved to let you know that the Pirani team is safe, though deeply shaken,” the company writes on its Instagram. “Our co-founders have left Asheville temporarily to reconnect with the world as our beloved city is still without power, water and cellphone service, and gas fuel is scarce. Our warehouse in Black Mountain is expected not to have water for a month. The surrounding areas have been devastated, with many still without basic necessities. We ask for your patience as orders will be delayed until we can safely resume operations.”
Heart on Main Street, a nonprofit focused on helping independent retailers, has set up a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to help small businesses impacted by the hurricane. Heart on Main Street says donations will be used to cover repair costs, replace lost inventory and provide financial assistance.
Many retailers have also started fundraisers and donation drives to help victims of Hurricane Helene as well.
The Christmas Shop in the Outer Banks also shared that it was accepting nonperishable donations at the store to help neighbors in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The store has been accepting cleaning supplies, hygiene products, baby supplies and other nonperishables to help storm victims.
“While we’ve been uncertain of how to best lend a hand, we’re now collecting these much-needed supplies and will ensure they are sent down to those in need,” the company says on its Instagram. "Every contribution helps."
