While many businesses have begun reopening, and activity seems to be returning back to its pre-pandemic normalcy, some are still hesitant to take the plunge and go grocery shopping, a task that has become nothing short of an ordeal. Between waiting in line, navigating one-way aisles, wearing and changing masks and gloves and risking too much physical contact, it might be safer to leave the task to someone else.
Meir Zar, a limo driver for Luxury Limos, and a Paramus resident, has recently launched Your Personal Shopper, a local business dedicated to shopping and delivering grocery store items and other essential needs during this time.
Zar began his work as a personal shopper when his limo clients, who were entering quarantine, requested that he pick up some grocery items for them. After reaching out to other limo clients and community members, Zar began to build a robust clientele for whom he does personal shopping.
He has since assembled a team of other dedicated shoppers to assist with his growing business.
“We are in constant contact with our clientele to make sure that they are receiving the grocery items they need during this time,” Zar said.
In order to ensure everyone’s safety, Zar wears a mask and gloves during each shopping trip, and carefully adheres to social distancing rules.
Zar shops at grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Shoprite, Stew Leonard’s, CVS, Petco, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Home Depot and more. He delivers to Bergen, Passaic and Westchester counties.
Interested clients can simply email Zar a complete shopping list, delivery address and a phone number for Zar to contact should he need to while shopping. He does his best to arrive as early as possible to each store so that items are fully stocked on shelves when he arrives. Should an item be out of stock, Zar will contact clients with a list of substitutions for them to choose from.
Zar also adheres strictly to the client’s level of kashrut and complies fully with any allergy concerns and other special instructions.
He delivers grocery items to each house’s front steps. Should a customer request it, Zar can sanitize grocery bags or replace them with new (clean) bags before delivering.
Zar charges an hourly rate in addition to the cost of the groceries. He accepts Zelle payments or checks. He does not charge a delivery fee.
“Bringing groceries to you is a huge responsibility,” Zar said. “We’re grateful to be able to serve our community in the safest manner possible.”
Zar looks forward to continuing his business well into the future, even after the pandemic subsides.
For more information, or to send a grocery list, please call 917-863-7993 or email [email protected].
By Elizabeth Zakaim
