Over 130 years old, some things change, some remain the same.

Remaining steadfast to its customers, Wanamakers General Store, Kempton, is still serving the local population and the occasional traveler.

Even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the purpose of the store is the same.

Store owner Kyra Hendricks, however, definitely had to roll with the punches.

First, she got ahead of the curve by watching what other states were doing.

“I paid close attention to California and Washington states to see how they were handling the infection,” she said.

“These were the first states to see it spread.”

While COVID-19 has shuttered a multitude of businesses across Pennsylvania, Hendricks said she is fortunate.

“We are considered an essential business, and remained open because we are a food market,” she said. “So, in that regard, we were lucky.”

To maintain good hygiene and calm customers’ fears, Hendricks took precautions almost immediately.

“I made sure we had hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit,” she stated. “And then in mid-March, when we saw the surge, the staff and I began to wear masks before it was mandated.”

Sanitation measures are being taken.

“People are understanding when we tell them they need to wear masks,” she stated.

“We’re also requesting our customers follow a few suggested measures for shopping, such as sanitizing hands upon entry (sanitizer provided), using a single door for entrance and exit (around back), and following the directional arrows marked on the floor that indicate proper traffic patterns.”

Other changes include the interior dining and sitting areas are now closed.

Outdoors dining is still offered but with enough spacing to maintain social distancing.

While the deli is closed inside, the store offers curbside pickup and delivery (fee included) within a 5-mile radius of the store.

The general store never had a serious shortage of items.

“I think it’s partly because people were understanding,” she said.

“No one hoarded toilet paper. The community is very supportive. They are especially good at understanding the situation as it is.”

Hendricks expresses her gratitude to other workers who are essential.

“We’re grateful for our local farmers, growers and producers who have been faithfully supplying us over the years and continue to provide during this time.”

Although the store’s shelves never went completely empty, as was the case for larger chain grocery stores, Hendricks says it wasn’t easy.

“It’s hard. I’ve put in long days, 17 hours sometimes,” she explained. “My staff has been amazing through all of this.

“We joke that whatever we think is going to happen that day, the opposite usually occurs.”

She also understands her business is tightly connected to so many others.

“I’m hearing from local growers and farmers about what they are planting or processing,” Hendricks said.

This tells her she will be able to count on products coming into the store for the foreseeable future.

The store is open regular hours, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.

Looking forward, there will be a new normal for everyone.

“I hope that the shift will be a more permanent one toward buying local,” she said. “My philosophy has always been buying local and supporting local business. “I’m passionate about sourcing locally.”