Italian Supermarket Chains Spread Holiday Cheer on Long Island
There’s a unique Italian supermarket on Long Island that has turned its stores into a festive wonderland this Christmas season. Decorations abound, with carolers adding to the lively atmosphere both inside and outside, and garlands placed around various sections, including where meats are displayed.
Massapequa resident Geralyn Townsend shared her experience, expressing that “there’s no other shopping experience like this on Long Island.”
During this time of year, the foot traffic tends to nearly double, which is a reflection of their holiday spirit. This franchise, which began in East Meadow back in 2001, puts a lot of effort into its decorations, creating a joyful shopping environment.
CEO Carl DelPrete mentioned that their approach is simple: “Let’s just do what we think is fun.” His goal is to offer more than just a place to buy groceries. Over the years, he has invested significantly in festive decorations, with life-sized Santas and wooden soldiers making an appearance across all twelve locations—each one uniquely adorned.
“This is our Super Bowl,” the store manager remarked, highlighting the excitement that comes with the season.
Even visitors from other areas have been impressed with the festive commitment. The supermarket boasts around 120,000 followers on Instagram, a testament to its growing popularity.
Parks can become quite busy during the holidays, leading some locations to utilize six-person golf carts, ensuring customers can safely navigate the lot.
“Parking can be chaotic,” Townsend noted. It’s true—people are often in a rush, which can make things a little overwhelming. But she described the entrance to the supermarket as a pleasant surprise. “Once you walk into the store, it’s really nice. I think it’s cute, and so do the other shoppers. Even in crowded aisles, everyone seems happy.”
To keep the festive vibes alive, the supermarket has hired over a dozen Sinatra-style singers, who perform in the bakery, serenading patrons as they shop for traditional holiday items like Seven Fishes and struffoli.
Vocalist Tony Della, who has been performing classic songs for about 20 years, said people often call ahead to inquire if he’ll be singing that day. He noticed that there’s something distinct about the Christmas season that resonates with shoppers.
“Sometimes, they don’t even realize how long they’ve been in the store,” he said. The music creates a relaxed environment, making holiday shopping feel less stressful.
Some customers even call or video chat family members who are out of state, sharing their joyful experience. Della has had people approach him with kind words, often reminiscing about songs that their parents used to sing.
“I’ve had people tell me, ‘I feel so much better,'” he added, underscoring the impact of music during their shopping experience.
The guiding principle at Uncle G’s goes beyond just food; it’s about spreading joy. “The employees are all really nice, cheerful, and happy,” Townsend commented. “This is such a great place to shop. I believe it’s far better than the large supermarkets.”
