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Zeytinia Management Blames Bare Shelves On Bad Economy

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Photo Credit: Jessica Glenza
Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Photo Credit: Jessica Glenza
Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Photo Credit: Jessica Glenza
Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Managers of Croton's gourmet grocery store, Zeytinia, said empty shelves are due to slow business.

Photo Credit: Jessica Glenza

Zeytinia manager Eko Oz said last week the lack of inventory on store shelves was "obvious."

Indeed, many shelves either were entirely or partially empty. In a case that used to stock beer, there remain some scattered six-packs and single beers. A cheese section that once rivaled any grocery store's is thinly stocked. 

"There is hardly any cheeses anymore and there shelves are somewhat bare. I was very disappointed last time I was in there," said Alison Mazza, a Zeytinia shopper, via the Cortlandt Daily Voice Facebook page. 

"It's just slow business," said Oz, who said business has dropped the last five months but wouldn't say by how much. About five months ago, nine owners of six tri-state Zeytinia gourmet grocery stores, including the Croton location, were indicted in an alleged $56 million tax-skimming scheme.

"We're going to restock for Christmas," said Oz, manager of the Van Wyck Shopping Center location the last year and a half.

Oz said the decrease in business was not related to the fraud charges. "It's just the economy, I guess," he said.

The allegations may have tarnished the store's image however. Several people on The Cortlandt Daily Voice Facebook page wrote the allegations discouraged them from shopping at the gourmet food store. "(That's) not the kind of business I wish to support," wrote Karin Sansaricq.

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