Filipino market launches online grocery shopping with 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' campaign

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- Small grocery stores are definitely feeling the impact of physical distancing. Some are having to adjust their business model by offering delivery service. Such is the case of one Filipino market chain in the Southland.

The coronavirus has businesses across the world adjusting on the fly, many are reaching out to customers with delivery service, and that now includes Island Pacific Markets.

MORE: Children's music small business stays afloat, offers free sing-alongs

Small businesses everywhere have had to scramble to find ways to stay afloat during the pandemic. Bebu Music, a husband and wife run children's music and entertainment company in Los Angeles, decided to take their classes online.

"The health, safety and well-being of our community are top priority at this this time during this pandemic," said Giselle Tongi-Walters, marketing director of Island Pacific Markets. "And so, that's why Island Pacific Market has launched our online platform, so that people can shop from the safety of their homes, especially during this COVID-19 crisis."

Island Pacific caters to the Filipino community, with stores in Santa Clarita, Long Beach and Cerritos. The delivery service will be offered through Postmates.

"The price of the item is the same, but there's a delivery charge," said Ann Francisco, manager at Island Pacific Markets.

Pick out what you want on the market's website and Island Pacific will deliver it, they'll even prepare food for customers.

MORE: Former food, beverage workers make free pasta for hospitality workers

When food and beverage workers Ramzi Budayr and Tyler Curtis suddenly found themselves without a job amid the coronavirus pandemic, they decided to use their free time, knowledge and connections to help out those most in need.

"We love eating seafood and fish so you can actually, there is an opportunity where you can have them fry your fish and clean your fish and it'll get to you in delivery still hot," Tongi-Walter said. "So, no other grocery store offers this at the moment so we're really excited that we can offer this to our community."

The company is hoping the service will bolster their business in these difficult times and make everybody safer, customers and employees.

"We really want to instill the spirit of -- bayanihan -- and that's a Filipino word, which means the indomitable spirit and resiliency of the Filipino at this time," Tongi-Walters said.

By hanging in there when times are tough Island Pacific Markets is hoping customers will stick with them and be back in the stores when times are better.