Ingles reports a loss of up to $55 million in Helen’s property and inventory

ASHEVILLE – Ingles Markets estimates $35 million to $55 million in inventory and property losses from Tropical Storm Helen, the company said in an Oct. 29 release.

The Black Mountain grocery chain is located along the Swannanoa River, which has reached record levels during heavy rains, flooding and mudslides. is wreaking havoc across Western North Carolina.

Of the 198 Ingles stores, 194 are open. Four were damaged and temporarily closed, including locations in Morganton, Newland, Spruce Pines and Swannanoa, according to an Oct. 29 release. All of its stores are expected to reopen within the next three to nine months.

Ingles said in a release that it expects $10 million to $15 million in insurance coverage for its losses. It cautioned that the ultimate financial impact could differ from current estimates due to the “complexity and preliminary nature of the information currently available to us.”

Ingles Distribution Center on US 70 near the Yaka River the employee said afterwards was partially completely filled with dirt, is now “completely ready” and back to normal operation.

The company reported loss of power, critical infrastructure, vehicles, inventory and “even loss of life” in a Facebook post on Oct. 2.

Gabriel Gonzalez, 52, of Arden, was among those killed by Helen on his way to work at a warehouse, according to reports from Enlace Latino NC and Herald of Catholic News. According to an online obituary, he died from injuries sustained by Helen. The memorial service was held on October 25.

An Ingles representative did not respond to questions about the workers’ deaths on Oct. 30.

Thousands were without water or electricity in the first days after the storm, Ingles dealt with the damage to its credit card processing capabilities. The stores accept cash and checks, but do not accept credit or debit cards. Many local grocery stores were closed and long lines were common hours of residents waiting for essential items, like water and bread.

In an updated report dated Oct. 18, Ingles said it was continuing to take “major steps” to bring distribution centers to full capacity, and while losses were “significant,” it had begun shipping products eight days after the destruction.

more: Ingles credit card processing Damaged by Hurricane Helen, stores accept cash and checks

more: At the W. Asheville Apartments, the “deactivated” Helene wreckage site is still a source of concern for residents

Sarah Honoski is a city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News tips? Email [email protected] or tweet X, formerly Twitter, at @slhonosky. Please support local daily journalism by subscribing to Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on the Asheville Citizen Times: Black Mountain-based Ingles reported up to $55 million in Helene losses