AKRON, Ohio — Discount retailer Gabe's, formerly known as Gabriel Brothers, is staying open despite an order from Summit County Public Health to close immediately as it was determined the business is non-essential.
Public health inspectors with the department said after an initial inspection April 7, employees visited Gabe’s, 1890 West Market Street, and found it violates the public health order as a non-essential business.
Management told public health employees that they refuse to close.
Gabe’s, who is represented by Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronoff LLP, highlighted that the retailer sells essential and life-sustaining grocery and non-grocery products, according to a letter addressed to Tonia Buford, of Summit County Public Health.
Some of the items Gabe’s said it sells includes:
- Sanitation items, disinfecting wipes and sprays
- Toilet paper and other personal paper products
- Bottled beverages including water and electrolyte drinks
- Medical items, first aid supplies, bandages
- Clothing for essential workers, including scrubs
- Pet care essentials and food
- Household consumer products
Also contained in the letter to the board of health, Gabe’s said it has taken additional measures to make sure employees and customers are safe, which include all workers volunteer for shifts, taped lines every six feet at checkout and placing disinfecting wipes at the front door and registers.
