Hardware Stores Struggle To Cope with Storm Prep Rush

By Jonathan Wilson

Some hardware stores in the area are having a tough time coping with the sudden demand for road salt and snow shovels.

It seemed like every other person walking into the Lowe’s in Alexandria, Virginia was heading for the bags of ice melter stacked at the front of the store. The store has sold nearly 600 bags this week, and department manager James Basala says he has plenty more. As for snow shovels --he's already sold out.

"Unfortunately, like any other place, we do run out of stuff," says Basala. Basala says an emergency shipment is coming in tonight, but even shoppers looking for shovels seem more excited than worried about the storm.

Elizabeth Bessel just moved into town. She says she had more shopping to do after the hardware store. "I’m going to get some bread, milk, and look for some firewood," says Bessel. "We’re really living out of boxes anyway, so it just adds to the sense of adventure."

If Bessel sounds excited, she says it might be because she’s from California--snow at Christmastime is a big deal.