DAYTON — Local hardware stores are preparing for an influx of customers this weekend as the Miami Valley gets snow.
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News Center 7′s Mason Fletcher spoke to hardware store employees who said not to wait too long to pick up your supplies.
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“I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t have 30 to 40 customers in the store at a time,” Regena Balaz, Ace Hardware employee, said.
On a normal, snowless day, Balaz says the store will probably only see 10 to 20 customers.
For winter weather preps, most customers are shopping for the same list.
“Definitely salt, nobody wants to fall and break their leg or neck, snow shovels, snow blowers,” Balzas said.
Patrick Freeman, who was shopping at Grieves Hardware, says he splits his weather prep supplies with his neighbor.
“We have plenty of salt, I’ve got a couple of shovels, he’s got a snow blower,” Freeman said. “We just help each other out and we try to help our neighbors around us.”
Freeman is used to the cold because he grew up in Wisconsin, so he helps his elderly neighbors and puts down salt.
“Front door for the mailman, shoveled the walk all the way down to the sidewalk,” Freeman said. “Try to shovel the whole sidewalk, too. Usually he snow blows it.”
Customers at Grieves Hardware were stocking up on flashlights, batteries and hand warmers.
By preparing for the weather in advance, Freeman gets to enjoy it once it arrives.
“Go play with my niece, my nephew, my brothers, grandkids,” Freeman said. “Make snowmen, snowballs, just have a good time.”
Employees are encouraging the local community to get their winter weather supplies early, so they don’t have to worry about running out.
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