Some stores running low on ice melt and snow supplies ahead of weekend storm
Ice melt, snow shovels, car brushes, heaters and hand warmers are some of the items people are buying to prepare for this weekend's storm.
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Snow supplies are flying off the shelves, and some stores are running low or are out of items.
Stores are trying to keep up with demand. Ice melt, snow shovels, car brushes, heaters and hand warmers are some of the items that are flying off the shelves.
At Costello’s Ace Hardware in North Massapequa, most things are still in stock, but managers say snowblowers are one of the hardest items to find.
“Some people seem a little panicked, but we’re Long Islanders. We can do this,” said manager Michelle Stribula. “It’s not our first rodeo. My people do a really good job of helping the customer, getting the product out on the floor, and getting everybody prepared for the snow.”
In Commack, one shopper drove all over town looking for salt.
“I figured I'd just run to Home Depot. It’s not going to hit until Sunday. I went to the Home Depot in Commack, and they had no salt. They said 'Maybe tonight.' Then I tried the Ace Hardware in Northport, and they said the same thing,” said Bob Wieser, of Centerport. “It just would be a lot easier to go to one place and pick it up. But then again people get freaked out by the storm, and I’d just rather be prepared.”
Ace Hardware in Northport said it ran out of salt for about an hour earlier today, but they got another pallet in the afternoon and are expecting a big delivery Friday morning.
Hardware stores aren’t the only busy places this week. Grocery stores are seeing more customers stocking up on items like soup, cereal, and canned goods.
“We have to order in advance,” said David Martinez, manager at Giunta’s Meat Farms. “I’ve been doing this for almost 42 years, and I know what to stock up and what is fast sellers.”
Managers say plan ahead so you can stay off the roads if conditions become dangerous this weekend. They also recommend that customers give them a call before visiting to see if what they need is in stock.
